Coffee and Weight Loss - Is There a Link?

Coffee has a bad reputation for being bad for you. But is it all that bad? After all, there are countries like France and Italy where people have been major coffee lovers for a long time but you don't see them dropping off like flies...

So are there any health benefits of coffee whatsoever? Well we all know its upsides, the high content of caffeine contained within it stimulates an increase in heart rate, causing you to feel more alert and awake for a period of time. It also causes the release of endorphins which makes you feel a sense of pleasure. Another little known fact is that drinking can help reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes, liver cancer and Alzheimer's. Scientific study has also shown that athletes who drank a cup of black coffee before a hard workout were able to perform with greater intensity and for longer.

On the downside, drinking too much coffee can lead to high blood pressure and high blood sugar (when consumed in its more 'accessorised' varieties). Detailed scientific studies have also shown that due the increased stress levels on the heart brought on by the caffeine contained within coffee, the drinker is at a higher risk to heart disease. Coffee is also known to be a diuretic as it dehydrates the body.

So what about the issue of coffee and weight loss? In reality the two are mutually exclusive, you can drink coffee and lose weight, after all, a black coffee with no sugar has virtually no calories. The thing which turns this drink into a pound piler is the extra stuff that people add to it i.e. sugar, milk, cream, chocolate etc. (this might sound familiar to all you caramel macchiato lovers out there!). In truth, coffee and weight loss can go hand in hand and as mentioned before, can actually aid you if you're the athletic type.

As with most things, the best way to consume coffee is in moderation. Try getting yourself into the habit of drinking a strong black coffee or espresso rather than a latte as it is far less fattening and will give you a bigger wake up call. A good quality freshly ground black coffee actually tastes great and in this form, you'll really be able to taste the difference between brands. Just make sure you keep drinking water as well!

If you enjoyed this article then check out my website at healthyeating-recipe.com/ where you can find great healthy recipe ideas and more informative articles on healthy eating and nutrition.


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