A recent study found that having three cups of coffee can slash the risk of heart diseases, including diabetes, by almost 50%. The findings of the study are published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. “Consuming three cups of coffee, or 200-300 mg caffeine, per day might help to reduce the risk of developing cardiometabolic multimorbidity in individuals without any cardiometabolic disease,” lead author Chaofu Ke from the School of Public Health at Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University said.
Potential health benefits of drinking coffee
Moderate coffee consumption, which is ideally 3 to 4 cups per day, has been associated with many health benefits due to its high antioxidant content, including polyphenols, and essential nutrients, such as magnesium and potassium. Studies have shown that coffee intake can improve brain function, leading to increased memory, concentration. Caffeine in coffee stimulates the central nervous system, which lifts mood and reduces the possibility of onset of depression. Coffee may help reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.Studies have established a link between drinking coffee and reduced risks of numerous chronic diseases. Regular use has been associated with lowered chances of developing type 2 diabetes, which is partly due to increased sensitivity to insulin. Coffee’s components of antioxidants contribute to positive effects on cardiovascular health, thereby lowering the chances of cardiovascular diseases such as stroke. Other findings also suggest that coffee drinkers tend to have a slightly lower risk of certain cancers, including liver and colorectal cancers.
Coffee helps improve the health of the liver by decreasing the chances of getting liver disease and cirrhosis, as well as fatty liver. However, coffee needs to be taken in moderation because excessive consumption leads to undesirable effects like increased nervousness, sleep disorders, and increased heart rate.
What is the best time to have coffee so that it works effectively on the body?
The best time for one to have coffee depends on the natural circadian rhythm of the body. Generally, cortisol, the hormone that urges people to wake up and be active, peaks between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. Thus, it is a bad time to have coffee because the stimulating effect of coffee can increase the level of the hormone and make you feel jittery.
The first cup of coffee should be taken between 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., during which time cortisol levels start to drop, preventing caffeine from disrupting natural cycles of hormones but provides energy. If an individual feels an afternoon slump, taking the second cup at between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. will help provide better concentration and output.
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However, consuming coffee too late in the day, especially in the late afternoon or evening, can disrupt sleep. Since caffeine can stay in the bloodstream for several hours, it’s best to avoid drinking coffee after 3pm if you’re sensitive to its effects. Timing your coffee intake according to your body’s natural rhythms can enhance its positive impact without disturbing your sleep.
