What Is The Best Time To Drink Coffee? Expert Weighs In

Coffee is a morning ritual for millions in this World, as it is a good source of energy. But many of the people ask, what is the best time to drink coffee? Does the time of drinking coffee matter for better effects on the body? We spoke to our expert Dr Archana Batra, a Dietician, and a Certified Diabetes Educator and she shared her insights on the topic. 

Here is the Science behind Coffee’s Effects

“Timing of consuming the coffee not only influences its benefits but also leads to some drawbacks. Caffeine is the primary stimulant of coffee. It affects the central nervous system by blocking adenosine, a neurotransmitter, which is responsible for making a person sleep. Not only this, but also caffeine contributes to enhanced focus,” said Archana.

Cortisol and Coffee

Cortisol is a stress hormone, which plays a crucial role in managing energy. Cortisol levels of a human body follow a circadian rhythm. This rhythm peaks in the morning. Drinking coffee during a high-cortisol period reduces its stimulant effect.

Cortisol Peaks At

• 8:00 a.m to 9:00 a.m
• 12:00 p.m to 1:00 p.m

Drinking coffee during these times may cause side effects. Instead of doing this, wait for cortisol levels to drop to maximize the benefits of caffeine.

Best Time to Drink Coffee

• From 9:30 a.m to 11:30 a.m: Drinking coffee during this time increases energy and focus as cortisol levels decrease slightly.
• From 1:30 p.m to 3:00 p.m: If anyone drinks coffee after lunch then he can fight fatigue without disrupting your sleep schedule.
• Before Workout: If you are an athlete or fitness freak, then coffee is a perfect thing to drink as a pre-workout. Consume coffee 30-40 minutes before going for exercise because it will increase the endurance, enhance the performance and make you focused.

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Alternatives of Coffee for Different Times of the Day

• Morning: In the Morning go for herbal tea for a gentle start to your day.
• Afternoon: Prefer green tea rather than coffee.
• Evening: You can consume decaffeinated coffee in the evening.

“The timing of consuming coffee directly impacts your mind and body. If you are aware of your body’s rhythms and caffeine’s effects, then you can enjoy the coffee to enhance your productivity, well-being and focus,” said Archana.

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