Is it okay to have protein with a cup of your morning coffee? Or can it react badly to your health? Coffee and protein are beneficial for your health and enhance your day's performance. But can it be consumed together? Let's find out.

Coffee and its benefits

Coffee is an antioxidant-rich substance that can help combat oxidative stress. A 2017 study titled Coffee consumption and health: umbrella review of meta-analyses of multiple health outcomes reveals that oxidative stress is linked to many chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer and the consumption of coffee can combat such risks. Furthermore, another 2021 study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition reveals that drinking coffee also improves physical performance and weight management.

Protein and its benefits

It is not unknown that protein is helpful for the proper growth of the human body, and repairs and maintains tissues and muscle tissues. It is also important and helps in producing enzymes, hormones and molecules that help the body to function properly.

So, can you enjoy both?

Another study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition states that for active adults, a daily intake of 1.4-2.0 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight is enough to build and maintain muscle mass. Protein also plays an important role in muscle recovery, strength and repairing muscle tissue.

Studies also show that caffeine, which is the primary and active compound in coffee can improve aerobic endurance, support muscle contraction and delay muscle fatigue. It can be consumed with doses of 3 to 6 milligrams of caffeine per kilogram of body weight.

When can you have coffee and protein together?

The best time to pair these two can depend on your daily schedule and exercise routine. Consuming coffee in the morning or early afternoon helps one avoid disruption, focus on work and drive away sleep. However, if taken at night, it can interfere one's sleep cycle and reduce the levels of 6-sulfatoxymelatonin, which is the primary metabolite of melatonin, the hormone which is important for regulating sleep patterns.

Research also suggests that physically active people can consume coffee for about 60 minutes before they go for exercise as the blood levels of caffeine reach the maximum value 60 minutes after its ingestion. While for protein, it can be consumed regularly throughout the day as a part of a well-balanced diet to meet your daily protein needs.

Other benefits

Consuming both together can help with weight loss as studies have shown that eating more protein can reduce body fat, and prevent muscle loss. Preserving muscle mass is important as it helps your body burn more calories even when you are resting.

Protein can help curb your appetite by promoting feelings of fullness. It boosts hormones like glucagon-like peptide-1 and cholecystokinin, which suppress hunger while reducing ghrelin, the hormone that triggers it. Similarly, chlorogenic acid—a natural compound in coffee—supports fat loss by increasing energy expenditure and enhancing fat burning.

Good sources of protein can be found in cottage cheese, Greek yoghurt, eggs, tofu, turkey sausage, salmon, quinoa, peanut butter, Amarnath, pumpkin seeds and hemp seeds.

Coffee and protein are also known to improve one's cognitive function. This is because caffeine acts as a stimulant that increases alertness, attention, and reaction time. It also blocks adenosine receptors in the brain and delays the feeling of tiredness.

Are there any health risks?

Coffee can interfere the mineral absorption, especially iron. Research has also shown that consuming three cups of coffee can also reduce ferritin levels, the proteins which are responsible for storing iron in the body. There also could be heavy metal contamination in protein powders, many of which are not regulated by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This is why it is important to choose the protein powder after research and consume both in moderation.

Ghee coffee, also known as bulletproof coffee, has gained popularity as a trendy health drink, particularly for people trying to lose weight. This unique health drink combines coffee with ghee and sometimes coconut oil or MCT oil. The trend caught traction earlier this year, with celebrities like Rakul Preet Singh, Bhumi Pednekar, and Jacqueline Fernandez promoting it on their social media pages.

Does Ghee Coffee Really Work?

Ghee coffee offers numerous benefits, including sustained energy, improved mental focus, and enhanced weight loss. Ghee is rich in healthy fats and when added to coffee, it provides a slow-burning source of energy, helping to maintain stable blood sugar levels and prevent energy crashes.

- Sustained Energy: Ghee coffee provides a slow-burning source of energy, helping to keep you energized throughout the day.

- Improved Mental Focus: The combination of coffee and ghee may enhance mental clarity and focus.

- Enhanced Weight Loss: Ghee is rich in healthy fats that can support weight loss efforts by promoting satiety and fat metabolism.

- Rich in Healthy Fats: Ghee contains butyrate, a fatty acid that supports gut health and reduces inflammation.

- Stable Blood Sugar Levels: The fats in ghee help maintain stable blood sugar levels, preventing energy crashes.

However, experts caution that while ghee coffee can be part of a balanced diet, it may not be suitable for everyone. The high-fat content makes it calorie-dense, which could lead to weight gain if consumed in excess. Additionally, those with dairy sensitivities should avoid ghee. As with any health trend, it's essential to consider individual dietary needs and consult with a healthcare professional before making it a regular part of your routine.

Here’s What Experts Say

In their verdict on this popular health drink, experts have asserted that it should be consumed in moderation. Dr. Thiagarajan Srinivasan, Liver Transplant Specialist at MGM Healthcare, asserted that the consumption of ghee is good for health but only when it is of limited quantity. He advised people not to follow celebrity trends and discredited them as "pseudo-science."

Dubbed as "Nature's Ozempic" by TikTok enthusiasts, yerba mate, a traditional South American tea, has captured interest for potentially stimulating metabolism, suppressing appetite, and aiding in weight loss. With more and more scientific evidence tying it to metabolic effects, one can't help but question whether it has the potential to outdo Ozempic, the well-loved GLP-1 receptor agonist drug used for managing weight and type 2 diabetes. But first, before it's time to switch, there is a great need to dig into the positives and negatives about this herbal beverage.

Yerba mate is a herbal tea prepared from the leaves of Ilex paraguariensis, a South American native plant found in countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Brewed traditionally in a mate gourd and drunk through a metal straw, yerba mate has an earthy, slightly bitter flavor. It has been used for centuries for its stimulating properties and health benefits, especially its contribution to weight loss and metabolic function.

Yerba Mate vs Ozempic

Part of the reason yerba mate has drawn comparisons to Ozempic is because of its impact on appetite and metabolism. Studies indicate that yerba mate can spur weight loss by raising levels of GLP-1, a hormone that controls blood sugar and appetite. One study discovered that active ingredients in yerba mate, especially dihydroferulic acid, act on gut bacteria to activate GLP-1 production, emulating some of the effects of Ozempic.

Furthermore, a 2015 study showed that yerba mate enhances lipid metabolism, which reduces cholesterol levels and controls gene expression associated with obesity. Another study in 2021 validated that yerba mate inhibits fat accumulation, suppresses appetite, and boosts metabolism, rendering it a viable weight management tool.

Can Yerba Mate Replace Ozempic?

Although yerba mate and Ozempic have some similarities, they are not the same. Ozempic is a prescription medication that has been thoroughly tested in clinical trials and has FDA approval for type 2 diabetes and weight loss. Yerba mate is a natural supplement that does not have regulatory approval as a medical treatment.

Unlike Ozempic, in which the drug is prescribed at certain strengths, yerba mate is of varying concentrations and strengths. Although it can aid in weight loss and metabolic health, it must be viewed as an adjunct therapy and not in place of prescription medication.

Health Benefits of Yerba Mate

Aside from weight control, yerba mate has several health benefits:

1. Increases Energy and Concentration

Yerba mate has caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline that give a smooth, jitter-free energy without crash. These constituents increase mental alertness and maintain energy levels without the crash as in coffee.

2. Supports Heart Health

Research indicates that yerba mate lowers LDL cholesterol and blood pressure, which prevents heart disease. Its high antioxidant content also enhances cardiovascular function through combating oxidative stress.

3. Aids Digestion

Yerba mate supports a healthy gut microflora, enhances digestion, and alleviates bloating. Its bioactive ingredients enhance the absorption of nutrients and general health of the gut.

4. Improves Physical Performance

Some athletes take yerba mate to enhance endurance and decrease muscle exhaustion. It enhances oxygen consumption and delays lactic acid accumulation, enhancing recovery.

5. Rich in Antioxidants and Nutrients

Yerba mate is filled with polyphenols, chlorogenic acid, and vitamins including B-complex, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. They aid in immune function, fight inflammation, and enhance overall health.

Possible Side Effects of Yerba Mate

Although yerba mate has numerous advantages, consuming too much may have dangers:

1. Increased Cancer Risk

Research shows that consumption of more than a liter of yerba mate per day, especially at high temperatures, can be associated with an increased risk of esophageal and other cancers. The risk is increased among smokers and alcohol drinkers.

2. Caffeine-Related Side Effects

Yerba mate has caffeine, which can lead to restlessness, insomnia, stomach upset, and increased heart rate, particularly in sensitive individuals to stimulants.

3. Possible Drug Interactions

As yerba mate lowers blood sugar, taking it along with drugs like Ozempic can heighten the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), resulting in symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, and sweating.

4. Risks of Nutrient Deficiency

Since yerba mate is appetite-suppressing, high use might result in poor nutrient consumption. Those using it to lose weight need to make sure that they are keeping their diet well-balanced.

Should You Include Yerba Mate in Your Daily Routine?

Yerba mate is becoming increasingly popular worldwide as a natural method of increasing metabolism, aiding weight loss, and improving energy. While it has been dubbed "nature's Ozempic," it must not be regarded as an immediate substitute for prescribed weight-loss drugs.

Yerba mate is a strong herbal drink with possible metabolic advantages, but the comparison to Ozempic must be approached cautiously. Although it can aid in weight loss, enhance heart health, and supply prolonged energy, it is no more a supplement to treat obesity or diabetes. With ongoing research, yerba mate remains a compelling option to consider for those who want a natural solution for whole body wellness. Although attracted to its antioxidant profile or supplement to suppress appetite, this South American superfood is well worth investigating—especially with responsible consumption.

Every culture has a particular thing that they do, a ritual that they ensure to practice throughout. It could be any ritual, an eating ritual, a drinking ritual, which becomes a habit. Most of the time they have benefits, but are unknown to people as they never question it. There is one such drinking ritual that the Japanese people follow. It is the habit of drinking vinegar before every meal.

But, why does this happen?

The Japanese people have made it a habit to drink vinegar as a health tonic. Not only do they use it as a cooking ingredient, but also as a tonic right before they sit down to consume meal. They believe that it can help them with everything in their body, including their glowing skin to digestion.

Let us find out if there is any truth to this?

Experts believe that drinking vinegar, especially if consumed before meals is a practice which can be seen in many cultures, and Japan is one of them. It has many health benefits.

Vinegar contain acetic acid that helps in increasing the production of digestive enzymes and stomach acid. This can also help break down food more effectively. There are studies too that show that acetic acid can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar spikes that happens right after you consume your meal.

There are other benefits to drinking vinegar. It also helps to boost your metabolism and promote weight loss. Research also suggests that acetic acid can increase fat burning and reduce fat storage.

Experts also believe that vinegar can improve heart health. How does it do this? It can lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels and triglycerides.

How Much Vinegar Do The Japanese Drink?

On an average, a Japanese person drinks 15 to 30 ml, which is around 1 to 2 tablespoons of vinegar. They dilute it in water right before the meal.

What Do The Studies Say?

The US Department of Agriculture states that vinegars contain a substance called mother which has strands of proteins, enzymes, and friendly bacteria. These are mostly found in organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar. They have a murky appearance.

As per the National Library of Medicine's research paper, titled Antimicrobial activity of apple cider vinegar against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans; downregulating cytokine and microbial protein expression, vinegar can also help kill pathogens, including strains of bacteria.

People have also traditionally used vinegar for cleaning and disinfecting, treating nail fungus, lice, warts, and ear infections.

In fact, Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, used vinegar to clean wounds more than 2,000 years ago.

A 2021 study Antibacterial apple cider vinegar eradicates methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus and resistant Escherichia coli, also reveals that vinegar can be used as a great food preservative, as it inhibits bacteria like E.coli from spoiling food. This is why in Japanese cuisine, vinegar is also used as cooking ingredient.

As per a 2019 clinical trial, titled The effect of apple vinegar consumption on glycemic indices, blood pressure, oxidative stress, and homocysteine in patients with type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia: A randomized controlled clinical trial, vinegar consumption could have beneficial effects on the glycemic index and oxidative stress in individuals with diabetes and dyslipidemia. This could help lower blood sugar levels and manage diabetes.