Is Coffee “Cold” or “Warm”? Why It Makes Some People Jittery (and How to Find Your Perfect Cup)
When people try coffee for the first time, reactions usually fall into two camps: some feel warm all over after a cup, while others get a cool, almost refreshing sensation. That curious difference has sparked countless discussions—so is coffee “cold” or “warm” in nature? Even more puzzling: one person drinks a small afternoon cup and then lies awake until dawn, while another can drink right after dinner and fall asleep instantly. To understand why, we need to look at the subtle ways coffee interacts with the body. The Nature of Coffee: What Is It, Really? From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, coffee is considered a warming beverage. It can boost circulation and stimulate the central nervous system—which is why many people feel physically warmer after a hot cup on a chilly morning. Modern science, however, shows another side of coffee. Caffeine is a natural stimulant that temporarily increases metabolic rate, producing more body heat—this is its “warming” effect...