This refreshing and energy-boosting elixir makes for one of the most revered beverages. While it is deemed as one of the best ways to kick-start your day, it is also blamed for packing up calories in your body. But, what is it that can be a plausible reason of gaining weight? We find out.
What Does Coffee Do To Your Body?
Coffee contains a component called caffeine that is said to have various effects on your body. Caffeine is a natural stimulant that is also found in tea, soft drinks, ice-creams, chocolates, et al. It is known to work by stimulating the brain and central nervous system that helps you to stay alert and boost your energy levels. Basically, when you consume coffee, the caffeine is immediately absorbed from the gut into the bloodstream. According to a report published in the Journal of Food Science, approximately 80 percent of the world's population consumes a caffeinated product every day.
Does Coffee Induce Weight Gain?
Adding milk and sugar to your
coffee may induce weight gain; unlike black coffee, which has fewer calories. According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, getting extra caffeine in your diet is more likely to lead to weight loss than weight gain. The reason is that caffeine may slightly increase your metabolism, further reducing the number of calories you eat. According to a study published in the Journal Obesity, participants in the study who drank a moderate amount of coffee ate less during the day as compared to those who consumed a smaller amount of coffee.
According to Dietitian and Nutritionist Parmeet Kaur, "Black coffee may increase your body metabolism and the rate of calorie burn leading to a weight loss. Caffeine is an energy booster, which helps you work harder for longer time. It's a calorie-burning effect after the meal as the body's ability to break down large food particles into the smaller ones, known as fat oxidation resulting into decreased weight."
The only drawback that caffeine may have is its extremely bitter taste, which compels people to add sugar and milk to balance it out. This in turn can completely reverse the positive effects that caffeine may have to offer. Adding more sugar will only mean adding up on calories, thereby causing weight gain.
How Much Coffee Should One Ideally Have In A Day?
According to Parmeet Kaur, "Caffeine shouldn't be overdosed. It is important to stick to just two to three cups of coffee per day. In fact, you can kick-start your day with black coffee to boost your energy levels." As per the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, your caffeine consumption should be limited to a moderate amount, somewhere around 100 and 200 milligrams per day. Excessive intake of caffeine may cause vomiting, irritability, nausea, headaches, bloating and drowsiness.
While
coffee may be a good way to lose weight along with exercises and healthy diet, it is not recommended to add milk or sugar to it. Make sure you do not overdo on your caffeine fix; you don't want to see yourself bloating.