Countless people on this earth believe that a cup of coffee can fix everything. From waking you up in the morning to keeping you going through sleepless nights before deadlines, tackling a never-ending
to-do list, or simply enjoying a good mood, coffee is the go-to companion for many of us. And why not? With its rich flavours and caffeine kick, it’s no surprise that millions rely on their favourite cup of brew to power through the day.
But here’s something most coffee lovers overlook: while it may feel normal to enjoy coffee with any meal or snack, certain foods don’t pair well with this caffeinated favourite. Combining them can interfere with nutrient absorption or even trigger unwanted health issues.
Here are 5 foods you should avoid pairing with coffee:
Citrus Foods
Adding a few drops of lemon or orange to your cup of coffee might sound interesting, but it is a bad combination. Both coffee and citrus fruits are highly acidic in nature. Pairing them together can affect your digestive system. People with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) must avoid coffee, as it triggers problems like acid reflux, nausea, heartburn, and indigestion.
Fried Foods
Love French fries with coffee? Experts suggest avoiding fries or any other fried foods with coffee, as they contain fat and sodium. Eating the fried food and coffee combo can increase unhealthy fat levels in the bloodstream, leading to dyslipidaemia. Fried foods can also spike your bad (LDL) cholesterol levels and strain heart health.
High-Salt Foods
Pairing coffee with foods that are high in sodium can affect your blood pressure levels. People who are at risk of hypertension must avoid this drink with salty foods. Doctors recommend that daily sodium intake should not exceed 2,300 milligrams.
Fermented Foods
Preserved or fermented foods contain live bacteria and yeast. While foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, miso, and tempeh may boost your gut and digestive health, pairing them with coffee may result in something different.
When consumed together, the acids in both items can cause problems like gas, bloating, and other stomach-related issues.
Milk
While many people prefer to have coffee with milk and enjoy creamy lattes or cappuccinos, research suggests that consuming them together can lead to health issues. The calcium in milk can interfere with your body’s ability to absorb the nutrient. Any calcium the body doesn’t absorb gets flushed out through urine, which can increase the risk of kidney stones and even contribute to osteoporosis over time.
