It seems as though coffee is kind of magical.
A slew of research links it to everything from a reduced risk of dementia to revving your metabolism. Then there’s the essential energy boost it provides when we need it most.
So what’s the catch? You may be unintentionally countering some of the brew’s benefits depending on factors like when you drink it and what you add to it.
Take a look at these six common mistakes, and find out how to brew a more nutritious pot of coffee.
1. YOU DOWN A CUP AT THE CRACK OF DAWN
Pounding a coffee at 7 a.m. isn’t doing your energy levels any favours.
In the first couple hours after you wake up, your levels of the stress hormone cortisol are at their highest, which actually gives you a natural energy boost.
That’s why many experts agree that the best time to have your first cup is sometime between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m., when cortisol levels start to dip.
That way, you’ll be taking advantage of your body’s natural high, and saving that hit of caffeine for when you really need it.
2. YOU ASSUME DARK ROAST HAS MORE ANTIOXIDANTS
Here’s one rule anyone can stick to: drink the roast that you think tastes best – not the one you assume you should drink because it contains more antioxidants.
“Research on the optimal type of coffee for health is still at an early stage and it’s unclear which roast is healthier,” says Dr Rob van Dam, adjunct associate professor of nutrition and epidemiology at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Per van Dam, both actually seem to be pretty good. Light roasts contain more of the phenolic compound chlorogenic acid, which has been shown to help stabilise blood sugar, possess antioxidant properties, and contribute to other health benefits.
Dark roasts contain higher concentrations of compounds called melanoids, which have been associated with antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hypertensive properties.
3. YOU DRINK LIGHTER ROASTS TO CONSUME LESS CAFFEINE
Believe it or not, lighter roasts actually contain more caffeine than dark roasts.
The reason: The roasting process burns off caffeine, so the longer a coffee roasts, the less caffeine it will have.
If you happen to be more sensitive to caffeine, or you’re just looking for a less jitter-inducing brew, French roast can be a smart pick.
4. YOU DRINK WAY TOO MUCH
More isn’t always better; sometimes it’s just more.
In general, the health benefits associated with coffee tend to cap off at five to six cups – which works out to about 400 milligrams (mg) of caffeine, says Frances Largeman-Roth, R.D.N., a nutritionist and author of Eating in Color.
Drinking more than that isn’t doing you any favours, and for some people—like those who have difficulty controlling conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, anxiety, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)—the cons of excess coffee could certainly outweigh the pros.
5. YOU OVERLOAD ON SUGAR
One of the coolest perks of coffee is that it’s been shown to stabilise blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, thanks in part to its antioxidants. But what about when you add sugar?
According to van Dam, a little sweetness is probably okay, but turning your coffee into dessert is not.
“The evidence is mixed,” van Dam says. “Some studies suggest you can add a little sugar and still experience a reduced risk of diabetes, while others have only shown those benefits for unsweetened coffee drinkers. It’s likely a matter of quantity.”
6. YOU LET YOUR CUP GO COLD
Ever brew a cup of coffee, take a few sips, set it down, forget where you put it, find it 2 hours later, reheat it, take a few sips, set it down?
That downtime between sips actually increases your coffee’s acidity. Not a huge health risk, but that extra acid may up your risk of heartburn and indigestion, and potentially contribute to greater erosion of tooth enamel.
Coffee that sits out too long may also pack less of an antioxidant punch due to air exposure. Some researchers suggest drinking coffee within 20 minutes of brewing for maximum antioxidant benefit.
