Origin of Coffee and its Pros & Cons
Coffee is probably one of the world’s most widely loved beverages. It was originally popularised by the Ethiopians, who discovered its peculiar effects in 500AD and spread the practice of drinking it to the rest of the world. What makes the beverage so popular and the center of many people’s lives is the unique stimulating chemicals it contains – including caffeine, antioxidants, and chlorogenic acid.
The health benefits of drinking coffee are widely discussed. Caffeine has been associated with enhanced mental focus and alertness, as well as positive metabolism boosting attributes. Antioxidants have been connected to better cell health and anti-inflammatory properties, and chlorogenic acid is known for regulating blood glucose levels. However, with these benefits come potential risks that are often overlooked. This leads us to an important question: does drinking too much coffee cause weight gain?
Effects of Too Much Coffee on Weight Gain
The impact of coffee on weight has been a very controversial topic, with conflicting evidence and opinions from health professionals. To get a clearer understanding, two experts in health nutrition were consulted on the matter. Kristie Leong, M.D., a physician and nutrition consultant, states that it’s “possible to gain weight if someone consumes too much coffee and caffeine.” She explains that if the consumption of coffee exceeds the body’s daily metabolic requirements, then it could cause the body to store the excess energy as body fat.
John Morris, an expert in nutrition sciences from the University of Western Australia, has a slightly different opinion. He argues that although “coffee increases the metabolism and burns off calories more efficiently,” too much coffee can cause weight gain due to its digestive suppressing effects. He states that coffee can decrease hunger, resulting in fewer consumption of healthy food items, and therefore cause weight gain.
More Reasons Weight Gain can Result from Drinking Too Much Coffee
Furthermore, coffee is often consumed alongside sugary items such as cakes, cookies, or candies – especially if the coffee is purchased at a local cafe. It might be the case that the calories gained from the sugary items are the main cause of weight gain. In this instance, coffee is only a side effect and not the primary cause of weight gain.
However, one other factor to consider is the amount of coffee consumed per day. Studies continue to show that on average, an adult should consume no more than 400mg of caffeine per day to lower the risk of undesirable side effects such as dizziness, headaches, irritability, increased heart rate and palpitations. Therefore, drinking more than this quantity of coffee per day without sufficient control would easily result in weight gain.
Finally, although drinking too much coffee does not directly and exclusively cause weight gain, the high calorie intake that comes from drinking coffee with cream, sugar, and extra whipped cream can be a possible contributing factor. It is this combination of sugary items and excessive caffeine that might cause the body weight to spike.
Caffeine Sources Other than Coffee
It is also possible to gain equivalent benefits of caffeine through other sources such as tea and soda, or even supplements such as Theacrine and Yohimbine. These sources are easier to control, and may have lesser impact on weight gain compared to coffee, providing an alternative to those who certainly cannot see themselves giving up the beverage completely.
Other studies have also shown that the effect of coffee on weight gain is even less pronounced among people who are physically active, as the increased energy helps burn off excess calories. Albeit, the amount and intensity of physical activities is significant, and so it is still recommended for people to be aware and monitor their caffeine intake.
Practical Advice to Only Enjoy Coffee in Moderation
When enjoyed in moderation, the risk of weight gain from coffee is greatly reduced. It is possible to reap the rewards of enhanced alertness from caffeine without facing any undesired effects. This could include planning the times of day to drink coffee, limiting the number of cups and controlling the sugary items or sweeteners added.
Having a clear understanding of the effects of coffee on human health and body weight is essential in order to make informed time- and health-conscious decisions.
Miscellaneous Effects of Caffeine on Health
It is important to be aware of other effects of caffeine. Even at moderate amounts, it can cause a number of side effects such as insomnia, gastrointestinal problems, and increased anxiety. This is why it is essential to only drink it in moderation and to seek professional medical advice if experiencing any dizziness, palpitations, or other worrying symptoms.
Similarly, studies on the effects of caffeine for pregnant women appear to be unresolved. While some suggest that caffeine can restrict fetal growth and increase the risk of low birth weight, experts still vary on their opinion.
Conclusion: Drinking Too Much Coffee May Lead to Weight Gain
In summary, drinking too much coffee may lead to weight gain if coupled with high calorie food items. However, this does not necessarily mean one should avoid drinking coffee altogether since most of its health benefits can also be obtained from other sources such as tea and soda. The key is to ensure consumption of coffee is regulated, and moderate amounts are enjoyed to reap its full potential.
