Nutrition
This Is The Best Time Of Day To Drink Coffee, According To Research
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Nutrition
This Is The Best Time Of Day To Drink Coffee, According To Research
If you’re anything like us, your morning ritual is pretty standard.
Your alarm goes off, you stop by the bathroom, then rush to the kitchen to make yourself a cup of coffee. Your morning brew can help you feel more awake and, for many, is a necessity to start the day off right.
But, believe it or not, there is a best time to have your first cup of coffee that will give you the extra boost you need to get through the day.
What time should you drink your coffee?
Unfortunately, having coffee first thing in the morning isn’t actually best for you. Cortisol—a hormone released when we wake up—is highest in the morning. This hormone affects our metabolism by stimulating an increase in blood glucose, helping us become more alert and aware of our surroundings. The caffeine in coffee can spike your cortisol, making you feel anxious and giving you those classic coffee jitters.
In other words, drinking a cup of coffee right when you wake up—say, between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m.—isn’t a good idea. For most, this is when your cortisol levels are at your peak. According to research, you should wait until 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. to benefit from the stimulating effects of caffeine—your cortisol levels will have started to drop, you'll have had breakfast, and coffee will provide an extra energy boost.
Another time to avoid: the hours before bed. Caffeine has a half-life of two to 10 hours, depending on your metabolism. To get a good night’s sleep, it’s recommended that you steer clear of caffeine as you wind down for bed.
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