We are big coffee lovers here at TDTV! The beloved beverage can provide a quick pick-me-up in the morning and throughout the day. But did you know that the timing of your first cup of coffee can have a significant impact on your health and well-being? We have set out some of the benefits of delaying your first coffee below:

Better Adrenaline Function: Adrenaline is a hormone that helps to increase alertness and energy levels, and it is naturally produced in the morning. Drinking coffee first thing in the morning can interfere with this natural process, but waiting a few hours to have your first cup can help ensure that your body’s adrenaline function is optimised.

Improved Cortisol Regulation: Cortisol is another hormone that plays a role in regulating energy levels and stress. Drinking coffee immediately upon waking can disrupt the natural cortisol rhythm, leading to increased stress levels. Recent insights suggest that delaying your first cup of coffee until mid- to late-morning, typically between 9:30 and 11:30 a.m., aligns better with your body’s natural cortisol rhythms and promotes alertness. (Healthline, 2024)

Better Hydration: Caffeine is a natural diuretic, which means it can interfere with your body’s hydration levels. Waiting a few hours to have your first cup of coffee can help ensure that you stay adequately hydrated throughout the day. Additionally, starting your day with water instead of coffee can have added hydration benefits.

Better Digestion: Drinking coffee on an empty stomach can cause heartburn and other digestive issues for some people. Waiting until you’ve eaten can help to minimise these symptoms. A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that caffeine stimulates gastric acid secretion via bitter taste receptors, which can contribute to digestive discomfort when consumed on an empty stomach (Liszt KI et al. 2017).

After 2pm, consider switching to herbal tea instead of coffee. Although some herbal teas may contain small amounts of caffeine, they generally contain much less caffeine than coffee, and will not interfere with your sleep. Some herbal teas, such as chamomile or valerian root, are specifically designed to promote relaxation and help you sleep. Matcha, a finely powdered green tea, is also said to offer a calming effect due to its L-theanine content. (The Times, 2024)

In conclusion, optimising your coffee habits can have several benefits for your health and well-being, including better adrenaline function, improved cortisol regulation, improved hydration, and better digestion. Consider delaying your first cup of coffee and switching to herbal tea in the afternoon for even greater benefits.

References:

The Times. (2024). “Matcha: A Caffeine Hit That Will Help You Sleep Too.” The Times.

“Caffeine induces gastric acid secretion via bitter taste signaling in gastric parietal cells.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (Liszt KI et al. Caffeine induces gastric acid secretion via bitter taste signaling in gastric parietal cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2017 Jul 25;114(30):E6260-E6269. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1703728114. Epub 2017 Jul 10. PMID: 28696284; PMCID: PMC5544304)

Healthline. (2024). “Best Time to Drink Coffee.” Healthline.