by If fancy coffee preparations aren’t really your thing and a simple black coffee makes you crave in the morning, this is the one for you. Hi coffee lovers, or should we say black coffee lovers, because this drink is loaded with health benefits. Black coffee is plain coffee without cream, milk and sweeteners. So you get the goodness of coffee without adding calories, fat and sugar.
Even though the benefits of black coffee are not that great, it does contain properties that can help you. Let’s take a look at the health benefits of drinking black coffee and how much is enough to reap those benefits. So, brew a new cup of black coffee and sit back to find out what’s so great about this dark brew.
Health benefits of drinking black coffee
A few studies have shown that drinking black coffee has certain health benefits. Although we need more research to confirm the benefits of black coffee, some is backed by science and experts. Dr. Neeti Sharma, Senior Nutrition and Dietetics Consultant at Marengo Asia Hospitals in Gurugram, explains that coffee contains nutrients that can help in several ways.
1. Black coffee is very nutritious
Black coffee is naturally rich in antioxidants, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, magnesium, potassium and sodium. It is a calorie-free drink that helps maintain a healthy weight and boosts metabolism.
2. Black coffee for Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a brain problem that destroys memory and thinking skills, making it difficult to perform the simplest tasks. Drinking coffee has been associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease. A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease found that drinking 2-3 cups of coffee can help reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease by 65%. Sharma says drinking two cups can help reduce the risk over time.
3. Black coffee for weight loss
Consuming black coffee regularly can also help you lose weight. A Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health study found that drinking black coffee has positive effects on weight loss. The expert explains that it contains chlorogenic acids which promote weight loss and slow down the production of glucose in the body, thus reducing the formation of new fat cells, which is therefore important for weight loss. Plus, it’s low in calories if you don’t add sugar to it.
4. Black coffee before training can help
Drinking black coffee right before hitting the gym can help boost the effects of your workout. How? Well, studies have shown that drinking black coffee before a workout boosts your energy levels. The expert also points out that black coffee before a workout helps improve concentration and performance by reducing fatigue. It also increases alertness during training, so it is good to consume it before a workout.
5. Black coffee for diabetes
A study published in the journal Diabetologia found that increasing your coffee intake by more than one cup may help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Sharma says it increases insulin production in the body, which helps reduce the risk of diabetes.
6. Improves mental alertness and mood
Studies have shown that a cup of black coffee helps boost your mood and make things better. The expert claims that a cup of black coffee helps improve your mood and also improves mental alertness. So, the next time you feel bad? Try drinking a cup of black coffee!
Side effects of drinking black coffee
Drinking more than 2-3 cups of black coffee a day can lead to health issues. This can disrupt your sleep cycle and lead to sleep disturbances. As it is high in caffeine, drinking black coffee can increase the risk of acidity, constipation, and trouble sleeping. So it’s best to stick to 2-3 cups of black coffee a day.
When should you drink coffee?
The expert recommends drinking black coffee in the morning or during the day. You can also drink black coffee just before your workout. However, you should avoid drinking black coffee in the evening before going to bed as it may prove harmful to you.
