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Journalism of Courage
In Italy, cappuccino is more than a coffee choice—it is a cultural tradition. Unlike in many countries where cappuccino is ordered throughout the day, Italians reserve it strictly for the morning, typically at breakfast alongside a pastry. The belief is that cappuccino, with its frothy milk base, is a filling drink and therefore unsuitable after lunch or dinner.
Clinical dietitian and diabetes educator Malvika Fulwani added that dairy can indeed cause discomfort, especially if someone is lactose intolerant. According to her, while a cappuccino won’t inhibit digestion, it might cause bloating or poor sleep, especially when consumed on a full stomach.
“Contrarily, coffee does stimulate digestion, boosting gastric acid, bile and pancreatic secretions, and colon motility, thus promoting processes like bowel movement. However, the addition of milk may counterbalance these benefits,” she said.
According to Deepalakshmi, registered dietitian at Shree Balaji Medical Centre, Chennai, one of the main reasons behind the Italian custom lies in digestion. Espresso, in particular, is considered to help stimulate digestion and metabolism, making it the more natural choice. However, cappuccino is a milk heavy beverage, and concerns surrounding digestion come to mind.
“A traditional Italian meal is already rich and hearty, and adding a milk-heavy beverage afterward is thought to burden the stomach, causing bloating and discomfort. Instead, Italians prefer espresso or macchiato after meals, which provide a caffeine lift without the heaviness of milk,” she explained.
From a nutritional standpoint, Deepalakshmi said there is no hard scientific rule that milk must be avoided after meals. However, many adults have some degree of lactose intolerance, which can make milk-based drinks more difficult to digest, especially when combined with a heavy meal. “The caffeine in cappuccino, taken late in the day, may also interfere with sleep for sensitive individuals. These health considerations add weight to the cultural reasoning that cappuccino is best left for the morning,” she said.
Ultimately, avoiding cappuccino after meals is both a matter of tradition and practicality. While there is nothing inherently harmful about enjoying one later in the day, Deepalakshmi said that Italians see it as out of place and even a marker of being a tourist. “For those wishing to follow local custom, and to avoid digestive discomfort, cappuccino belongs at breakfast, while espresso remains the drink of choice after lunch or dinner,” she said.
Veena V, Chief Clinical Dietician, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru, coffee can interfere with the absorption of certain nutrients, particularly iron. In the short term, you may feel jittery, anxious, suffer from insomnia, an upset stomach, or even nausea and vomiting. Your heart rate and blood pressure will spike. This is primarily due to compounds in coffee called polyphenols, which can bind to iron, making it harder for your body to absorb.
“Two cups of coffee daily is generally considered safe for most people and may even offer some health benefits, experts say, but it can come at the cost of nutrient absorption in the body,” she highlighted.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
