Coffee is undoubtedly a popular beverage, and for many, it is a must-have in the morning. There are different opinions about whether drinking coffee on an empty stomach is good or bad for you. Some people love it, and others don’t tolerate it well.

So, what are the pros and cons of drinking coffee on an empty stomach? Let’s find out.

Pros

1. Aids in Weight Loss

Drinking coffee on an empty stomach can help in weight loss because caffeine can boost your metabolism. A study done in the United States found that people who drank coffee regularly had lower body mass indexes than those who did not drink the beverage.

It is not clear whether the weight-loss effect of coffee is because of its caffeine content, or if there are other compounds in coffee that help with weight loss.

2. Boosts Mental Alertness

Another potential benefit of drinking coffee on an empty stomach is that it can help improve your mental alertness. Caffeine is a stimulant, and it can help improve your focus, attention, and concentration.

Studies have shown that caffeine can even help reduce fatigue and increase mental stamina. Drinking coffee first thing in the morning can help you wake up and get ready for the day ahead.

3. Improves Athletic Performance

Caffeine is also known to enhance athletic performance. Drinking coffee on an empty stomach can help boost your energy levels and improve your endurance during physical exercise.

A study has shown that caffeine can increase performance by up to 5%, especially for endurance sports like running and cycling. However, it is essential to note that high caffeine intake can cause dehydration, so be careful not to overdo it.

4. May Lower Risk of Chronic Diseases

Coffee contains antioxidants that protect against free radicals, which can cause oxidative stress and damage to cells.

Studies have shown that coffee intake is associated with a lower risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, liver disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s.

Cons

1. May Cause Digestive Problems

Drinking coffee on an empty stomach can increase stomach acidity, which can irritate the lining of the stomach and cause digestive problems such as bloating, gas, and nausea.

Coffee can also trigger acid reflux and heartburn in people with sensitive stomachs. If you experience digestive problems after drinking coffee on an empty stomach, it is best to avoid it or have it with food.

2. Can Increase Anxiety and Jitters

For people who are sensitive to caffeine, drinking coffee on an empty stomach can result in anxiety, jitters, and restlessness. Caffeine activates the sympathetic nervous system, which can increase heart rate, blood pressure, and stress levels.

If you experience these symptoms after drinking coffee, you should consider reducing or eliminating your caffeine intake.

3. May Affect Nutrient Absorption

Drinking coffee on an empty stomach can interfere with the absorption of certain nutrients such as iron, calcium, and zinc. The compounds in coffee called tannins can bind with these minerals, making them less available for the body to absorb.

If you rely on these nutrients for your health, it is best to avoid drinking coffee on an empty stomach or have it at least an hour after eating.

4. Can Disrupt Sleep

Caffeine can disrupt sleep by reducing the amount of time it takes for you to fall asleep and reducing the quality of your sleep. Drinking coffee on an empty stomach can worsen this effect because caffeine is absorbed more quickly on an empty stomach.

To avoid sleep disruptions, it is best to avoid caffeine in the afternoon and evening.

Conclusion

Drinking coffee on an empty stomach has its potential benefits and downsides.

While it can aid in weight loss, boost mental alertness, improve athletic performance, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases, it can also cause digestive problems, increase anxiety and jitters, affect nutrient absorption, and disrupt sleep. Whether you should drink coffee on an empty stomach or not depends on your individual tolerance and preference. If you experience adverse effects, it is best to avoid the practice or have coffee with food.