Understanding the negative impacts of pairing coffee with certain foods to optimize health

Coffee is one of the most commonly consumed beverages worldwide. Many of us can't envision a day without at least one cup of this aromatic drink. Coffee isn't merely a source of energy, it also provides antioxidants that combat free radicals, boosts our metabolism and has a positive effect on memory and concentration. However, remember that some products may react negatively when combined with coffee.

Despite the many myths that suggest coffee depletes vitamins and minerals from your body, the reality is slightly different. Drinking coffee doesn't directly cause the loss of vital vitamins and minerals. Still, it can influence their absorption. Remember that coffee can also affect the absorption and metabolism of certain drugs and dietary supplements. Consuming coffee simultaneously with medications may impede their efficacy or trigger unwanted interactions. Thus, it's advisable not to drink coffee for up to two hours after taking medicine.

Which foods shouldn't you consume with coffee? If your breakfast includes cottage cheese, you may want to forgo your cup of java. Coffee impedes calcium absorption, so it should be avoided during a meal containing dairy products like yogurt, cottage cheese, or kefir.

You should also avoid pairing coffee with meals containing iron-rich foods like legumes or meat. The caffeine in coffee can limit iron absorption, which in the long term can result in deficiencies and anemia. Similarly, foods rich in zinc, such as fish, pork, eggs, or yellow cheese, shouldn't be eaten with coffee. Caffeine can affect the absorption of zinc, potentially leading to health problems linked to this element's deficiency.