Coffee clashes: Foods to avoid for nutrient absorption

Many people reach for it as soon as the morning starts, to boost their energy and start the day well. It's served after lunch, sipped at work, or accompanies an afternoon snack. There are indeed numerous benefits to drinking coffee, but it's worth remembering some products are better not served with this beverage.

It is often said that coffee washes away vitamins, while others claim it adversely affects the heart and can cause reflux. These myths, however, have been debunked because coffee itself can be a truly healthy beverage, offering numerous benefits to our body. Nonetheless, it's important to consume it in moderation and avoid pairing coffee with certain products.

Although loved by many, coffee can negatively affect the absorption of some valuable nutrients if consumed with certain products. Coffee contains tannins, which bind with iron and zinc to form insoluble compounds. As a result, our body struggles to absorb them. Additionally, caffeine can affect digestive processes and hinder the absorption of some minerals, making it important to be cautious with specific products.

Lentils, beans, chickpeas, and peas are all rich sources of iron, especially for those on a vegetarian or vegan diet. Combining them with coffee can limit the absorption of this element, so it’s advisable to avoid this pairing to allow the body to absorb all the necessary nutrients.

The situation is similar with beef, fish, chicken, or pork. These are good sources of protein and zinc. Drinking coffee during a meaty meal can reduce zinc absorption, which may lead to skin problems, thyroid disorders, and weakened immunity.

This doesn’t mean that you have to give up your favourite drink. Firstly, in a well-balanced diet, sources of these elements are also found in other products, so drinking coffee with them occasionally shouldn’t significantly affect your health.

If you can't give up your morning coffee, drink it at least an hour before or after a meal rich in iron or zinc. Additionally, sources of vitamin C, such as citrus fruits or peppers, help increase iron absorption. Add them to an iron-rich meal to enhance its absorptivity.