Should you drink coffee and eat nuts instead of cake? The answer will surprise you. If coffee contains substances that reduce the absorption of important nutrients, why bother eating something healthy at all? Maybe we should stick with our legendary cake, a habit of years, rather than switching and gaining nothing?

This question also arose from one of our listeners, who was wondering if there’s any reason to eat nuts with coffee. Let’s start with the bottom line – it’s true that coffee contains substances that reduce the absorption of minerals from food.

Research in this area has mainly focused on the minerals calcium and iron, but it is also true for other minerals like zinc and magnesium. Drinking coffee after a meal that included meat significantly reduced the absorption of iron from the meat in that meal, and in the long term, it led to anemia and weakness.

Is it better to have cake or nuts and coffee? (credit: INGIMAGE)
Is it better to have cake or nuts and coffee? (credit: INGIMAGE)
In the area of bone health, past studies have shown that coffee also contains substances that slightly reduce calcium absorption in our bones. Does this mean we should avoid drinking coffee after a meat meal? Yes, it’s better to wait at least two and a half hours to maximize iron absorption, especially if you have low hemoglobin.

But does this mean you shouldn’t eat nuts with coffee? In my opinion, there’s no need to overdo it. After all, we’re talking about the healthiest snack there is, with a low glycemic index, quality proteins, vitamin E, lots of B vitamins, and yes – also a high amount of minerals, some of which may not be absorbed if eaten with coffee at the same time.

But – there’s no doubt that nuts are better than cake, any cake you choose. Nuts will always be a healthier, more natural, and better option.