Should I drink coffee before or after meals? The best time to metabolize meals revealed!

Drink coffee before or after meals? The best time to metabolize meals

Coffee is an indispensable drink for many people in the morning. It can refresh, increase concentration, and is believed to help metabolism. However, there has been controversy about the best way to drink coffee. Some people advocate drinking coffee before meals, while others think it is better to drink it after meals. So when should you choose to enjoy coffee? This article will reveal this question.

1. Effects of coffee on appetite and digestion

First we need to understand the effects of coffee on appetite and the digestive system. Studies have shown that coffee contains a substance called catechins, which has the effect of suppressing appetite and promoting fat oxidation. Therefore, drinking a cup of black coffee before eating may reduce the number of calories you consume.

However, drinking black coffee on an empty stomach is not suitable for everyone. For some people, coffee may stimulate gastric acid secretion and cause stomach discomfort. If you have digestive system problems such as gastric ulcers or reflux esophagitis, it is best to drink coffee after a meal.

2. Effects of coffee on blood sugar and metabolism

Another factor to consider is the effect of coffee on blood sugar and metabolism. One study in healthy people found that drinking black coffee before eating reduced post-meal blood sugar levels and improved glucose tolerance. This means that drinking coffee before a meal may help control blood sugar and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

However, this effect does not apply to everyone. Some people may experience low blood pressure or low blood sugar, especially those who already have these problems. If you have any health problems related to blood pressure or glucose levels in the blood, avoid drinking black coffee on an empty stomach.

3. Effects of coffee on post-meal metabolism

Now let's look at the effects of coffee on post-meal metabolism. One study found that catechins in coffee can promote fat oxidation and increase basal metabolic rate. This means that drinking coffee after a meal may help speed up fat burning and energy expenditure.

However, it is important to note that drinking espresso after a large meal may lead to elevated cholesterol and cardiovascular problems, so if you already have cardiovascular risk or high cholesterol issues, avoid drinking espresso right after a large meal.

4. Conclusion

In summary, choosing when to drink coffee depends on your personal situation and health status. If you do not have health problems such as digestive problems, low blood pressure or low blood sugar, and want to control your weight and blood sugar levels, drinking black coffee on an empty stomach may be a good choice.

However, if you have health problems such as digestive problems, cardiovascular risks or high cholesterol, it is best to drink coffee after a meal. In addition, whenever you drink coffee, you should pay attention to moderation and avoid over-dependence on caffeine.

In short, when choosing the time to drink coffee, please judge according to your physical condition and health needs. If you are not sure about the best time, please seek advice from a doctor or nutritionist.