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How coffee reacts with your body throughout the day -

Coffee can react with your body in different ways depending on the time of day. The following slides will highlight coffee's impact at different times of the day.

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Morning -

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Cortisol -

Coffee in the morning can increase your cortisol. Cortisol plays a role in regulating immune functions, metabolism, inflammation, and stress. It has been linked to medical conditions like high cholesterol, high blood sugar, and hypertension (high blood pressure).

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Blood sugar -

While there's no definitive evidence linking coffee consumption to immediate cortisol spikes, research suggests that drinking coffee on an empty stomach and after poor sleep can negatively impact blood sugar control.

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Blood sugar -

Consuming coffee before meals, particularly those high in sugar, might hinder your body's ability to regulate blood sugar levels. For individuals with blood sugar issues or sleep disturbances, enjoying a protein-rich meal before that morning coffee could be beneficial.

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Afternoon -

Drinking coffee in the afternoon can help you perform better mentally. Caffeine can enhance brain function and increase alertness, which is why many people reach for a cup of coffee during the work day.

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Afternoon -

It's important to realize that while there are benefits to drinking coffee in the afternoon, it also can interrupt your sleep pattern. Some research shows that consuming caffeinated coffee within 6-8.8 hours before bed can disrupt your sleep.

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Evening -

Sensitivity to caffeine depends on your genetics, so some people will have no problem consuming a cup of coffee right before bed, while others won't be able to sleep at all.

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Evening -

If you are sensitive to caffeine, you can easily get stuck in a coffee cycle where sleep disruptions mean that you overcaffeinated the following day in order to stay awake, then sleep poorly again, and this cycle is on repeat.

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When to drink coffee for weight loss -

There is research that indicates that coffee consumption may contribute to weight management in several ways. For example, there is a correlation between increased coffee intake and reduced body fat, particularly harmful visceral fat.

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When to drink coffee for weight loss -

Coffee's impact on appetite suppression and increased metabolic rate can help in weight loss efforts. While coffee can be a beneficial part of a weight management plan, it is essential to also combine it with a balanced diet and exercise for the best results.

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When is the best time to drink coffee -

To optimize the energizing effects of coffee and minimize sleep disruptions, it's advised to consume it earlier in the day, ideally before midday.

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When is the best time to drink coffee -

For individuals with blood sugar imbalances or heightened stress, pairing coffee with a protein-rich meal can help mitigate caffeine's impact.

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Tips for managing caffeine intake - symptoms of too much -

Experts suggest keeping your caffeine intake under 400 mg per day, which is about how much is found in about four cups of coffee. Exceeding this limit could result in symptoms like irritability, rapid heart rate, jitteriness, and nausea.

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Choose decaf -

One idea to avoid caffeine intake is to consume decaf coffee. You'll still get the flavor and enjoyment of sipping a warm beverage without the symptoms associated with too much caffeine or coffee.

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Drink tea -

Swap your caffeinated coffee out for either green tea, which has a lower caffeine content, or herbal teas like hibiscus, which are caffeine-free.

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Hydration and coffee - balancing your fluid intake -

When you're consuming coffee, be sure to balance that intake with plenty of water. Water is essential to the body performing well and maintaining natural energy.

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Hydration and coffee - balancing your fluid intake -

For men, they should drink about 15.5 cups of fluids a day, and for women, about 11.5 cups. Water will help keep you hydrated as the caffeine in coffee has diuretic effects. 

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Tips to the perfect cup of coffee - use high-quality coffee beans -

Choosing the right beans is important in enjoying a delicious cup of coffee. There are four types of coffee beans: Arabica, Robusta, Excelsa, and Liberica. They also are divided into light roast, medium roast, and dark roast beans, and each has a different flavor.

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Brew with purified water -

To get the tastiest cup of joe, consider purifying the water yourself. There are two prominent at-home brewing methods: boiling and filtration. Boiling is the cheapest, but filtration with a Brita filter is also possible.

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Find the right grind size -

The ideal grind size of your coffee beans is directly related to how you prefer to brew your coffee. For example, espresso brewing takes about 20 to 30 seconds to brew and, therefore, takes very finely ground coffee.

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Measure with a scale for precise ratios -

While it's acceptable to measure coffee by eye, for precision and the best taste you can get, use a small kitchen scale. They usually don't take up a lot of space and can make such a world of difference with your coffee experience. 

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Store your coffee beans properly -

Air, moisture, heat, and light can shorten the life of your coffee beans or ruin them altogether. Therefore, it's important to use an airtight container in a dark environment and at room temperature.

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Select your ideal brewing method -

There are several brewing methods, and none are necessarily better than the other, just different. The four major types are espresso, pour-over coffee, cold brew coffee, and French press coffee.

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Start with a clean coffee maker -

Consistent cleaning will also make a huge difference in the flavor of your coffee. Every three to six months, especially if you're regularly making coffee, you should be cleaning the machine.

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FAQ: What are the health benefits of coffee? -

Coffee has a lot of antioxidants and may help protect against chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, Parkinson's, and liver disease. Also, moderate coffee drinking has been linked to a reduced risk of depression.

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FAQ: Is coffee good for your heart? -

Yes, moderate coffee consumption (approximately 2 to 3 cups per day) has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease.

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FAQ: Is coffee addictive? -

While caffeine in coffee can lead to physical dependence, it's usually considered less addictive than other substances.
Sources: (Health) (European Society of Cardiology) (Verywell Mind) (Stone Street Coffe Company)
See also: Surprising ingredients you should be adding to your coffee

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