Coffee Beans

Is coffee good for weight loss?

Caffeine may be integral to your morning routine, but is coffee good for weight loss?

If you rely on your caffeine fix to get you through the daily grind, you’re not alone — but is coffee good for weight loss? Coffee is certainly the most popular psychoactive substance in the world and there’s evidence in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition(opens in new tab) to suggest it boosts concentration and enhances workout performance. But what other positive benefits are there? 

While some research evidence (opens in new tab) suggests caffeine may modestly reduce appetite and boost metabolism, the overall picture is complex. Many studies are small-scale, so it’s challenging to draw definitive conclusions. 

There is also significant variation depending on how you take your coffee – a flavored latte is likely to be a lot higher in calories than an espresso, for example. Caffeine supplements are often concentrated, too, which carries the risk of side effects such as insomnia, restlessness, increased heart rate and nausea.

So, with all this contradictory information, you may well ask: “is coffee good for weight loss?” To answer this question, we’ve asked experts and sifted through the science about coffee’s influence on weight. You’ll also learn about the science behind caffeine pills as we filter the science from the hype. The best smart scales can also be helpful to track your progress, with high-tech insights into body composition.

Black Coffee

First of all, it’s important to address how weight is lost. Although factors like hormones and age play a role, ultimately it is through eating a well balanced diet. According to the CDC(opens in new tab), you will likely see maximum results by focusing on a nutrient-dense diet and portion control while upping your exercise. Since black coffee contains negligible calories, you can still enjoy it in moderation as part of your plan. 

But while coffee may play a role in boosting your metabolism and reducing your appetite, the jury’s out on the extent of the impact. Research(opens in new tab) also shows that caffeine affects individuals differently, making it tricky to generalize its effects. Things you need to know about drinking coffee to stay healthy and fit

There can be nothing better than a warm cup of coffee on on a cold winter morning. It helps us wake up, energizes us immediately and helps us to concentrate- all the reasons that make it one of the most popular beverages across the globe. Another fact about coffee is that excessive intake can contribute to dehydration, insomnia and restlessness. It can also lead to weight gain or hamper your weight loss plan if not prepared or consumed correctly. Here are 5 things you need to know about drinking coffee to stay healthy and fit.

​Skip sugar

If you intend to lose weight or want to stay on track, avoid sugar. By sugar we don't only mean white sugar, but brown sugar is equally unhealthy. Sugar contains empty calories and also has no nutrients. Having it does not support your health in anyway. In fact, it just raises the calorie count of the drink and disrupts your diet plans. Sugar can also lead to an energy crash, making you feel lethargic. Have your coffee without sugar or add a teaspoon of jaggery to it.

​Avoid cream

To make your coffee healthier, avoid adding cream to it. Even sprinkles and syrups should be added in limited quantities. These toppings are also loaded with refined sugar. So, avoiding sugar and adding these toppings will not benefit you much. If you are ordering coffee in some cafe, make sure to give proper instructions before placing the order.

​Do not drink too much

Coffee may boost metabolism and help you burn some extra calories. But too much intake of it can also misfire badly. Ideally, a person should not have more than 2 cups (250 ml) of caffeine in a day. Anything beyond this may contribute to abdominal pain, seizures, increased blood acid levels, irregular or fast heartbeat, and reduced blood flow to the heart.

​Too much milk

Milk is healthy and even aids weight loss, but too much of it in your coffee isn't a good idea. When trying to shed kilos it is better to have black coffee. Coffee brewed in plain water without milk helps to boost your metabolism and energizes you without increasing the calorie count. If you do not like black coffee, try to add only 3-4 teaspoons of milk to your cup to improve the taste.

​Avoid caffeine after 2 pm

People often brew a cup of coffee to get rid of the midday slump. A cup of strong coffee in a day can help to energize and increase the concentration level. But drinking coffee after 2 pm may interfere with your sleep and keep you awake till late at night. It may even impact your brain functioning. If you want to drink coffee post-lunch opt for decaf.