Drinking a cup of coffee first thing in the morning may cause side effects such as a high level of stress, according to Forbes.

The U.S.-based media outlet reported a study concluding that a hormone called cortisol, which makes one feel alert and awake, is secreted in the morning. The peak production of cortisol occurs between 8 and 9 a.m., according to research gathered by Steven Miller, a Ph.D. candidate at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda.

Cortisol is considered a stress-related hormone. At the time that many people are having their first cup of coffee, their bodies are naturally caffeinating. Caffeine consumption at times of peak cortisol levels reduces the effectiveness of the additional stimulation, according to the report.

The level of cortisol reduces between 1:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. It is recommend to drink a cup of coffee at that time.

By Lee Shin-young, Intern reporter
(sylee@heraldcopr.com)