Coffee can be turned into a health ally with simple life hacks.
A review of studies published in The Washington Post showed that simple changes—from the way coffee is brewed to the time it is consumed—make the drink beneficial for the heart, brain, and metabolism. So how should it be consumed on a regular basis?
Add less sugar
For those who limit their intake of added sugar, coffee provides more benefits. British scientists found that people who drink 1.5–3.5 cups of coffee a day without sugar have a 30% lower risk of premature death on average. In extreme cases, no more than 1 teaspoon of sugar should be added to one cup.
Do not add sweeteners and cream
Artificial sweeteners and fatty creams neutralize the antioxidant properties of coffee.
To enhance the effect, it is better to add a little whole or plant-based milk or:
a pinch of cinnamon;
ginger;
cardamom;
chamomile.
Choose filtered coffee
Filtering reduces the content of substances that raise "bad" cholesterol. The authors of the article in the journal Nutrition, Metabolism & Cardiovascular Diseases recommend alternating the consumption of filtered coffee, for example, from a drip coffee maker, with a drink prepared in a regular cezve or coffee machine.
Look for the right moment
The ideal time for a cup of coffee is 1.5–2 hours after waking up, when cortisol levels decrease. It is better to drink after breakfast. However, after 4:00 PM, coffee can disrupt sleep, even if you don't notice it.
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