A Spanish study shows that drinking coffee can help you lose weight, but only if it’s prepared this way.

Coffee is one of the most consumed products in our country. Wherever you look, you can find an establishment offering this drink, both to coffee lovers and directly to people who want to wake up to start the day with energy. However, others choose to consume it for its properties and health benefits, obviously without going to the extent of abuse.

In recent years, there have been many studies on its health benefits, such as increasing concentration, improving brain health, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes, or its antioxidant properties. It can also help you lose weight if prepared and consumed in a specific way.

A study conducted at the University of Granada has taken its research one step further and published in a journal specializing in nutrition data on the properties of caffeine in the process of fat oxidation. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.

This pilot study involved 15 men, average age 32, to assess the benefits of coffee during exercise.Each participant performed the same exercise test four times with a week interval between sessions. Subjects received 3 mg caffeine per kilogram of body weight or placebo twice daily: at 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

As a result, consuming caffeine on an empty stomach before exercise promoted fat oxidation. Additionally, it was found that the time when coffee had the greatest impact on fat loss was midday.

Despite the benefits, it is advisable to take this drink from a natural source, which will make it much more beneficial. It is more useful if taken separately and homemadeThat is: no milk or sugar.

Other benefits of drinking coffee

• Increased concentration. Caffeine blocks the inhibitory neurotransmitter adenosine, which increases neuron activity and the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine. This can improve alertness, concentration, and reaction time. But the body adapts if you overindulge in coffee and will produce more adenosine.
• Coffee is rich source of antioxidantssuch as polyphenols, which help fight oxidative damage to cells and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.
• Some research from Oxford University suggests that regular coffee consumption may reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseasessuch as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, due to their protective effects on brain cells.
• Liver protectionCoffee has been proven to be beneficial for liver health. Studies show that coffee drinkers have a lower risk of developing cirrhosis and liver cancer.
• Regular coffee consumption is associated with lower rates of cognitive decline in old agehelping to maintain memory and other cognitive functions as we age.

How many cups of coffee should you drink per day?

The ideal amount of coffee you can drink per day depends on several factors, including your caffeine tolerance, your overall health, and how coffee affects your body. However, most studies show that moderate coffee consumption is safe and may be beneficial as long as it does not exceed 3-4 cups of coffee per day (up to 400 mg of caffeine per day).

There are risk groups for whom drinking coffee is contraindicated. In fact, the Spanish Government’s Ministry of Consumer Affairs, in the section “Food Safety”, warned people in 2022 that they should avoid its consumption:

• Childhood and youth.
• Women during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• People with hypertension or other types of cardiovascular problems in general.
• People who suffer from sleep disorders or imbalances in rest cycles.

Problems with coffee abuse

Although coffee has many benefits, drinking too much of it can have a number of negative effects on your health.

• Anxiety and nervousnessDrinking too much coffee can cause nervousness, anxiety, increased heart rate, and a feeling of restlessness. In people predisposed to anxiety, it can worsen symptoms.
• Sleep problemsCaffeine blocks adenosine, a neurotransmitter that induces sleep. This can cause insomnia or make it difficult to fall asleep. Caffeine can stay in the body for several hours, so drinking coffee in the afternoon or evening can affect your night’s rest.
• High blood pressureAlthough caffeine’s effects on blood pressure are usually temporary, excessive coffee consumption can cause persistent increases in blood pressure in some people, especially those who already have hypertension.
• digestive problemsCoffee is acidic and can irritate the stomach lining, causing heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux, and upset stomach.
• Addiction and withdrawal. Coffee is an addictive substance. When you try to cut down on it, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.