Have you ever wondered why you always get a glass of water with your coffee, even though you didn’t order it? It turns out there’s a reason for this seemingly odd habit. Keep reading to find out where it comes from and what it means.
Serving water with coffee: Is it a custom?
If you’ve ever been to a coffee shop, you’ve probably noticed that most baristas automatically place a bottle of water in front of you along with your coffee. But have you ever wondered where this habit came from? There are several theories about the origins of this custom. According to one, cafes offered free glasses of water to encourage customers to stay and chat. This practice was particularly common in Europe, where cafes were often seen as meeting places. Another theory is that this tradition originated in Arab cafes, where customers were served a cup of coffee along with a glass of water. The water was believed to cleanse the palate and prepare the drinker for the bitter taste of coffee to come.
Even more, one theory claims that serving water with the coffee is a way to create a fuller dining experience. After all, it’s not just about the coffee itself. But also the atmosphere and the ritual of tasting a good cup of coffee. By offering water alongside coffee, cafes and restaurants can provide a more complete experience for their customers.
Whatever the reason, this tradition is now so deeply ingrained that it’s rare to see a cup of coffee without the accompanying glass of water.
From a health point of view: another discovery has been unveiled.
It turns out there are several plausible reasons behind this universal habit. First of all, coffee is a diuretic. Which means it can cause you to lose fluids faster. Drinking water at the same time as the coffee can counteract this effect and prevent dehydration. Also, many people find that coffee makes them thirsty. By having water available, you can quench your thirst before it stops you from enjoying your coffee.
Of course, other factors also come into play. When you drink coffee, the caffeine helps to raise your blood pressure and heart rate. Drinking water after coffee helps rehydrate your body and bring your blood pressure and heart rate back to normal.
Should you drink water before, during or after coffee? What is the best approach?
According to a new study, the best time to drink water is before coffee. Researchers found that participants who drank water before coffee were better hydrated, more alert, and the water caused the caffeine effect to persist. This made it possible to have a more prolonged concentration.
Other experts have assessed drinking water before coffee may help improve cognitive function. The reasoning goes like this: dehydration can lead to fatigue, which in turn can affect our ability to think clearly. By hydrating before drinking coffee, one can reduce the risk of mental fog. In addition, water can also help improve blood circulation. Providing our brain with the oxygen and nutrients it needs to function at its best.
However, the study also found that there was no difference in hydration levels between those who drank water between sips of the coffee and those who did not. While it’s always important to stay hydrated, these results suggest that drinking water before coffee may be the best way to reap the benefits of both beverages.
