Coffee has become an essential part of modern life, especially for office workers. But did you know that drinking it the right way can boost alertness and improve health—while drinking it the wrong way may harm your body?

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Extend Life or Promote Cancer?

The key lies in one small habit.

According to a 2025 study from Harbin Medical University, coffee is closely linked to cancer risk.

In an 8.8-year follow-up of over 180,000 participants aged 37–73, researchers found:

• Drinking more than 2 cups (250ml per cup) of unsweetened coffee daily:

  • 5% lower cancer risk

  • 11% lower mortality risk

• Drinking more than 2 cups of sweetened coffee daily:

  • 6% higher cancer risk

  • 25% higher mortality risk

Just adding sugar makes a huge difference!

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Why such a stark contrast?

Unsweetened coffee contains polyphenols and antioxidants that reduce inflammation, protect cells, and help prevent cancer.

In contrast, added sugar spikes blood glucose, promotes insulin resistance, increases oxidative stress, and activates cancer-promoting pathways—creating a favorable environment for tumor growth.

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Coffee Can Interact with Medications

When consumed with certain medications, coffee may:

• Reduce the drug’s effectiveness, or

• Increase the body’s burden.

Common interactions include:

• Sedatives/sleeping pills + caffeine: Opposing effects. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, reducing the medication's sleep-inducing effects.
  Examples: Diazepam, Alprazolam, Estazolam.

• Pain relievers/fever reducers + caffeine: Both can irritate the stomach lining. Taken together, they may increase the risk of stomach pain or bleeding.
  Examples: Ibuprofen, Aspirin.

• Osteoporosis medications + caffeine: Caffeine accelerates calcium excretion, reduces calcium absorption, and worsens bone loss.
  Examples: Alendronate, Calcium D3.

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When Is the Best Time to Drink Coffee?

According to Harvard and other research institutions:

• The best time to drink coffee is between 4:00 AM and 11:59 AM.

  • 16% lower all-cause mortality

  • 31% lower risk of cardiovascular-related death

Drinking coffee throughout the day does not offer the same benefits.

👉 2–3 cups per day is ideal. Healthy adults should not exceed 400mg of caffeine per day.

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Want to Drink Coffee the Healthy Way? Remember These 5 Tips:

01. Skip the Sugar
Choose black coffee or unsweetened Americano. If needed, add a splash of milk or oat milk—but avoid sugar or syrup at all costs.

02. Don’t Drink on an Empty Stomach
Drink coffee after meals to aid digestion and reduce stomach irritation.

03. Morning Is Best
Drinking in the morning improves alertness and reduces heart disease risk. Afternoon or evening consumption can cause insomnia and disrupt your body’s natural rhythm.

04. Mind the Temperature
Wait until your coffee cools below 65°C (149°F) to prevent damage to your esophagus. Sip slowly to enjoy both the flavor and the health benefits.

05. Watch Your Intake
Keep caffeine consumption under 400mg/day (about 2–3 cups). Overconsumption can lead to anxiety, insomnia, stomach issues, and more.

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☕ Coffee is not a “magic health potion.”
A truly healthy lifestyle includes adequate sleep, a balanced diet, and regular exercise. Don't rely on coffee to compensate for unhealthy habits!