Difficulties in nutrient absorption and digestive discomfort are the consequences of mixing certain foods with coffee, according to Spanish nutritionist Ruth García, from the College of Dietitians-Nutritionists of the Valencian Community.
Although coffee has compounds that make it a healthy food, its consumption should be moderate, since being a source of caffeine, it causes alterations in the body.
Coffee is a drink that, when consumed alone, without sugar and naturally, is very rich in benefits and protective, preventive, curative and medicinal properties, a study indicates.
Recent research lists the health benefits of coffee, including a reduction in mortality, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and liver cancer, Cuítate cites.
The recommended amount of coffee is estimated to be between 3 and 4 cups, depending on lifestyle and personal tastes. Specialists suggest moderate consumption, especially among hypertensive patients, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Food combinations with coffee to avoid
The best time to drink coffee and the possible reactions of caffeine with various medications and foods are factors that must be evaluated when drinking coffee.
Dietician-nutritionist Ruth García, Project Manager of the Official College of Dieticians-Nutritionists of the Valencian Community (Codinucova) explains which combinations can cause discomfort.
Coffee slows down the absorption of iron
Caffeine and theine present in coffee and tea are the same substance, he explains, and react with some vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C, iron and calcium.
The specialist points out that drinking a cup of coffee after a meal rich in iron, such as lentils, can cause the mineral to not be fully absorbed.
For this reason, people with iron deficiency or anemia are advised to wait between half an hour or an hour after eating to drink coffee.
Other suggestions include drinking an infusion or water infused with lemon or ginger instead of coffee, since they are rich in vitamin C and enhance the absorption of iron from plant foods.
Coffee and spicy foods
Spicy foods are often irritating to the digestive tract, causing heartburn and burning; and when combined with coffee, these symptoms can be made worse.
Another factor to consider is that caffeine promotes faster digestion, which implies a reduction in the absorption of iron, calcium and other micronutrients, something that is not favorable for people with nutrient deficiencies.
Combining greasy foods with coffee has its effects
Garcia points out that digestion can become more difficult when drinking coffee after a fatty meal, since coffee is a stimulant, digestion is accelerated and discomfort is greater.
This is a point that concerns people with digestive disorders, such as those with gallbladder problems who do not digest fats well. For this reason, if they drink coffee immediately after eating foods rich in fat, they may feel discomfort.
The nutritionist’s recommendation is to be careful when drinking coffee and avoid combining it with other foods so that it does not affect the absorption of nutrients or cause digestive problems for people with digestive disorders or with anemia problems or risk of nutrient deficiency.
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