Coffee is important to most people because it gives us valuable energy and alertness in the morning. In fact, some studies report that moderate coffee consumption may help prevent diseases related to inflammation and oxidative stress, such as type 2 diabetes and various cancers.
However, coffee can also interfere with the absorption of certain nutrients, which can reduce or enhance the effects of certain foods. For the best possible absorption of nutrients, it may be a good idea to avoid the following food combinations:
Coffee with citrus fruits
Combining coffee with citrus fruits can cause digestive upset because coffee is acidic on its own. Citrus fruits and their juices are also highly acidic and can contribute to GERD when consumed. GERD is often characterized by unpleasant symptoms such as nausea, bloating, and heartburn. Drinking coffee and citrus fruits together can irritate the stomach lining and make these symptoms worse.
The sharp, sour taste of citrus fruits also changes the taste of coffee, making it bitter and less palatable.
Red meat
Caffeine consumption can affect the absorption of nutrients, especially iron. Red meat is one of the best sources of heme iron, which means drinking coffee with red meat may reduce its health benefits.
One study examined the effect of coffee on ferritin levels and found that drinking three or more cups of coffee per day significantly reduced iron levels. In fact, postprandial iron absorption is reduced by about 39% after drinking coffee.
Coffee with milk
Milk is an excellent source of calcium, which is important for bone health, muscle function, blood clotting and hormone production. A glass of skim milk contains 23% of this recommended daily intake of calcium for the average healthy adult.
However, the combination of milk and coffee can interfere with the absorption of calcium. Unabsorbed calcium is excreted in the urine. High levels of urinary calcium excretion have been associated with an increased risk of kidney stones and bone health problems.