Exact Answer: After About 1 hour
Some people wish to have coffee after lunch. This can give a quick nap and can enhance concentration. Returning to office work or daily chores might be tiring after a heavy lunch. Coffee can help in such a situation thereby kicking out laziness from the body.
The one-stop solution to such lazy sleepy afternoons is coffee. At any hour of the day, it helps us ease out our stress and laziness and makes us feel relaxed. It has magical effects on our body and helps in increasing retentivity and alertness. Yes, coffee can be taken at any hour of the day without a second thought.
Feeling sleepy after lunch is a natural chemical process of the body. Every time we have something to eat, our body secretes melatonin. It is a hormone produced in the brain which helps in controlling the sleep-wake cycle of the body. This hormone informs our body that it should take a rest after lunch.
How Long After Lunch Can I Drink Coffee?
| Type | Time |
| Minimum Time | 30 mins. |
| Maximum Time | 1-2hrs. |
The released hormones transform the amino acids present in the food to serotonin which is further transformed into melatonin. The quantity of melatonin produced varies according to the type of food consumed. Any kind of food filled with proteins and carbohydrates increases the production of melatonin, thereby inducing sleepiness.
The food items taken during lunch contain mainly cereals and pulses, which are rich in protein and carbohydrates. This induces sleepiness because the amount of protein intake is comparatively high. After lunch, the body transports maximum blood towards the digestive system to digest the taken food.
This transportation of blood may leave the brain with comparatively less blood than its requirement thereby leading to drowsiness. The best way to avoid such sleepiness is to have a healthy balanced diet where the consumption of extra proteins and carbohydrates can be replaced by the consumption of healthy fats and fibers. One can also have small meals.
Drinking plenty of fluids including water can also help this situation because it fastens up the process of digestion. It is best to cut down heavy meals into small meals taken in small time intervals. But, if one finds it difficult to do so, then coffee would be the best option. Coffee is known to fight back against the production of melatonin thereby reducing sleepiness.
Coffee acts as a stimulant that acts on the central nervous system resulting in the enhancement of the performance of the mind. Coffee even attaches itself to the adenosine receptors present in the brain. It acts against their usual activity of slowing down the body’s activities.
Coffee even helps in the release of adrenaline. Adrenaline is a hormone that prepares the body for unforeseen situations. Intake of coffee increases the energy level of an individual thereby helping him cope with the demands of the situation. This is how coffee helps fight against sleepiness.
Why Should I Wait For So Long To Drink Coffee After Lunch?
According to various researches conducted, coffee is even known to reduce the pain and cramps in muscles of the neck. It can even prove beneficial in cases of back pain which is a worry for major professionals. Excessive stress may lead to the secretion of cortisol which in excess amounts may affect the functions of the body.
The production of cortisol is beneficial for the body in small amounts. Large amounts may affect the body and may lead to other problems including weight gain and depression. Coffee helps in combating the excess stress level thereby increasing life expectancy.
Taking cold coffee has proven to be more beneficial than others. This is because it would not lead to any consequences due to acidity. It has been proven 10 times better than hot coffee. Cold coffee even has more anti-oxidants which are beneficial for the body.
Cold coffee is non-acidic, has more anti-oxidants, has an even smooth flavor, and is helpful for the body. It is even the best choice for the ones who are too conscious about their weight. It has comparatively fewer calories. Thus, cold coffee is better than hot coffee and should be preferred always.
However, some people even claim that coffee right after lunch or any meal may lead to problems in digestion. This leads to hindrance in the absorption of certain essential nutrients of the body. But, taking coffee before an hour of taking meals doesn’t lead to such circumstances.
Drinking coffee right after lunch is even not good for the health. It may lead to an increase in acid levels of the body thereby increasing acidity. An increase in acidity levels may lead to heartburns and gastrointestinal problems. Hence, coffee should be taken after about 2 to 3 hours after lunch.
Conclusion
Coffee is a great stimulant that helps in improving metabolism. It activates the body for worldly calls at workplaces thereby increasing the level of alertness. It even helps to fight laziness and can be a great cup of motivation. One should take coffee at least once a day.
It is a famous beverage which has been loved by all the people. It helps in improving performance and moods. Some people claim that having coffee on an empty stomach is dangerous as it leads to the production of acids in the stomach. Hence, there are chances of indigestion and vomiting.
Regular and excess intake of coffee can prove to be harmful both for the brain and for the body. Hence, it is better to consume coffee at the right intervals. Coffee should be taken at least one hour after breakfast and after 2-3 hours after lunch. The time gap should be maintained.
Reference
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S019566638471004X
- https://www.karger.com/Article/Abstract/118920
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I never knew that taking cold coffee has more benefits than hot coffee. I might switch.
It’s interesting how our body works after a meal. Coffee does seem to be a quick remedy.
I will be having coffee with my lunch today. I need to be less sleepy after eating
It’s always good to know the benefits of a good coffee, and I can see that the negative aspects have also been addressed.
It doesn’t make sense to wait for so long before drinking coffee. I don’t think I can wait that long
I thought it was a myth that coffee affects digestion. This article is quite informative.
The benefits of taking cold coffee are astounding. I’ll be making the switch from hot coffee.
I always thought the food made me tired. It’s fascinating to learn more about how melatonin works.
I never thought coffee could hinder the absorption of nutrients. Seems like there’s a downside.
I can never have enough of cold coffee. I’m glad to know it’s the healthier option.