This New Study Says You Should Wait to Have Your Morning Coffee
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We all know the feeling of waking up in the morning and craving a steaming cup of coffee to start our day.
The comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee filling the house is one of the many rituals that we have grown to love. It's the perfect pick-me-up after leaving our warm and cosy beds, giving us the energy we need to tackle the day ahead.
But did you know that according to a recent study by researchers at the University of Bath in the UK, it might be better to wait until after we've had breakfast before indulging in our morning brew?
Their findings suggest that having coffee on an empty stomach can increase blood sugar levels, which could contribute to the development of diabetes and heart disease.

Male and female participants were asked to drink a sugary beverage (with the same amount of calories as a typical breakfast) upon waking up.
In one experiment, they experienced a disrupted night's sleep, while in another, they slept normally. In a third experiment, they consumed black coffee 30 minutes before the sugary drink.
The results were shocking. The study found that disrupted sleep didn't affect the blood glucose and insulin responses of participants.
However, drinking black coffee before the sugary drink increased blood glucose response by around 50 per cent. This finding highlights the potential harm of drinking coffee before breakfast and the impact it can have on our health.
This alarming finding is supported by Professor James Betts, one of the researchers involved in the study. He emphasises that almost half of us start our day with coffee, and the more tired we feel, the stronger the coffee we crave.
But now we know that our morning caffeine fix can have a significant impact on our health.

Coffee tends to raise the body's alertness, which is caused by caffeine blocking inhibitory neurotransmitters in the brain.
However, this increased alertness affects the production of insulin, meaning that after the effects of the caffeine wear off, the glucose in the bloodstream can drop disproportionately and cause a higher blood sugar response when you eat your breakfast.
What this means for our beloved morning coffee is that we should incorporate it into our morning routine after our breakfast, rather than having to give up the habit completely.
Drinking coffee has been shown to have both positive and negative effects on the body.
Positive Effects:
Overall, the effects of drinking coffee on an empty stomach vary from person to person. If you experience negative effects, you may want to consider having a small meal before consuming coffee and speaking to your GP.
It's also important to remember that excessive caffeine consumption can have negative health effects, regardless of whether it's consumed on an empty stomach or not.
Members, if you're someone who relies on coffee to jump-start your morning, it's worth considering the timing of your caffeine fix. It might be better for your health to enjoy your coffee after you've had a nutritious breakfast to keep your blood sugar levels in check.
After all, a healthy start to the day is the best way to ensure you have the energy and focus to take on whatever challenges come your way.
So, what do you think? Will you be following this advice? We wish you all a safe and happy morning, no matter how you decide to start it!
The comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee filling the house is one of the many rituals that we have grown to love. It's the perfect pick-me-up after leaving our warm and cosy beds, giving us the energy we need to tackle the day ahead.
But did you know that according to a recent study by researchers at the University of Bath in the UK, it might be better to wait until after we've had breakfast before indulging in our morning brew?
Their findings suggest that having coffee on an empty stomach can increase blood sugar levels, which could contribute to the development of diabetes and heart disease.

A study found that the early hours of the day aren’t the best time to drink coffee. Credit: Unsplash/Karl Fredrickson.
Male and female participants were asked to drink a sugary beverage (with the same amount of calories as a typical breakfast) upon waking up.
In one experiment, they experienced a disrupted night's sleep, while in another, they slept normally. In a third experiment, they consumed black coffee 30 minutes before the sugary drink.
The results were shocking. The study found that disrupted sleep didn't affect the blood glucose and insulin responses of participants.
However, drinking black coffee before the sugary drink increased blood glucose response by around 50 per cent. This finding highlights the potential harm of drinking coffee before breakfast and the impact it can have on our health.
This alarming finding is supported by Professor James Betts, one of the researchers involved in the study. He emphasises that almost half of us start our day with coffee, and the more tired we feel, the stronger the coffee we crave.
But now we know that our morning caffeine fix can have a significant impact on our health.

They recommend aiming for a cup of coffee about an hour after your usual breakfast meal to keep your blood sugar and energy levels in balance. Credit: Unsplash/Emre.
Coffee tends to raise the body's alertness, which is caused by caffeine blocking inhibitory neurotransmitters in the brain.
However, this increased alertness affects the production of insulin, meaning that after the effects of the caffeine wear off, the glucose in the bloodstream can drop disproportionately and cause a higher blood sugar response when you eat your breakfast.
What this means for our beloved morning coffee is that we should incorporate it into our morning routine after our breakfast, rather than having to give up the habit completely.
Key Takeaways
- A study conducted by researchers at the University of Bath found that drinking coffee before eating breakfast in the morning can have a negative effect on blood sugar control.
- As part of the study, male and female participants were asked to consume a sugary drink upon waking up and then a strong black coffee.
- Researchers found that black coffee consumed before the sugary drink increased blood glucose response by about 50 per cent.
Positive Effects:
- Caffeine is a stimulant that can help you feel more awake, alert, and focused.
- Caffeine increases the metabolic rate and can help you burn more calories.
- Some studies suggest that regular coffee consumption may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
- Drinking coffee on an empty stomach can stimulate the production of stomach acid, which may lead to heartburn and acid reflux.
- Caffeine can stimulate the muscles in the digestive system, which can cause diarrhoea or abdominal pain in some people.
- Caffeine is a diuretic that can cause dehydration, especially when consumed in large quantities.
Overall, the effects of drinking coffee on an empty stomach vary from person to person. If you experience negative effects, you may want to consider having a small meal before consuming coffee and speaking to your GP.
It's also important to remember that excessive caffeine consumption can have negative health effects, regardless of whether it's consumed on an empty stomach or not.
Members, if you're someone who relies on coffee to jump-start your morning, it's worth considering the timing of your caffeine fix. It might be better for your health to enjoy your coffee after you've had a nutritious breakfast to keep your blood sugar levels in check.
After all, a healthy start to the day is the best way to ensure you have the energy and focus to take on whatever challenges come your way.
So, what do you think? Will you be following this advice? We wish you all a safe and happy morning, no matter how you decide to start it!