Dr Michael Mosley has urged coffee drinkers to make two key changes to their morning routine to avoid tooth damage and increased levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Taking to his Instagram account, The Fast 800 programme founder explained the change millions of Brits should make.
Writing on his account, he said: "If you were going to change just one thing about your morning coffee what should it be? It's actually two things!
"Firstly drink your coffee after brushing your teeth, rather than before. This way you are less likely to damage and stain your teeth.
"This is because coffee is acid and weaken your enamel. If you brush your teeth immediately after drinking it is like applying sandpaper; it causes micro-abrasions."
Secondly, Dr Mosley says that drinking coffee immediately after walking up and wandering to the kitchen is not a good idea. He said: "Drinking coffee first thing is not great for your body. So Wait.
"If we sleep badly we reach for a coffee but this is bad for your body because poor sleep raises levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which can then push your blood sugar levels up to unhealthy highs." This is why the doctor himself says he waits until later on in the morning before having his first cup.
Speaking to the BBC, Dr Mosley said that when he first wakes up, he does a routine of press-ups, squats, sit-ups and the "dreaded plank", then walks his dog. It's only on his return when he has his first cup of coffee, which is normally without any milk of sugar.
Writing for the BBC's Science Focus, Dr Mosley went on to explain the multiple health benefits of drinking coffee. Quoting a huge review of more than 220 studies published in the British Medical Journal, Dr Mosley said: "Drinking coffee was associated with a significantly lower risk of heart disease and cancer, possibly because it's rich in antioxidants and other anti-inflammatory compounds."
The health guru added that coffee drinking was also associated with a lower rate of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease and the best 'dose' is between two and five cups. Health benefits are also present with tea drinkers, but the results in studies were clearer for those who preferred coffee.
