Are you a caffeine addict? Here are better ways to start your day

Studies suggest matcha supports heart health, improve brain function, and help with weight management

- Tavishi Dogra

For many people, that first cup of coffee is a morning ritual. But having caffeine the moment you wake up, especially on an empty stomach, can disrupt your body more than you think.

Coffee has benefits, but drinking it immediately after waking may interfere with your natural cortisol cycle. “Cortisol is a hormone that helps control your energy levels, blood pressure, and stress response,” shares nutritionist Deepika Vasudevan. Too much caffeine early in the day can make you more dependent on it for alertness.