Black coffee is a popular choice of beverage among people on a fasting regimen. Made from roasted and ground coffee beans, the beverage is relatively calorie-free and helps with suppressing hunger pangs. However, is it an adequate enough substitute to stay true to the principles of the fast? Let’s take a closer look.
It is important to note the distinction between intermittent fasting and extended fasting. Intermittent fasting involves periods of eating and periods of fasting, usually within a sixteen-eighteen hour time frame for most people. This includes having coffee with cream during the fast. On the other hand, extended fasting refers to a strict diet, abstaining from all food and liquid consumption except for one’s own urine and water for an extended period of time. It is to be noted that drinking black coffee when fasting is not recommended during extended fasts.
Drinking black coffee during intermittent fasts, however, is totally acceptable and even recommended by some healthcare professionals. Since black coffee has a minimal amount of calories and added sugar, it does not break the fast. This makes it a beneficial drink when fasting, as it can still create a slight feeling of satiety in the stomach and prevents hunger pangs. Black coffee is rich in many antioxidants like Chlorogenic Acid, which helps boost the metabolic rate.
When consuming black coffee while fasting, it is important to listen to your body and find out what’s right for you. Too much coffee can cause distress in the stomach and irritation in the arteries. It is best to drink in moderation – not more than one cup of black coffee per day while fasting. People who are sensitive to the effects of caffeine, it is best to avoid it or stick to decaffeinated coffee.
Cancer Prevention and Coffee
The American Institute for Cancer Research indicates that black coffee has a beneficial role to play in cancer prevention. Regular and moderate consumption of black coffee can reduce the risk of esophageal, colorectal, and liver cancer by fifty per cent. The antioxidant-rich black coffee also boosts the body’s resistance against inflammation and inflammation-related cancers.
Coffee and Fasting: Pros and Cons
For those following an intermittent fasting program, black coffee can help stay satiated while providing necessary nutritional benefits. Consuming black coffee while fasting can also help reduce sugar cravings and give temporary energy boosts, which can help with increased physical and mental alertness. While drinking black coffee while fasting can bring about some benefits, excessive consumption of it is not recommended and can result in gastrointestinal issues.
Blood Glucose & Insulin Levels
While following a fasting program, it is important to closely monitor one’s blood glucose and insulin levels. As black coffee is low in carbohydrates and has a low glycemic index, it is considered quite suitable and beneficial when drinking while fasting. It is important to note though, that adding creams and sugars can increase insulin levels, thereby breaking the fast.
Side Effects of Coffee
It is important to stay mindful of the potential side effects of black coffee. Regardless of consuming it while fasting or not, too much caffeine can lead to feelings of restlessness and anxiety, stomach issues, and a rapid heartbeat. For people with any pre-existing conditions or a caffeine intolerance, black coffee may not be a suitable option.
Conclusion
In conclusion, drinking black coffee during an intermittent fast can be beneficial for some people. It can help suppress hunger pangs, increase energy, and reduce sugar cravings. Yet, it is still essential to listen to the body’s needs and tolerance for coffee before incorporating it into a fasting regime. Reduced consumption if needed, and avoiding the consumption of black coffee during extended fasts are also measures to consider.
