The debate about the best time to drink tea or coffee has persisted for centuries. Whether you're a dedicated tea lover or a coffee enthusiast, timing can significantly impact the benefits you reap from these beverages. With the emergence of healthier alternatives like MUD\WTR :rise Cocoa, understanding when to enjoy your favourite drink is more important than ever. Let's delve into the optimal times to consume tea, coffee, and their alternatives, supported by scientific insights.
Morning Boost: 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
For many, the day starts with a cup of coffee or tea to shake off the sleepiness and prepare for the day ahead. However, the best time to consume caffeine isn't immediately upon waking. Drinking coffee or tea as soon as you wake up can interfere with the natural cortisol levels in your body. Cortisol, often referred to as the "stress hormone," is highest when you wake up and helps keep you alert naturally.
Research suggests that the optimal time to drink coffee is between 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM. During this period, cortisol levels begin to drop, and caffeine can effectively enhance your alertness without interfering with your body's natural rhythms .
Mid-Afternoon Slump: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
The afternoon slump is a familiar phenomenon for many. This post-lunch dip in energy is a result of natural circadian rhythms and can make it difficult to stay productive. A moderate cup of tea or coffee in the early afternoon can help combat this dip. However, it's crucial to avoid caffeine too late in the day, as it can interfere with your sleep later on.
An excellent alternative to traditional coffee is MUD\WTR :rise Cocoa. This coffee alternative contains ingredients like lion's mane and reishi mushrooms, which can help boost cognitive function and energy levels without the jittery side effects of caffeine . Additionally, the cinnamon and chai in MUD\WTR provide a natural energy boost that can help you power through the rest of the day.
Pre-Workout Pick-Me-Up
Many athletes and fitness enthusiasts swear by a pre-workout cup of coffee or tea. The caffeine in these beverages can enhance physical performance by increasing adrenaline levels and releasing fatty acids from fat tissues, making them available for energy use . Consuming coffee or tea about 30 minutes before your workout could help you maximise your performance.
MUD\WTR :rise Cocoa also makes an excellent pre-workout drink. The adaptogenic properties of reishi and lion's mane mushrooms can help improve focus and endurance, providing a balanced boost that supports physical exertion without the crash that can follow high-caffeine beverages .
Evening Relaxation
While caffeine consumption is typically discouraged in the evening due to its potential to disrupt sleep, certain types of tea can actually promote relaxation and better sleep quality. Herbal teas like chamomile, valerian root, and lavender are renowned in traditional medicine for their calming effects and can be consumed in the evening to help you unwind.
MUD\WTR is ideal for its balanced low-caffeine formulation and can still be enjoyed at any time of the day when you need a gentle lift without the stimulating effects of traditional coffee.
Why Choose MUD\WTR :rise Cocoa?
MUD\WTR :rise Cocoa is more than just a coffee alternative; it's a thoughtfully crafted blend that combines the benefits of various natural ingredients to support overall wellness. Here's a closer look at its key ingredients and their benefits:
- Lion's Mane: Known for its neuroprotective properties, lion's mane mushroom can help improve cognitive function and support brain health .
- Reishi: This adaptogenic mushroom can help manage stress and support the immune system .
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties and can help regulate blood sugar levels, providing a natural energy boost .
- Chai: The blend of spices in chai can aid digestion and enhance overall vitality .
Conclusion
The best time to drink tea or coffee depends on your personal preferences and lifestyle. For those seeking a healthier, balanced alternative to traditional coffee, MUD\WTR :rise Cocoa offers a unique blend of benefits without the jittery, sleep--disturbing drawbacks of high caffeine drinks. By understanding the optimal times to consume these beverages, you may be able to enhance your energy levels, focus, and overall well-being.
Sources
- Smith, A. (2013). "Effects of caffeine on human behavior." Food and Chemical Toxicology.
- Bodnar, L. (2020). "Adaptogenic mushrooms: neuroprotective effects and potential benefits." Journal of Medicinal Food.
- Doherty, M., & Smith, P. (2005). "Effects of caffeine ingestion on exercise performance." Sports Medicine.
- Schmitz, F. (2017). "The role of adaptogens in sports nutrition." International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism.
- Li, Y., & Xu, B. (2011). "Effects of Hericium erinaceus (Lion's Mane) on neurodegeneration." Neuroscience Letters.
- Wang, J., & Shen, Y. (2018). "Reishi mushroom as an adaptogen." Journal of Ethnopharmacology.
- Allen, R. (2014). "Cinnamon's impact on blood sugar and inflammation." Nutrition Research Reviews.
- Williams, R. (2016). "Health benefits of chai spices." Journal of Herbal Medicine.
