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It’s safe to say that across the board coffee is one of the most universally adored beverages, and for good reason. Guaranteed to give you a boost of energy when you’re feeling sleepy and loaded with antioxidants that are great for burning fat and enhancing weight loss, a good ole cup of joe is the perfect addition to every day. But when exactly should you be drinking your coffee to reap the most benefits, and does it really matter when you drink your last cup? We asked a health expert to give us the lowdown.
Most people drink their coffee first thing in the morning, but it’s actually best to wait a little while after waking in order to benefit most. According to Healthline, “It has been suggested that the best time to drink coffee is mid to late-morning when your cortisol level is lower. For most people who get up around 6:30 a.m., this time is between 9:30 and 11:30 a.m.” However, your coffee consumption doesn’t have to stop when the clock hits noon, and it’s actually encouraged to keep drinking coffee into the early afternoon to boost weight loss.
“The best time of day to drink coffee is in the morning to get your metabolism going, and into the early afternoon to keep your energy levels up. Coffee helps boost metabolism and keeps you active which helps with weight loss. Being active and moving throughout the day helps you burn calories and manage your weight if you eat a healthy diet in the proper portions,” health expert Lynell Ross explains.
While coffee into the afternoon certainly has its benefits, there does come a time when it's best to lay off the caffeine for the evening. “Depending on the time of night you go to bed, you should avoid drinking coffee or any caffeinated beverages at least 8 hours before you want to get to sleep, as the caffeine can keep you awake,” Ross warns, explaining that consuming caffeine too close to bedtime can actually have a negative effect on your health, enhancing your hunger hormones and making you more likely to eat mindlessly the following day.
Coffee is one of the best drinks for your body as it can boost energy levels, improve your metabolism and stoke weight loss. A cup in the morning after you’ve given your cortisol levels a chance to lower maximizes your nutritional gains, but even into the afternoon you can reap the benefits of a little caffeine to push you through the rest of your day.
