If fancy coffee concoctions aren’t really your thing and a simple black coffee gets you going in the morning, this one is for you. Hail coffee lovers, or should we say black coffee lovers – because this drink is loaded with health benefits. Black coffee is plain coffee that has no cream, no milk, and no sweetener. So, you get the benefits of coffee without adding to the calories, fat, and sugar.
While the benefits of black coffee are not so major, it contains properties that may help you. Let’s look at the health benefits of drinking black coffee and how much is enough to avail these benefits. So, brew a fresh cup of black coffee and relax to find out what’s so great about this dark brew.
Health benefits of drinking black coffee
A few studies have found that there are some health benefits of drinking black coffee. While we need more research to confirm the benefits of black coffee, there are some supported by science and experts. Dr Neeti Sharma, Senior Consultant at Nutrition and Dietetics at Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram, shares that coffee contains nutrients that can help in more ways than one.
1. Black coffee is highly nutritious
Black coffee is naturally rich in antioxidants, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, magnesium, potassium, and sodium. It is a calorie-free beverage that helps maintain a healthy weight and stimulates metabolism.
2. Black coffee for Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a brain problem that destroys memories and thinking skills, making it difficult to carry out even the most simple 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 decrease the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s by 65 percent. Sharma says drinking two cups may help reduce the risk over time.
3. Black coffee for weight loss
Consuming black coffee regularly may help you lose weight as well. A study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that there are positive effects of consuming black coffee on weight loss. The expert explains that it contains chlorogenic acids which promote weight loss and slow down glucose production in the body, reducing new fat cell formation so it is important for weight loss. Plus, it’s low in calories if you don’t add any sugar to it.
4. Black coffee before workout can be helpful
Drinking black coffee just before hitting the gym may help boost the effects of your workout. How? Well, studies have shown how drinking black coffee before a workout increases your energy levels. The expert also points out that black coffee before a workout helps improve concentration power and performance by reducing fatigue. It also increases alertness during the workout 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 over one cup may help lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Sharma says that it boosts insulin production in the body which helps decrease 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 says that a cup of black coffee helps boost your mood and improves mental alertness as well. So, the next time you’re feeling off? 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 problems. It can disrupt your sleep cycle and lead to sleep disorders. Since it is rich in caffeine, consuming black coffee can increase your risk of acidity, constipation and sleep disorders so it is 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 at night before bedtime as it can prove harmful to you.