Coffee is one of the most popular beverages globally. And with that popularity comes questions about whether it's healthy. Coffee has been known to be an antioxidant powerhouse, which means it can fight off free radicals in your body that cause premature aging and chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer. However, too much caffeine can also negatively affect your health, and many people develop caffeine tolerance because they consume too much over time.
There are many factors to consider when deciding how to drink coffee to stay healthy, and this article will walk you through some of them.
The healthiest way to consume coffee is black:
Adding cream and sugar can add more than 100 calories, 14 grams of carbohydrates, and nearly 12 grams of fat into your diet, rendering any potential health benefits null. The best way to have coffee is as part of your daily routine; try to enjoy your cup in small doses (at least eight ounces), with food and preferably without a lot of added sugars. If you want an afternoon boost without too much caffeine, consider green tea. It contains about half as much caffeine as coffee and has plenty of health benefits.
Here's how to make pour over coffee at home.
Decaffeinated milk and sugar are second choices:
If you're not a coffee drinker, there's no need to start. Many people do switch to decaf when cutting down on their caffeine intake. So, in theory, it could be helpful for some folks out there. But if you can stomach it (or like it), drinking regular old coffee with low-fat milk and sugar is your best bet for all-around health benefits, from living longer to having more energy. Researchers have linked moderate coffee consumption—three or four cups a day—to decreased risk of heart disease and early death.
A study found that even heavy coffee drinkers who drank eight or more cups per day had lower mortality rates than those who didn't consume any java. To put things into perspective, a cup of black coffee has about 95 milligrams of caffeine. This is the coffee while an 8-ounce cup of brewed decaf has only 2 milligrams.
Avoid artificial sweeteners
The dangers of artificial sweeteners are a hot topic—and a contentious one. Although many studies show that artificial sweeteners may be healthier than sugar, these studies aren't conclusive and aren't considered reliable. And it's important not to ignore other research that points in another direction: for example, a recent study found an association between diet soda consumption and heart failure.
Drinking on an empty stomach keeps you full longer:
Caffeine can boost your metabolism and leave you feeling satiated after just one cup. Plus, it helps kick-start your digestive system, which is vital for keeping you regular. Since your stomach isn't full of food, its job is easier, so it releases hunger hormones that keep you satisfied longer than usual.
This means drinking coffee on an empty stomach could lead to weight loss. However, too much caffeine can have adverse side effects like nausea and restlessness. To reap all benefits without drawbacks, enjoy 1-2 cups of coffee on an empty stomach in the morning or about 30 minutes before lunchtime. Drinking more can lead to headaches and irritability—so be wary of these negative side effects!
Conclusion
Just how beneficial is coffee, anyway?
Well, it turns out that for most people, moderate consumption of coffee (1-2 cups per day) is not only safe but healthy.
There are many benefits to drinking coffee, including improved brain function and a reduced risk of some diseases. However, some people worry that coffee is not healthy.
There is no need to worry about the health effects of coffee as long as you drink it in moderation. There are several health benefits associated with drinking coffee. First, coffee improves brain function by increasing mental energy and sharpening focus. It can also improve mood and reduce stress levels.
Coffee may also help to prevent some diseases. Studies have found that drinking coffee regularly reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and dementia. Additionally, research indicates that moderate consumption of coffee may decrease the risk of certain types of cancer, such as liver and breast cancers.
Overall, coffee is a healthy drink that can help you stay sharp and focused throughout the day. Just drink it in moderation and only use high-quality beans for maximum health benefits.
