Introduction
It is widely known that losing weight and maintaining a healthy lifestyle requires diet and exercise. However, there is much debate about whether consuming black coffee can help with weight loss. This article looks at the facts, investigates relevant data and examines perspectives from experts to determine if drinking black coffee can make you lose weight.
Black Coffee & Weight Loss
Black coffee by itself isn’t magical and won’t help you shed pounds all on its own. However, research suggests that it may help boost weight loss results when consumed in moderation and part of a healthy diet.
Coffee contains substances called polyphenols which can trigger thermogenesis, the process of burning calories and fat to generate heat. Studies suggest that the caffeine content in as little as one cup of black coffee can increase thermogenesis and overall metabolism by up three to four percent.
Another study conducted at the University of Copenhagen in 2015 showed that drinking black coffee can help reduce appetite and stimulate ‘brown fat’, a type of fat which is less visible but helps regulate body temperature and energy levels.
Moderation & Healthy Diet
However, like any product, the key with black coffee is to consume it in moderation and consume it in combination with one’s regular diet. Many health experts suggest sticking to one to two cups a day and combining this with a well-rounded diet alongside regular exercise to ensure one sees positive health and weight results.
This becomes especially important if one adds external substances such as sugar or creamers to their coffee. These added substances undoubtedly take away any potential health benefits one may receive from the simple drink itself.
Personality & Health Background
Furthermore, there are additional factors to consider when determining whether drinking black coffee can help one lose weight. For example, one’s personality traits such as their eating and exercise habits as well as their health background should also be taken into account. Specific health conditions and risks may actually decrease any health benefits. Additionally, caffeinedism, the term used to describe a person’s sensitivity to caffeine, should also be taken into account when adding black coffee to one’s diet.
Other Health Benefits
Although this article focuses primarily on weight loss, drinking black coffee can provide many other health benefits as well. Dr. Rob van Dam from the School of Public Health at Harvard University discusses that black coffee can significantly lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, studies by the American Heart Association link drinking black coffee to lower risks of stroke, heart disease and cardiovascular issues.
Diuretic Properties
Notwithstanding, black coffee can also be a potential diuretic. This means that it improves the body’s ability to produce urine potentially leading to dehydration if consumed improperly. Although, by drinking only a moderate amount and accompanying it with an adequate amount of hydrating liquids, one can avoid any potential losses of key nutrients and vitamins.
Nutritional Information
It is important to remember that black coffee itself contains minimal nutritional values. This means that it shouldn’t be the sole source in one’s diet and cannot provide many vitamins and minerals that the body needs. Overall, it has virtually no calories and is a good source of antioxidants which improve your overall well-being.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to assessing whether drinking black coffee helps with weight loss, the answer is not black and white. As evident in this article, there are many factors one should consider when adopting black coffee into one’s diet. Ultimately, drinking black coffee as part of a healthy diet, in combination with regular exercise, may help boost potential health and weight benefits.
