The benefits and harms of drinking coffee after dinner
Many cultures have an after-dinner ritual that involves drinking tea or another beverage believed to support digestion. A classic “digestion” ritual is a cup of hot coffee that can be paired with some dark chocolate. But there’s no evidence that sipping coffee after dinner can offer real benefits to the digestive system, so an answer can be taken in the context of a report by “Well + Good” in which nutritionist Will Cole expressed his views on the matter. What are the rituals and benefits? or damages.
When it comes to drinking coffee after a meal, context is inevitably important, as it must determine what the drinker’s age and condition is, and what quantity and type of coffee is consumed.”
While coffee may seem like a controversial beverage in terms of its health benefits when looking at the headlines of many topics circulating on the Internet, Cole says there are many reasons to continue drinking coffee, noting that high-quality coffee is a nutritious whole food. Along with high doses of caffeine, it also contains polyphenols, minerals and antioxidants that protect against chronic diseases and even seasonal allergies.
Drinking coffee can also help support healthy digestion, as Cole says drinking coffee can increase the motility of the digestive system and help it function regularly.
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But Cole also warns that the effect of coffee differs from person to person because some digestive systems can only handle small amounts of caffeine or nothing at all, especially since some people have no ability to metabolize coffee. like the others. This can stress the body and cause anxiety, palpitations, and decreased ability to focus.
Cole advises patients to stop consuming caffeine after 3 p.m., and says people sensitive to caffeine should consider limiting their coffee until noon. “While coffee can improve digestion and bowel movements, caffeine can have more negative effects because lack of sleep can harm gut health,” says Cole.
The good news is that you can then continue your evening ritual with a cup of decaf to enjoy the positive digestive benefits without sacrificing sleep quality.
Coffee and sleep quality
Research shows that even if a person is able to fall asleep after consuming a caffeinated beverage in the evening, overall sleep duration, efficiency, and rest can be affected upon waking, according to a report from the Sleep Foundation, a 2013 study by scientists. The Sleep Disorders and Research Center in Detroit found that drinking a medium cup of coffee six hours before bed can reduce sleep time by one hour. While a cup of coffee in the evening has digestive benefits, its potential impact on sleep quality isn’t worth the risk, as research shows that large percentages sleep less than seven hours a night, on average.
Cole recommends trying ginger tea in the evening, for example, for a soothing ritual that also has digestive benefits. Ginger tea also has anti-inflammatory effects that promote overall health and wellness.
