Those of us trying to lose weight are always on the hunt for healthy ways to do so. Weight loss is one of the toughest internal and physical battles, as it often involves bad habits that can be extremely hard to break. Sometimes we get so desperate to see a difference on the scale and to lose a few pounds that we resort to unhealthy weight loss tricks. These include, but are not limited to starving ourselves, trying unhealthy no-calorie diets, purposely throwing up food, or even taking pills or drugs to lose weight. The harm to the body is not worth the weight lost, trust us.
So when we found out that one of our beloved beverages can help us with weight loss, we were giddy! And we had to share the news. A cup of this drink boosts our energy and wakes up our senses! The fresh aroma alone makes us want to crawl out of bed, and the smooth taste revitalizes our bodies! Yep, I’m talking about coffee. And we’re here to tell you about the 6 ways drinking coffee can actually help with weight loss! The energy-boosting morning cup of joe is actually good for you, in moderation of course. You’re welcome.
1. A Metabolism Booster
The caffeine in a cup of coffee is one of the main reasons we enjoy this beverage. The benefit of caffeine when it relates to weight loss, is that caffeine increases your metabolic rate. Your metabolic rate is the amount of calories you burn. And a caffeine-induced boost in your metabolism increases fat and calorie burning! Studies have actually shown that the caffeine in coffee can increase your metabolic rate by 3-11%. Not bad!
2. High In Antioxidants
Antioxidants are chemicals that help stop damage from molecules called free radicals. And what are free radicals? Free radicals are molecules that contribute to aging, and diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Foods that are high in antioxidants protect our bodies from these free radical molecules. It’s extremely important to maintain a healthy diet full of antioxidants.
That’s where coffee comes into play. Black coffee is particularly rich in antioxidants. Scientists discovered about 1,000 antioxidants in pure coffee beans. When the coffee beans are roasted, hundreds more develop. In fact, black coffee is even more rich in antioxidants than cocoa and green tea. Among the incredible disease fighting health benefits in coffee, the antioxidants provide energy for the body.
So how exactly do antioxidants in a cup of coffee help me with weight loss? Well aside from the additional energy your body now has to move more and exercise, these same antioxidants increase your metabolism, aiding in fat and calorie burning.
3. An Appetite Suppressant
You know how over consumption of alcohol decreases your blood sugar levels and actually stimulates your hunger levels? Yeah, neither do we… Anyway, good news: coffee has been proven to do the exact opposite! Both coffee and decaf coffee have been shown to reduce hunger temporarily. This is not to say that by drinking coffee the pounds will just fall right off, but at least after a cup of coffee and a healthy balanced breakfast you won’t be reaching for an unhealthy mid morning snack.
When you are starving, you’re more likely to go through a drive thru and choose an unhealthy combo meal. You’re much less likely to have the energy and will power to cook yourself a nutritious meal meaning you’ll pack on the calories. Coffee in moderation can help suppress your appetite, so you’re not starving.
4. Contains Chlorogenic Acid
Coffee beans contain chlorogenic acid (CGA), which is a compound with antioxidant effects. This compound decreases the absorption of dietary carbohydrates. In other words, chlorogenic acid slows down the soaking up of extra carbs and fats!
5. Contains Nutrients & Vitamins
Did you know that coffee is full of nutrients our bodies need? Who knew? Coffee is abundant in vitamins B2, B3, B5. Vitamin B2, or Riboflavin, is needed in the body for growth and overall good health. Vitamin B3 boosts brain function and lowers cholesterol. Vitamin B5 is known to improve symptoms related to arthritis, skin problems, allergies, hair loss, and even cardiovascular issues. It’s easy to see why these nutrients matter and it makes us so happy to know that coffee serves them up!
Let’s not forget that coffee contains Magnesium, which helps with calcium absorption and bone health. Copper and Iron enable the body to form red blood cells, and is an essential nutrient for the body.
6. Fights Depression And Makes Us Happier!
We don’t know about you, but when Monday morning rolls around it makes us pretty darn happy to brew a hot cup of coffee. Have you ever noticed the positive change in your co-worker’s mood after they’ve consumed a cup of coffee? Well studies show that certain beverages actually increase the risk of depression in adults. These results were found mostly in beverages that were sweetened, and especially in diet sodas. On the other hand, coffee consumption may actually have the opposite effect and decrease the risk of mild to moderate depression!
One study has found that the risk of depression decreases with increasing caffeinated coffee consumption! Cheers to that! Some scientists believe that depression is a result inflammation in the brain due to a bad immune reaction. Thanks to coffee’s high antioxidant content, it’s believed to alleviate this inflammation. Depression can make it difficult to want to change bad habits, eat healthy, and exercise. Caffeine is a psycho-stimulant that increases motivation and happiness. Yet another reason to smile and enjoy a freshly brewed cup of joe!