How to drink coffee for maximum health benefits, experts explain
The healthiest type of coffee named (photo: magnific)
Coffee has long been considered just a way to boost energy, but the drink may also offer certain health benefits. There are several ways to prepare coffee for maximum benefit to the body, according to Ukrainian pharmacist and health coach Yana Ukrainska.
How to drink coffee for health benefits
Caffeine is a stimulant, so it is not recommended to exceed 1–2 cups of coffee per day. For pregnant women, the safe limit is 200 mg of caffeine per day. Drinking coffee in the second half of the day can disrupt sleep.
"I follow a personal rule — I drink coffee only until 3 p.m. After that, I switch to decaf or tea," the nutrition expert said. Caffeine and caffeine-containing products should be avoided 8–10 hours before sleep to prevent disruption of circadian rhythms.
Coffee with milk should be consumed 30 minutes after a meal. Regular coffee, however, can be consumed at any time after eating and does not raise glucose or insulin levels.
If you are taking iron, calcium, or magnesium, you should leave a 2–4-hour gap between these supplements and coffee, as the drink can interfere with nutrient absorption.
Coffee is almost calorie-free, but this changes significantly when milk, sugar, or syrups are added.
Syrups have the biggest impact. They almost always contain sugar, and even 1–2 tablespoons can add 50–150 kcal to a drink. With multiple or thicker syrups (caramel, chocolate, vanilla), the calorie content is even higher.
Which coffee is the healthiest
According to the expert, the ideal option is plain black coffee.
"Even coffee lovers have a saying: just learn to love black coffee. It should be appreciated in its pure form," she said.
This includes americano, espresso, filter coffee, and other brewing methods. It is best to choose high-quality coffee beans, such as Arabica.
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This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
