Does Coffee Make You Lose Weight?

Many people wonder if coffee makes you lose weight. After all, the popular beverage is full of antioxidants and has many beneficial qualities. But will it?

Many people have heard about or are concerned about the effects of caffeine on weight loss. It is true that caffeine does speed up your metabolism and makes you burn more calories. That's why many people drink it in the morning as a "pick me up" as they hit the bed. But is this really the best time to drink it? Do you actually lose weight by drinking coffee?

Caffeine can be good for you in small amounts. For example, you may find that after running a marathon, you feel less fatigued. Caffeine may also help alleviate anxiety and promote sleep. In moderation, caffeine is considered safe and may contribute to good health. However, excessive consumption may have negative consequences. Some research suggests that excessive caffeine intake may be related to the increase of heart disease and certain types of cancer.

Drinking coffee in moderation may contribute to better health, but too much may be harmful. If you consume too much coffee, it could lead to insomnia, anxiety and a change in your mood. Drinking two cups a day, no matter how long you may think you need it, may be harmful. The caffeine can make you want to "have another cup," which increases the amount you consume. You may also gain weight.

Two cups of coffee may not seem like a lot, but when you add up all of the caffeine that you may be consuming throughout the day, it can be quite substantial. To maintain your current weight, you may have to drink three to four cups of coffee a day. If you consume caffeinated coffee exclusively, you will never know just how many calories you are actually burning. That's a good thing!

It's important to be aware that there are some good things about coffee. For one thing, caffeine can act as a natural appetite suppressant. If you drink it before eating, you will stay full longer. You may be surprised at how satisfying and comforting as a cup of hot coffee can be in the middle of a hectic day. Even if you don't feel like a cup of coffee is necessary for your health, you should at least give it a try.

If you find that you enjoy coffee, you may find yourself making it over a dozen times a day. This is especially true if you have a large family. Even though you may have a great cup of Joe, there is a chance that it will be taking a toll on your metabolism. A regular cup of Joe can actually slow down your metabolism.

If you are interested in losing weight, it may be a good idea to cut back on your coffee consumption. There are plenty of healthier options available. One way to keep your metabolism up in the process is to start jogging or even walking every morning. This can not only burn off the extra caffeine you are drinking, but it can also keep your heart rate elevated.

However, if you do decide to drink coffee, you may want to think again. Caffeine does speed up your metabolism, but it can also cause fatigue. Instead of drinking coffee to lose weight, opt for a cup of tea or even green tea. The natural ingredients found in these products are better for your body. And since green tea has natural antioxidants, you may also find that you are able to lower your blood pressure and have a more relaxed mood.

In addition to the caffeine, coffee can contain other unnatural ingredients that can keep you from losing weight. Some of these include artificial sweeteners, saccharin and wheat. If you are opting for coffee to lose weight, avoid those items. Instead, choose a blend of whole-wheat or organic whole-wheat coffee. Look for one that uses chicory root or a similar ingredient as bleached flour to help improve the taste.

While many people believe that coffee makes them feel jittery and jumpy, this really isn't true. Coffee actually contains natural caffeine, which gives you a boost of energy. It may also contain a moderate amount of glucose that will keep you feeling refreshed. If you choose to drink coffee to lose weight, consider adding exercise to your routine to counterbalance the effects of caffeine.

Coffee also has a number of antioxidants. However, you need to consume them in moderation. You may want to replace your coffee with a green tea drink or a decaffeinated variety. Green tea is often times blended with other ingredients to help you feel more refreshed during the day. If you are drinking decaf coffee, make sure that you read all of the ingredients to ensure that you don't consume too much. You may find that decaf coffee actually makes it harder for you to lose weight, so be sure to read the label.