Many people drink coffee for the caffeine boost, ordering it in restaurants, making it at home, or pouring cups during the workday. According to a recent survey, 64% of Americans drink a cup of the brew daily. Although caffeine can help burn fat and increase energy levels, there are harmful habits that could cause illnesses later. To keep you healthy, here are a few tips for drinking the popular beverage.

Tips for Healthier Coffee Consumption

1. Sip Slowly

Gulping down a cup of joe quickly sends a jolt of caffeine to your system. As a result, you could feel jittery, or your heart could race. So that your body has time to process the caffeine intake, sip on the brew instead.

2. Eat Food First

Drinking coffee on an empty stomach could cause blood sugar levels to skyrocket. When this happens, your cells can’t use blood sugar for energy. When blood sugar levels are too high, you may feel sluggish and could develop a headache. To avoid these problems, eat healthy fats, such as those found in avocados, nuts, or eggs. The food helps regulate blood sugar levels.

3. Skip the Sugar & Artificial Creamers

Similar to drinking sodas and fruit juices, loading your coffee with too much sugar creates bacteria in the mouth that breaks down tooth enamel. The fructose in sweeteners could also cause obesity problems, so use agave nectar instead. It’s a natural sweetener that won’t raise blood glucose levels too much. Stay away from low-fat and artificial creamers, too, as they could also contain a lot of sugar and other harmful ingredients.

4. Only Drink in the Morning

Limit your coffee intake to the morning or early afternoon. Caffeine remains in your system for a while, so drinking a cup in the late afternoon or early evening could have you tossing and turning in bed all night. If your brain doesn’t get a chance to rest, it’s hard to remain energized and focused the next day.

If you’re craving a cup of piping hot coffee and delectable fare to go with it, visit Belgian Waffle & Pancake House in Branson, MO. Open April through December, the family restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors for its Belgian waffles, pancakes, and other breakfast staples. For lunch, diners can choose from a smorgasbord of mouthwatering sandwiches, including the Reuben classic, French dip supreme, and breaded pork tenderloin. To learn more about the menu, call (417) 334-8484 or visit them online. Read customer reviews on Facebook.