Should I Drink Coffee Without Sugar

Benefits Of Drinking Coffee Without Sugar

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages around the world – it contains caffeine, which helps to energize the drinker and, consequently, can improve concentration and alertness. Generally, coffee has traditionally been served with a generous helping of sugar, but the debate has been raging recently: should coffee drinkers opt for a sugar-free alternative? This article will explore the advantages and disadvantages of drinking coffee without sugar, so read on to get an informed opinion on the topic.

Caffeine Boost

Without added sugar, coffee drinkers will experience a concentrated form of caffeine, which is the only stimulant in coffee. Caffeine acts on the adrenal system, increasing alertness and focus, and providing a mild energy boost throughout the day. This can be beneficial to those looking to increase their productivity and focus, especially those who are sensitive to sugar.

Weight Loss

Sugar is a caloric substance, providing around 4.2 calories per gram. Given that coffee drinks can contain up to 40 grams of sugar, this could amount to a significant proportion of an individual’s daily calorie intake. By avoiding these sugar calories, coffee-drinkers could reduce their overall calorie intake, which might lead to weight loss.

No Sugar Crash

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When a drink containing sugar is consumed, the body will receive a sudden boost of energy, followed by a crash when the sugar levels drop. This can result in a ‘sugar hangover’, leaving the drinker feeling fatigued and worse off than before. By avoiding added sugars, coffee drinkers will miss out on this rollercoaster effect and will experience a more sustainable caffeine hit.

Reduced Blood Glucose Levels

Drinking coffee with sugar can no doubt be an enjoyable experience, with the added sweetness making the drink more palatable. However, due to the added sugar, such drinks can have a dramatic effect on blood glucose levels, leading to a significant rise in insulin and an increased risk of diabetes if consumed frequently. Drinking unsweetened coffee, however, can help avoid such a scenario.

Drawbacks To Drinking Coffee Without Sugar

Like most things in life, there are also drawbacks to drinking coffee without sugar, which can be just as important as the advantages when trying to come to an informed decision.

Taste

For many, coffee without added sugar can taste acidic or even bitter. Furthermore, without the added sweetness, it is possible that the flavor of ground coffee beans is harder to discern, resulting in a drink which is much less palatable.

Jitters

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For some, the concentrated hit of caffeine can cause a stronger feeling of anxiousness or ‘the jitters’. On top of that, as mentioned previously, caffeine acts directly on the adrenaline system, causing a surge in energy. This can be worse for weak coffee drinkers and those who are not used to drinking significant amounts of caffeine.

Caffeine Overload

Although sugar-free coffee may have health benefits, the highly-concentrated caffeine can be too much for those with sensitive metabolisms, leading to an overload of caffeine in their system. This can lead to physical and mental side-effects such as worry, heart-palpitations, or even insomnia.

Medical Advice

Before making a decision, consult your doctor. He or she will be able to provide the best advice for your particular situation.

Alternative Options

If you are concerned about the taste or the health risks involved with drinking sugar-free coffee, it is possible to opt for sugar-free sugar alternatives. These artificial sweeteners provide the sweetness of sugar-based alternatives such as white sugar, honey, and so on, but don’t have the same health implications and all-around negative implications when over-consumed. These sweeteners can often provide a better-tasting, more enjoyable alternative to plain, unsweetened coffee.

Familiarity With Caffeine

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If you are new to caffeine, it is important to take caution and take your time to build up a tolerance to the stimulant. Taking on a higher percentage of caffeine than you are used to can bring on unnecessary side-effects. It is much safer to build your tolerance slowly and, over time, develop a familiarity with caffeine.

What The Experts Say

Whilst exploring different sides of the debate, it is helpful to consider the expert opinion on the matter. Generally, experts suggest that coffee should not be sweetened with a large amount of sugar and that a small amount of sugar, artificial sweetener, or one of the other alternatives will provide the best balance of health and flavor.

Personal Opinion

Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide whether or not to drink coffee without sugar. It may be the best option for those who are looking for a more sustainable energy boost, those seeking weight loss, and those who are sensitive to sugar. For those seeking the best balance of flavor and health, some sugar alternatives such as artificial sweeteners may be a better option. Additionally, it is wise to stay familiar with one’s caffeine intake and, when starting out, to take it slow and increase the dosage over time.