Beware: These common foods reduce coffee's nutrient boost

Many people reach for coffee as soon as the morning starts to boost their energy and start the day well. It's served after lunch, sipped at work, or accompanied by an afternoon snack. There are indeed numerous benefits to drinking coffee, but it's worth remembering that some products are better not served alongside this beverage.

Some say coffee washes away vitamins, while others claim it adversely affects the heart and can cause reflux. These myths, however, have been debunked because coffee can be a truly healthy beverage, offering numerous benefits to our bodies. However, it's important to consume it in moderation and avoid pairing it with certain products.

Coffee, although loved by many, can unfortunately negatively affect the absorption of some valuable nutrients when consumed with certain products. Coffee contains tannins, which bind with iron and zinc to form insoluble compounds. As a result, our bodies struggle to absorb them. Additionally, caffeine can affect digestive processes and hinder the absorption of some minerals. This is particularly important with specific products.

Lentils, beans, chickpeas, and peas are rich sources of iron, especially for those on a vegetarian or vegan diet. Combining them with coffee can limit the absorption of this element, so it’s advisable to avoid this pairing to allow the body to absorb all the necessary nutrients.

The situation is similar with beef, fish, chicken, or pork. These are good sources of protein and zinc. Drinking coffee during a meal containing these meats can reduce zinc absorption, which may lead to skin problems, thyroid disorders, and weakened immunity.

This doesn’t mean that you have to give up your favorite drink. Firstly, sources of these elements are also found in other products in a well-balanced diet, so drinking coffee with them occasionally shouldn’t significantly affect your health.

If you can't give up your morning coffee, try to drink it at least an hour before or after a meal rich in iron or zinc. Additionally, sources of vitamin C, such as citrus fruits or peppers, help increase iron absorption. Add them to an iron-rich meal to enhance its absorption.