What is the best time to drink coffee, and how much is too much? As a confessed coffee addict, my answer would be—whenever you need it or feel like it. However, my recent struggles with insomnia have prompted me to approach this question more thoughtfully. Science shows that when consumed mindfully—sans sugar and frothy whipped cream—coffee can offer numerous benefits thanks to its antioxidants. Studies suggest that your daily cup of joe can support heart and brain health. However, it’s not just about what you drink but when you drink; experts advise timing it right so that it doesn’t meddle with other aspects of your life.
The best time to drink coffee
“Coffee contains caffeine, which is a natural stimulant,” reveals nutritionist Mugdha Pradhan, Founder of iThrive. “This means it can boost your metabolism by increasing the body’s heart rate and energy expenditure. That’s why drinking coffee in the morning—about 90 minutes after waking up works—it syncs up with the body’s natural cortisol rhythm,” adds Pradhan. If you’re someone who likes to work out in the morning, having black coffee prior may enhance physical performance and support fat burning, while consuming it afterwards could aid in muscle recovery too.