3 common coffee mistakes Americans make, and how to fix them for better brain and body health

To some, coffee is more than just a morning ritual, it is a cultural cornerstone and a source of comfort for millions. For some, it is habitual, and for others, an instant morning boost. In the United States alone, about 66% of adults consume coffee daily, according to the National Coffee Association. Beyond its energising effects, coffee has been praised by many for its benefits, and its antioxidant content, its metabolism boosting potential, along its ability to protect brain functions. But are we unintentionally hampering ourselves?

Robert W.B Love, neuroscientist and health educator, has recently shared his insights in a viral video outlining “three biggest mistakes Americans are making with their coffee” His scholarly insights have struck a chord and have sparked debate among the views about how something so familiar could be so wrong. Can it?

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Mistake No. 1

According to a study back in 2023, published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, found that polyphenols bind with milk proteins, reducing the absorption in the gut. The preliminary evidence suggests that this could blunt coffee’s antioxidant properties. Although the exact effect on human health is still being debated.

The problem, according to Robert W.B. Love
Many people use creamers and milk in their coffees. However, dairy could diminish some of the most beneficial properties of coffee. Specifically, Robert warns that milk protein binds with chlorogenic acid (an antioxidant) that contributes to its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.

What can we do?

Swap your usual milk with something more organic, such as coconut milk, oat milk or almond milk. Which will not interfere with the coffee’s antioxidant properties.

Mistake no. 2
A study published back in 2005, in Psychosomatic Medicine, found that caffeine increases cortisol levels in both men and women. Fasting magnifies this effect. If coffee is taken before breakfast, it may throw off your circadian rhythm and disrupt your metabolic health.

One of the most popular morning routines is waking up, running to the kitchen and grabbing a cup of coffee. But this habit is making our cortisol levels spike. Cortisol is the body’s primary stress hormone. If elevated, it can lead to jitteriness, indigestion and even fatigue over time.

What can we do?
Eat a small, balanced meal containing protein, fibre and all the healthy fats before drinking your coffee. This will help stabilise blood sugar levels and reduce the cortisol spike.

Mistake no.3The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has frequently listed coffee among the crops with high pesticide exposure. Chronic low-level pesticide exposure has been associated with neurodegenerative diseases, hormone imbalances and increased risk of cancer.
Coffee is one of the most chemically treated crops in the world. Robert Love warns that consuming these chemicals can lead to gut dysbiosis, endocrine disruption and long-term health risks.

What can we do?
Choose organic, shade-grown and fair-trade certified coffee. Not only is this better, but it also supports ethical and sustainable farming practices.
So tomorrow, when you enter the kitchen, reach your coffee pot, ask yourself am I drinking this right?


Image credits: Canva