Drinking coffee immediately after breakfast is a routine that many people cannot avoid, but experts suggest that this habit can affect the way the body absorbs some important minerals, especially iron.

According to nutritionists, coffee and black tea contain natural substances called tannins, which can hinder the absorption of iron during the digestive process. This happens because tannins bind to iron taken from food and make it more difficult for it to pass into the blood.

The impact is especially noticeable in non-heme iron, which is mainly found in plant-based foods such as spinach, beans, cereals or green vegetables. If coffee is consumed too close to meals, the body may not benefit from the necessary amount of iron from these foods.

Experts warn that over time this may affect the levels of iron in the body, especially in people who have a predisposition to iron deficiency or anemia.

Another combination that is recommended to be avoided is that between iron and calcium. Dairy products, such as milk or cheese, can compete with iron during absorption in the intestines and reduce its effectiveness, Oranews reports, KosovaPress reports.

For this reason, specialists advise that coffee, tea and foods rich in calcium be consumed at least one or two hours away from main meals, so that the body can absorb iron and other important minerals as well as possible.

Source: prizrenpost