While we’re fortunate that coffee has a number of positive sides, it’s also renowned for causing weight gain. So, as you might expect, there’s some conflicting research on this subject. Can you lose weight by drinking coffee? Let’s take a look.
Coffee And Weight Gain
It’s long been known that coffee has the potential to increase weight. For instance, one study from Australia found that adults who consumed more than three cups of coffee per day were more likely to have higher body-mass indexes (BMI’s) than those who drank fewer cups. The same seems to be true in the United States: according to the researchers at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, those who consume more than four cups of coffee per day are more likely to have higher BMIs than those who consume fewer cups.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that all coffee consumers are headed for obesity. In fact, studies have repeatedly shown that those who drink coffee usually manage their weight quite well. Even so, it still doesn’t hurt to know the downsides of coffee consumption. Especially since they’re potentially so significant.
Coffee And Diabetes
As we’ve established, coffee has the potential to cause weight gain. This is especially problematic for diabetics, as weight gain often leads to poorly controlled blood glucose levels, which in turn, can trigger diabetic symptoms and possibly even damage your eyesight. Fortunately, coffee’s bad reputation as a weight gain inducer usually doesn’t apply to those with type 2 diabetes. The same goes for hypertensives (those with high blood pressure) and heart disease sufferers. Studies have shown that coffee consumption doesn’t increase their risk of death nearly as much as you might think it does.
However, in general, coffee consumption is still linked to an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes. In fact, the American Heart Association recommends that diabetics avoid coffee because of its potentially adverse effects on their health. If you’re a diabetic and are considering consuming coffee, it’s important to keep in mind that it doesn’t have to be very hot to be poisonous. It should be noted that coffee’s ability to cause Type 2 diabetes is probably genetic; studies have shown that people with a family history of the disease are more likely to develop it after drinking coffee. This is also why it’s important to limit yourself to one or two cups per day, especially if you’re a diabetic. The same goes for those trying to drop a few pounds: it’s better to avoid coffee if you want to lose weight.
To reiterate, coffee’s ability to increase weight gain is more common among those who consume it daily. But even those who have only had coffee a few times a week have been shown to gain more weight than those who drink very little or no coffee at all. This simply proves that coffee isn’t food and can’t be converted to energy the same way food can. The bottom line is this: if you’re trying to lose weight, coffee isn’t the best choice. There are plenty of healthier foods that provide the same caffeine boost. Like green tea, for example.
Coffee And Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is another condition that’s been shown to be adversely affected by coffee consumption. Many patients who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s report that their mental decline is made worse by caffeine. They feel that it stimulates their minds too much and makes it harder for them to focus. This is despite the fact that coffee is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
There are a few different theories as to why coffee may increase your risk of developing Alzheimer’s. One of the most accepted ones is that caffeinated coffee directly affects the formation of amyloid plaques in the brain. These are the protein deposits that form the basis of Alzheimer’s disease. Caffeine is also known to increase the amount of acetylcholinesterase in the brain, which in turn, increases the degradation of serotonin and dopamine. Serotonin and dopamine are both neurotransmitters (substances that transmit messages between neurons) that are essential for healthy mental functioning. When these neurotransmitters are not functioning properly, patients can experience problems associated with Alzheimer’s disease, including cognitive impairment, mood swings, and anxiety.
Alzheimer’s disease is a tragic condition that affects millions of people around the world. If you’re at risk of developing the disease, try to limit your coffee intake. Not only will it help protect your mental health, but it may also help reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. If you’re going to have coffee anyway, it’s preferable to have it black or no sugar added.
In general, coffee has a bad reputation when it comes to weight gain. But, as we’ve established, it’s not always bad news. While coffee has the potential to increase your weight, it doesn’t always do so. If you’re looking for a healthier option, there are plenty of alternatives. Like green tea, for example.