5 Foods to Avoid with Coffee
Sky News – A morning cup of coffee may seem like the perfect companion to breakfast, but experts say that choosing the right foods to accompany it can be important to avoid digestive disturbances or interfere with the absorption of certain nutrients.
A report by Very Well Health highlights five types of foods that may not be the best choice to consume alongside coffee for some individuals, particularly those with digestive issues or high blood pressure.
1. Citrus fruits: Coffee and citrus fruits both contain acidic components, which can lead to uncomfortable digestive symptoms in some people.
This effect may be more pronounced in individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can cause acid reflux, nausea, heartburn, and indigestion.
Combining coffee with citrus fruits may exacerbate stomach irritation in people experiencing these conditions.
2. Fried foods: Fried foods are high in fat and sodium, while studies suggest that excessive coffee consumption may be associated with increased blood lipid levels.
According to the report, consuming more than three cups of coffee daily may be linked to higher levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), known as "bad" cholesterol, and lower levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), known as "good" cholesterol.
3. Milk: Although milk is a rich source of calcium, some research indicates that coffee may interfere with the body's ability to absorb this nutrient.
Calcium that is not absorbed by the body is excreted through urine, which has been associated with an increased risk of kidney stones and bone health issues, such as osteoporosis.
4. Salty foods: Consuming up to three cups of coffee daily is unlikely to negatively affect blood pressure in most people, but excessive intake may lead to or worsen high blood pressure due to the effects of caffeine.
The report notes that eating sodium-rich foods alongside coffee may not be the best option for maintaining healthy blood pressure, especially for individuals with hypertension or those at risk of developing it.
5. Fermented foods: Fermented foods include kimchi, sauerkraut, miso, and tempeh. These foods rely on live bacteria and yeasts during their production and are associated with benefits for digestive health and immune function.
However, consuming them at the same time as coffee may cause gas, bloating, and stomach upset in some people, due to the acidity present in both the foods and the beverage.
This is more likely to occur in individuals who are not accustomed to consuming fermented foods together with coffee.
