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10 ways to make the most of your coffee habit

Last updated on - Oct 12, 2016, 16:04 IST

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Coffee lovers are constantly tinged with guilt. But it's actually not that bad. Coffee, when had the right way, can actually help you on your way to good health. Here are 10 ways to make the most out of that coffee habit of yours.

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1. Don't drink coffee before 10 am

Research shows that people feel pretty alert for the first hour or two after waking up because of high cortisone levels in the body. You need coffee when you reach office because by that time your cortisone levels drop.

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2. Space out your coffee consumption

Researchers have found that small, frequent doses of caffeine are more effective than a huge dose first thing in the morning.

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3. Don't drink coffee with your meals

Have it an hour after lunch, when you feel sleepy. Avoid coffee after dinner. It may seem like a comforting thing to have, but it will spoil your sleep.

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5. Having a coffee before a power nap

On the other hand having a coffee before a power nap may be the best thing to do. Research shows that coffee before a power nap results in better productivity after waking up.

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5. Top up every caffeinated drink with a glass of water

Top up every caffeinated drink you have each day with a glass of water. Coffee has diuretic properties. That basically means you pee more often and lose more water from the body. You need to replenish that.

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6. Know how much caffeine you are consuming

Know how much caffeine you are consuming. About 400 mg of caffeine a day is thought to be safe for adults. More than this can lead to irritability, upset stomach and insomnia.

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7. Drinking a small cup of coffee after a learning event boosts memory

Drinking a small cup of coffee after a learning event boosts memory. So if you've just attended a meeting and been put in charge of a difficult project, have some coffee before you start making a to-do list.

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8. Taking coffee before a workout

Your dietician may disagree but coffee before a workout may actually work to your benefit, says research. Not only does coffee make you more motivated to exercise, caffeine also improves your endurance by using fat as fuel.

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9. But the real benefit of a coffee is how you drink it

But the real benefit of a coffee is how you drink it. Adding milk and sugar to it is not the best way to go about it. Instead, drink black coffee or coffee with plant-based milk additives, like almond milk, soy milk or coconut milk. Switch from sugar to raw honey.

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10. Avoid milk and othet sweetners

Avoid milk substitutes and artificial sweeteners like the plague!

(Picture Courtesy: Shutterstock Images)

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the Doctors are their independent professional judgment and we do not take any responsibility for the accuracy of their views. This should not be considered as a substitute for Physician's advice. Please consult your treating Physician for more details.

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