Before diving into the latest findings of scientific research, nutrition specialist Abeer Abu Rjaili touched upon the most prominent health benefits of coffee that can be derived only when drank in moderation. She said that it is “important to support the health of blood vessels, and improve the level of cholesterol in The blood is rich in antioxidants. Thus, it protects against heart disease.

It is also important for athletes as it positively affects their skills and performance, and it has been shown that drinking it an hour before physical activity can reduce fatigue. In addition, it protects against many types of cancer, especially liver cancer, reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes and Parkinson’s, protects against tooth decay, fights headaches and depression, especially in women, and reflects positively on the skin and combats skin cancer, acne and eczema. 

On the other hand, she warned against drinking coffee on an empty stomach, after the results of scientific research concluded that this generates many health problems, including:

Increase diabetes level in the blood

A study published in 2020 in the “British Journal of Nutrition” found that drinking coffee on an empty stomach immediately after waking up significantly impaired people’s ability to control blood sugar, which increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. While those who ate breakfast beforehand did not experience high blood glucose.

Digestive problems

According to the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, c o f f e e relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to leak into it, which is known as GERD. Not to mention that coffee also increases the risk of heartburn because it may increase acidity in the stomach.

Deter focus and awareness

What is surprising is that, contrary to what everyone believes, scientists have found that drinking c o f f e e on an empty stomach can worsen drowsiness. When you wake up from sleep, the body naturally secretes the hormone cortisol, which helps to feel alert and energetic. However, drinking coffee on an empty stomach lowers cortisol levels, which impairs awareness and the ability to focus. In addition, this behavior stimulates anxiety, irritates the mood, and accelerates the heart rate.

So what is the best timing?

According to Abu Rjaili, “To get the maximum benefit from c o f f e e, it is recommended to drink it either in the middle of the morning or in the early afternoon. Therefore, it should never be drunk on an empty stomach, but rather while eating a light and healthy breakfast. It must be noted that coffee should not be consumed with nutritional supplements prescribed by the doctor, such as iron, because it may hinder its absorption. Also, drinking coffee with milk and its derivatives reduces the body’s ability to absorb calcium in a good and effective way.”

And she continued: “Also, caution should be exercised in the event of suffering from high blood pressure, because coffee contains caffeine, which may raise its levels. For people who complain of fluid retention in the body, they should also be aware that caffeine may exacerbate this problem.”

Should you abstain from coffee?

The nutrition expert commented: “Based on many studies, consuming less than 400 mg of caffeine per day can have a positive impact on health, but if this dose is exceeded, it may cause many health risks. In addition, drinking a lot of coffee can cause problems, including anxiety and insomnia. So, c o f f e e is important and useful, but you must pay attention to its quantity, timing of consumption and foods consumed with it, so that the preference is preferred to types that are in line with its taste, such as oats, corn flakes, black chocolate, homemade cake, and granola bars.