The period when you should not drink coffee

Coffee, the beloved beverage that is consumed by millions of people worldwide, has been found to have a lasting effect of 5-6 hours. Consequently, experts advise that individuals should refrain from drinking coffee after 12 o'clock in order to avoid experiencing insomnia.

Within the United Kingdom alone, it is estimated that up to 100 million cups of coffee are consumed daily. Its popularity can be attributed to not only its rich flavor but also to the numerous health benefits it offers. Dr. Poonam Desai, an American doctor, has highlighted some of these advantages, including coffee's potential to prevent type 2 diabetes and aid in weight loss efforts. However, it should be noted that there are also potential risks associated with this beverage.

In particular, Dr. Desai stressed the importance of abstaining from coffee consumption after 12 o'clock. She explained that caffeine, the main active ingredient in coffee, has a half-life of 5-6 hours in the body. This means that even if coffee is consumed later in the day, the caffeine can still remain in the system near bedtime, leading to difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep. Consequently, Dr. Desai personally makes a conscious effort to avoid any caffeinated drinks in the afternoon.

Coffee has many health benefits, but you need to pay attention to it when you drink it. Lack of sleep is linked to a number of chronic health problems including heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, obesity, and depression.

"Difficulty Sleeping: A Common Issue Among UK Adults"

Sleep troubles are a common ailment affecting a large portion of the adult population in the UK, reveals a report from the British National Health Service. According to their findings, approximately one-third of adults in the country encounter difficulties falling asleep at least once in their lives. Supporting this view, a recent study published in the esteemed journal Science Translational Medicine concurs with a warning from Dr. Desai. It suggests that consuming a cup of espresso 2-3 hours before bedtime can delay the body's natural sleep-wake cycle by as much as an hour, making it increasingly challenging to get a good night's rest.

Dr. Desai, a renowned expert on sleeping patterns, advises individuals to be cautious about the timing of their coffee consumption. In addition to this warning, she also imparts some valuable health information. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have established a strong link between excessive alcohol consumption and the risks of chronic diseases, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, digestive problems, and various forms of cancer. Furthermore, Dr. Desai suggests minimizing the use of plastic containers for storing food due to the potential risks posed by endocrine-disrupting chemicals that can leach into the food. These chemicals can interfere with the body's hormonal system, leading to a range of health issues such as reproductive effects, increased cancer risk, and dysfunction of the immune and nervous systems, as stated by the US Environmental Protection Agency.

To promote better sleep, Dr. Desai advises against regularly taking flights that depart late at night and arrive early in the morning. She explains that such flights can significantly disrupt one's sleep patterns, urging individuals to avoid them whenever possible. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of a balanced plant-based diet, recommending the consumption of at least five types of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices daily. This advice aligns with the "5 Plants a Day" campaign launched in the UK in 2003, which was introduced following the World Health Organization's suggestion of a minimum daily intake of 400g of fruits and vegetables.

Source: vietnamnet.vn