Coffee has become an essential item for many people to kickstart their mornings. However, research suggests that drinking coffee too early in the morning may actually be detrimental to health. It's crucial to have appropriate guidelines for the timing of the first cup of coffee in the morning. According to research findings, enjoying your first cup of coffee between 9:30 AM and 11 AM can be less taxing on the body and beneficial for your health.
Firstly, when you wake up in the morning, your body increases the production of cortisol, one of the stress hormones. Cortisol levels are highest upon waking up, and consuming coffee during this time can elevate cortisol levels further, potentially inducing unnecessary stress on the body. However, as time passes, cortisol levels decrease, with a significant drop occurring between 9:30 AM and 1 PM. Drinking coffee during this period can result in awakening effects around 5 minutes after consumption, reaching peak effectiveness between 15 minutes to 2 hours.
Additionally, it is recommended to consume the last cup of coffee at least 6 hours before bedtime. Caffeine can disrupt the deep stages of sleep, preventing a restful night's sleep, and this effect diminishes within 4-6 hours after caffeine intake. Therefore, individuals sensitive to caffeine may benefit from avoiding coffee starting 8 hours before bedtime.
Furthermore, the recommended daily caffeine intake for adults is 400mg or less, roughly equivalent to about 4 cups of coffee. Some studies suggest that a health-conscious caffeine intake is around 100-150mg per day.
In summary, considering the results of these studies, individuals who enjoy morning coffee may conclude that drinking it between 9:30 AM and 11 AM can be beneficial for their health. However, it's crucial to consider individual health conditions, sleep patterns, and exercise caution regarding caffeine intake.
