Commencing the day with that comforting morning cup of coffee is a cherished routine for many individuals. What's more, for most, that initial cup doesn't mark the end of their coffee consumption. Recent findings from a Statista Consumer Insights survey reveal that coffee enthusiasts in the United States tend to go beyond a single cup. Approximately 80% of the population indulges in two or more servings of this beloved beverage within the confines of their own homes throughout the week.
Coffee isn't just a means of enhancing alertness and focus; it also boasts a wealth of antioxidants. Surprisingly, recent research indicates that this antioxidant-rich pick-me-up might hold potential benefits for individuals pursuing weight loss. In the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition's October 2023 issue, a study emerged suggesting that an increased coffee intake could be a valuable asset in the quest to shed unwanted pounds. So, go ahead, pour yourself a steaming cup of coffee, and let's delve into this intriguing discovery. Continue reading to delve deeper into this fresh research.
The Study:
The aim of this recent study was to investigate potential correlations between coffee consumption and weight gain. The research team examined variations in caffeine intake, coffee consumption, and weight changes, taking into account the addition of ingredients like cream, sugar, or non-dairy coffee products.
To conduct this research, three extensive prospective cohorts were utilized: the Nurses' Health Study (1986 – 2010), Health Professional Follow-up Study (1991 – 2014), and Nurses' Health Study II (1991 – 2015). Within each four-year period, the researchers assessed the connections between changes in coffee consumption patterns and corresponding weight fluctuations. By combining the findings from these three studies, the results offer promising insights for individuals seeking to achieve weight loss goals.
The Results:
The encouraging news is that elevating your daily unsweetened coffee intake by one additional cup is associated with a slight decrease in weight (approximately just under 0.3 pounds) over a span of four years. However, it's essential to exercise caution because the research indicates that adding one teaspoon of sugar to your coffee leads to weight gain over the same four-year duration.
In essence, if you alter your coffee routine by enjoying it without sugar and increasing your consumption, you can potentially bolster your weight loss efforts. Interestingly, incorporating cream or coffee whitener into your coffee doesn't appear to result in weight gain, as suggested by the study. Nonetheless, if you have a penchant for sugary coffee, it might be a good idea to reconsider your coffee order sooner rather than later.