Morning Coffee: Benefits, Best Time to Drink It, Chai vs Coffee, and Healthy Ways to Enjoy It

For many, morning coffee is a part of the culture. It is a ritual of sorts, one which millions of people perform every day as a part of their morning routine. But is morning coffee healthy to drink?

What about the best time to drink it? And which is healthier – chai or coffee?

Let’s take a closer look at the topic and find out.

What Is Morning Coffee?

Morning coffee is, simply enough, coffee that is drunk in the morning. It can either be a part of the breakfast ritual or be had instead of breakfast. Coffee is a stimulating drink – most of us know that caffeine helps us feel more awake, especially when we have to get up early in the morning.

Black coffee is a great way to give yourself a burst of energy without having to eat a large breakfast.

Benefits of Morning Coffee

May Help You Feel More Alert and Aware

The main ingredient in coffee that gives us that delightful sensation of being more aware and energetic is caffeine.

The substance is a stimulant, which basically means that it excites our central nervous system. The way it does that is by blocking the adenosine receptors in our brain, which tell us that it’s time to sleep.

So, the more caffeine you consume, the more awake and energetic you will feel – and the less sleepy, too.

That is why people tend to drink coffee when they have trouble sleeping or simply feel tired. It is also a great addition to morning workouts – as long as you don’t have too much of it, of course.

Can Help You Get More Out of Your Workouts

Like stated above, caffeine helps you feel more energetic and awake. That also translates into more energy for your morning workouts – meaning you can get more out of them.

It may allow you to power through that last set of squats, for example. If you exercise in the mornings and have trouble getting enough energy to start your workout, you may benefit from a cup of morning coffee.

Everyone has a different tolerance for caffeine, though – so be mindful of how much you are consuming.

Coffee Contains Antioxidants

Coffee is full of antioxidants – so much so, that it has become one of the most antioxidant-rich foods in the world.

That being said, coffee should not be your sole source of antioxidants – you need to eat more healthful foods to get your daily dose of the much-needed nutrients.

It Can Be a Healthy Morning Ritual

Morning coffee can also be a part of a morning ritual.

It can give you a bit of a break to prepare yourself for the day that has just started. It can be a relaxing experience altogether, depending on the person.

It is not only the caffeine that keeps people coming back for more – the whole morning ritual of preparing coffee and drinking it is soothing in itself.

What Is the Best Time to Drink Morning Coffee?

The truth is, there is no set time when it comes to drinking morning coffee. There are those who like to have it straight away after waking up – and those who like to wait a bit before having their morning cup of joe. It is all down to personal preference.

Whatever time you choose to drink your coffee, make sure it will not affect the sleep you get at night. If you notice that you have trouble sleeping when you drink coffee in the evenings or after lunch, it may be a good idea to save the beverage for the mornings.

How Much Coffee Should I Drink?

Moderation is the key to unlocking the full potential of morning coffee. It is a known fact that too much caffeine is bad for you.

As for how much you may be able to safely consume, that depends on your general health and weight. A generally accepted safe dose is 400 mg of caffeine per day for most healthy people.

Having said that, keep in mind that the caffeine content can vary depending on the type and amount of coffee you drink.

Too much coffee can lead to:

• Nervousness

• Anxiety

• Shakiness

• Heartburn

• Headache

• Upset stomach

• Trouble sleeping

People who have a low tolerance for caffeine may experience some of these side effects at lower doses.

Is Black Coffee Better Than Coffee With Sugar?

In short, yes.

If you are looking to reduce your calorie intake and reduce added sugars in your diet, black coffee is the way to go.

Having said that, you do not need to turn your morning ritual into a torture session. Having milk in your coffee is perfectly okay – in fact, it can be rather healthy. Similarly, a bit of sugar will not hurt you.

It all depends on your needs and goals in terms of nutrition.

Morning Coffee Empty Stomach – Is It Healthy?

Having a cup of coffee in the morning is very healthy for most people.

But those who have sensitive stomachs may find that it burns and irritates their stomach. If that sounds familiar, it may be a good idea to have a snack or breakfast before having your morning cup of coffee.

There is no one-size-fits-all rule in terms of whether or not you should have coffee on an empty stomach.

Chai or Coffee – Which One Is Healthier?

The culture of chai vs coffee is a fierce one across the Indian continent. But are there any actual nutritional differences between the two drinks?

First off, it should be noted that both beverages contain caffeine. Having said that, most types of tea contain less caffeine than coffee does. The amount of caffeine in both drinks also depends on the size of the serving and the strength of the brew.

As for which one is healthier, that once again depends on the person. If you need a greater boost of energy, coffee is the way to go. If you are okay with a mild and gradual increase in energy levels throughout the day, chai is a better option.

Once again, it depends on what you put in your chai. A cup of strong black tea brewed properly and without any sweeteners or creamers will have fewer calories than a cup of black coffee.

Chai, on the other hand, can be quite caloric, depending on what kind of additions you use when brewing it. The same goes for coffee and the various sweeteners and creamers that people put in their coffee.

Chai vs Coffee: Pros and Cons

Here is a quick and handy comparison of the two:

Chai Coffee

Usually lower in caffeine Usually higher in caffeine

Mild energy boost Strong energy boost

Calories vary; usually higher if you add sugar or cream Calories vary; usually higher if you add sugar or cream

Contains antioxidants Contains antioxidants

Better for people who want to feel energized throughout the day Better for people who want a strong boost of energy

Very popular in India Coffee has been steadily gaining popularity in India

Verdict: Neither chai nor coffee is outright better than the other. They each have their own pros and cons, and which beverage is better depends on the person.

How to Make Morning Coffee Healthier for You

Here are a few things you can do to maximize the health benefits of your morning coffee:

• Limit the amount of added sugar

• Avoid adding too much flavored syrup

• Have a moderate cup of coffee

• If you like your coffee with milk, have it with milk

• Do not have coffee too late in the day

• Stay well-hydrated throughout the day

• Do not use coffee to replace a good night’s sleep

FAQs About Morning Coffee

Is morning coffee good for you?

For most healthy people, coffee is good for you.

It contains caffeine, which can improve alertness, and naturally occurring antioxidants.

It also provides you with a quick and easy source of energy that you can have in the mornings without having to eat a big breakfast.

Is it better to drink coffee before or after your breakfast?

It is better to drink coffee based on what your body tells you. If you feel uncomfortable when having coffee on an empty stomach, it is better to have it with or after breakfast.

Is coffee better than chai?

Depends on the person. Coffee has more caffeine than chai, so if you need a quick and strong energy boost, it is the better choice. If you are okay with a gradual increase in energy levels throughout the day, chai is a good choice.

Can I drink coffee every morning?

Yes, you can and most people do. Just make sure to keep your dosage moderate and do not consume it too late in the day. If coffee is messing with your sleep, digestion, or causing you stress, it may be a good idea to reduce the amount of it you drink.

Does morning coffee help with exercising?

As stated above, caffeine is a stimulant which can provide you with extra energy. Many people use that to their advantage by having a cup of coffee in the mornings before working out.

Coffee can also improve muscle endurance, which can be very beneficial to athletes.

Is black coffee healthy?

Black coffee is low in calories and is a good source of antioxidants. Whether or not it is healthy depends on your overall diet and how much you are consuming.

Can morning coffee help you lose weight?

Coffee is not a magic drink that can make you slim and beautiful. It does, however, have some very real connections to weight loss.

Caffeine is thermogenic, which basically means that it revs up your body heat and metabolism. It also helps you burn fat and feel full longer. This can be very beneficial to people who want to lose weight and burn fat.

But once again, coffee alone will not make you lose weight. To do that, you will have to eat healthier, exercise regularly, get enough sleep and consume roughly the same amount of calories that you burn.

How much caffeine is too much?

As stated above, most healthy people can safely consume around 400 mg of caffeine per day.

How much that will affect you depends on your weight and general health.

Conclusion

Morning coffee can be a great addition to your daily morning routine. It can improve your mental alertness and awareness, can be helpful during morning workouts and is packed with antioxidants.

When it comes to whether or not chai is better than coffee or vice versa, neither is outright better than the other.

Coffee is helpful when you need a quick boost of energy, while chai provides you with a more gradual increase of energy throughout the day.

Make sure to keep your morning coffee or tea ritual healthy by not adding too much sugar or creamer to your beverage and by limiting your consumption to safe amounts.

It is also important to keep in mind that morning coffee should not be used as an excuse to stay up later than you usually would.