To make their day more energetic, people nowadays drink black coffee. Globally, about 21 trillion pounds of coffee were consumed last year. Black coffee is made up of roasted coffee beans. As black coffee contains caffeine and has low calories, its consumption has grown worldwide.
But have you ever thought, does black coffee make you gain weight?
Yes, black coffee can result in weight gain. Caffeine in black coffee can cause hormonal fluctuations in the body when consumed in excess. It leads to disturbed sleep patterns and weight gain. In addition, coffee may contain added sugars that increase your caloric intake. It can also lead to fat accumulation.
Read on to find out more about black coffee and weight gain.
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Does Black Coffee Make You Gain Weight?
Coffee lovers must wonder, does drinking black coffee make you gain weight?
Black coffee has varying effects on weight change. People are mostly aware of the weight-loss effects of black coffee. There are, however, some properties that contribute to weight gain as well.
Coffee can cause weight gain due to the presence of caffeine in it. There are also some processed ingredients in coffee that contribute to weight gain. Let’s check out how these substances contribute to weight gain.
How Can Black Coffee Make You Gain Weight?
Today, black coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages. Due to its popularity in weight loss, many people consider it safe. However, this is not always the case. The consumption of black coffee can also lead to weight gain. Then, what do you think, how can coffee increase weight gain?
Here are the reasons discussed below that lead black coffee to cause weight gain:
Caffeine In Black Coffee
Coffee is one of the most common sources of caffeine. You can take caffeine when you need more energy to complete a task. But if you take coffee irregularly or late in the day, it disturbs your sleep pattern.
In the body, caffeine acts as a strong stimulant of a chemical called adenosine. Caffeine works by blocking adenosine, which is in turn responsible for proper sleep patterns. Thus, by blocking the adenosine, caffeine is disturbing your sleep.
It makes you wake up after regular intervals at night. You may even not feel sleepy at times. This, in turn, increases your appetite at nighttime. A higher appetite definitely results in a higher calorie intake. The body accumulates fat when you consume many calories, leading to weight gain.
This is all the reason that associates sleep disturbance with increased body mass index (BMI). Studies conducted on people with less sleep and long working days have also shown a considerable increase in their body mass index (BMI).
Increased Intake of Sugar With Black Coffee
No doubt, coffee is always low in calories. But, with the increasing trends of coffee, there are different varieties of coffee available in the market. Many brands are now making sweetened coffees.
These sweetened coffees contain added sugar in it. When consumed regularly, it causes a higher intake of calories in the body. Its continuous use results in fat accumulation and consequently in weight gain.
Also, many people now love to enjoy coffee with sweet snacks. This habit promotes the perception of coffee intake with sweet bakery products like pastries. Thus, resulting in a higher intake of calories and weight gain.
Can Too Much Black Coffee Cause Weight Gain?
Yes, black coffee can definitely result in weight gain if taken in excess. But, how can too much coffee make you put weight on? It is definitely due to the presence of caffeine in it. A higher caffeine intake results in shorter sleep, which in turn contributes to an increased body mass index (BMI).
Further, there may be added sugars in coffee. When taken in high amounts it will definitely cause obesity.
Black Coffee and Weight Loss
Is black coffee also capable of helping you lose weight besides causing weight gain? Is black coffee good for weight loss? Let’s find out.
When taken in limited amounts, black coffee can be very effective for weight loss. One cup of black coffee a day help you lose fat. The following reasons contribute to weight loss:
Fewer Calories In Black Coffee
Black coffee contains fewer calories. The consumption of it in moderation will not result in weight gain.
Most of the drinks that we use in our daily routine are rich in calories. People targeting weight loss should replace other commonly used beverages such as juices, soda, and alcoholic drinks with coffee.
Caffeine In Black Coffee
Coffee contains a considerable amount of caffeine in it. Caffeine increases the normal metabolism of the body. Increased metabolism means there is a high rate of fat burning. When the body’s demand for calories is high, accumulated fats start burning at the first. This is the key factor that can promote weight loss.
Further, caffeine can also reduce the hormone called ghrelin in the body. This hormone is responsible for the hunger sensation. Thus, by reducing this hormone, caffeine is promoting reduced appetite. Less hunger always tends to less intake of calories which in turn aids weight loss
Additionally, an acid known as cholinergic acid is present in black coffee. This acid acts as a stimulant of lipolysis (breakdown of stored fat). Thus, by burning fats, black coffee helps you lose weight.
What Is The Best Time to Drink Black Coffee for Weight Loss?
People often ask, is it better to drink coffee in the morning or evening? It’s actually the main thing you should also worry about.
Morning is the best time to drink black coffee for weight loss. In the morning, black coffee burns fat effectively in the absence of carbohydrates. Also, it reduces hunger at the very beginning of the day. This prevents the extra intake of calories throughout the day.
The caffeine present in black coffee is responsible for boosting energy in the body. It is best to take advantage of this energy in the morning. It also interacts with a stress hormone called cortisol. Increased production of this hormone boosts blood circulation in the body. This, in turn, makes you feel more energetic.
If you drink coffee in the evening, it can lead to several side effects besides weight gain. Caffeine in black coffee interacts with the hormone adenosine. By reducing the impact of adenosine on the brain, caffeine alters sleep patterns. Disturbed sleep patterns can then result in anxiety, insomnia, depression, and weight gain.
How to Drink Black Coffee Without Gaining Weight?
Black coffee does not cause weight gain unless added sugars increase its calorie content. The main thing we need to avoid while drinking coffee is sugar. In order to lose weight, keep the following precautions in mind while making black coffee:
- Avoid table sugar as a sweetener. It will prevent extra calorie intake.
- Use honey as a sweetening agent. Honey is the best sweetener, suitable for weight loss.
- You can also use a natural sweetener known as stevia. It is also low in calories.
Side Effects of Black Coffee
No doubt, black coffee interacts with the hormonal mechanism of the body. While increasing the metabolism in the body, black coffee can also lead to a number of side effects. Some of the black coffee side effects are as follows:
Acid Reflux: Black coffee is notorious for affecting the lower esophageal sphincter. It allows the backflow of food and peptic acid into the esophagus, resulting in acid reflux.
Heartburn: It is the most common symptom of acid reflux. When coffee allows acid backflow into the lower esophagus, it causes a burning sensation in the chest.
Stress: Caffeine present in black coffee increases the stress hormone called cortisol in the body. It can further result in increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and anxiety.
Decreased Mineral Absorption: Coffee alters the way the kidney absorbs minerals. It leads to a deficiency of zinc, calcium, iron, and other essential minerals.
Bottom Line
Daily intake of coffee helps people cope with daily hectic routines as it boosts energy. But when it comes to weight change, does black coffee make you gain weight?
When taken in the evening or irregularly throughout the day, black coffee can lead to weight gain. It is due to caffeine hormonal effects and added sugars in some varieties of coffee. In spite of this, one cup of plain black coffee daily without added calories prevents weight gain rather than causing it.
FAQs
Let’s check out some of the frequently asked questions.
Will black coffee make me fat?
Yes, black coffee will result in weight gain, if you are taking it in excess. Caffeine present in coffee alters the hormonal balance in the body. By causing stress and disrupting sleep, black coffee can cause weight gain. Added sugars can also be a reason for extra calorie intake.
How much coffee can result in weight gain?
People drinking more than one cup of black coffee are at risk of gaining weight. It is enough to drink one cup of coffee per day to prevent weight gain. To put it another way, taking up to 12 ounces of coffee can help you lose weight. A higher intake can lead to weight gain.
Which is the best coffee for weight loss?
Hot black coffee is always a perfect option for weight loss. It leads to the burning of stored fats and also prevents more intake of calories. Alternatively, iced or milk coffee cannot burn fat and also results in a higher calorie intake.
What is the best time to drink black coffee?
It is best to consume black coffee in the morning. A cup of coffee in the morning will help you lose weight and keep you energetic all day long. While, if you prefer coffee in the evening or at night, it results in insomnia, anxiety, and weight gain.
