Hello, people!
Many people approach me to ask about the effects of coffee on health so, here you go! If you feel thankful, feel free to lose 1lb this month in appreciation, you are welcome.
Coffee is chock full of substances that may help guard against conditions more common in women, including Alzheimer’s disease and heart disease. Coffee also contains antioxidants and other active substances that may reduce internal inflammation and protect against disease. Caffeine has a ‘protective effect’ on Parkinson’s disease risk in a large prospective cohort, according to a study published in Neurology journal.
Coffee can also act as an appetite suppressant for some people. In fact, studies show that drinking coffee up to four hours before a meal can decrease energy intake. Coffee also stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, a branch of the autonomic nervous system that has been shown to reduce hunger and increase satiety. This explains why many people may find that drinking a cup or two of coffee in the morning with breakfast can keep them going until lunch. Chlorogenic acid, a compound found in coffee beans, has been shown to boost fat metabolism in test-tube studies. While it’s not completely clear how it works, chlorogenic acid is thought to regulate certain enzymes and pathways involved in fat accumulation, thereby reducing body fat.
Does decaf count?
If weight loss is your goal, it may be a good idea to keep the caffeine in your coffee. According to Crouch, decaf coffee doesn’t boast the same calorie-burning, appetite-suppressing characteristics as caffeinated drinks.
However, she also points out that decaf may offer some other benefits, as it’s rich in chlorogenic acid
Loading your coffee with cream and sugar
High-calorie syrups and sweeteners can quickly negate many of the benefits that coffee brings to the table. Popular drinks at coffee chains like frappuccinos, sugary lattes, or iced mochas are also loaded with extra calories and unlikely to help with weight loss.
Spruce your Coffee
If black coffee is too bland or bitter for you, instead of sugar and heavy cream, coffee can be upgraded by adding some coconut oil, collagen, plant milk, cinnamon, cocoa and turmeric!
TAKE-HOME:
Coffee, in moderation, is beneficial to cardiac, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease and general health. Be careful and consult your RD or MD if you have history of heart disease, liver/kidney disease, or any other health issues for individualized guidelines. Also, be mindful of commercial “fancy” coffee that is loaded with sugar and its derivatives, heavy cream and whole milk.
Finally, just like any good thing, excess can be harmful. Practice moderation at all times.
Read More:
Caffeine and Parkinson’s Disease: Multiple Benefits and Emerging Mechanisms
Caffeine, coffee, and appetite control: a review – PubMed (nih.gov)
