How Coffee Can Aid in Weight Loss
The Importance of Coffee in a Weight Loss Strategy
It’s no secret that diet and exercise play a key role in any successful weight loss journey. However, experts suggest that there might be another tool in your arsenal that doesn’t require intense physical exertion but can still help you shed those extra pounds.
The Ideal Amount of Coffee for Weight Loss
According to nutrition experts, The Nutrition Twins®, consuming 200 to 400 mg of caffeine per day can be beneficial for weight loss. This equates to approximately two to five cups of coffee depending on your size. The guideline set by The Nutrition Twins aligns with a study conducted by Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health, which found that four cups of coffee per day can lower body fat by approximately 4%.
The Science Behind Coffee’s Fat-Burning Properties
When it comes to weight loss, caffeine has thermogenic effects that can help boost your metabolism, resulting in increased calorie burn. Several studies have also shown that coffee can decrease body mass index (BMI), body weight, and body fat. Additionally, coffee has appetite-curbing effects and can help reduce hunger. Coffee contains chlorogenic acid that aids in fat burning and might also slow down carbohydrate absorption.
Beware of Calories in Your Coffee
It’s important to note that coffee’s weight loss benefits can easily be negated by the addition of cream, whole milk, or sugar. Research published in Clinical Nutrition found that while a cup of coffee can aid in weight loss, adding just a teaspoon of sugar negates its benefits. To fully enjoy the potential weight loss effects of coffee, it’s best to consume it black or with minimal additives.
Source: Research studies conducted by The Nutrition Twins® and Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health
