Tag: weight loss

5 Reasons Why You Should Add Coconut Oil to Your Morning Coffee

Posted on by Qahwa World

Many people are always looking for new ways to enhance the flavor of their morning coffee, whether by adding whipped cream, caramel, or even marshmallows. However, a new trend is gaining increasing popularity — adding coconut oil to coffee. Some consider this combination a healthy option that offers multiple benefits alongside a unique taste. But is it worth trying? Let’s explore the potential benefits of this blend based on recent scientific studies.

1- Boosting Metabolism

Coconut oil is rich in a type of saturated fat called “Medium-Chain Triglycerides” (MCTs), which studies suggest can enhance metabolism and help burn more calories. When combined with coffee, the coconut oil can increase the number of calories burned throughout the day, making it easier to manage weight. However, it’s important to consume it in moderation to avoid excessive fat intake.

2- Reducing Appetite and Supporting Weight Loss

Adding coconut oil to coffee may help reduce hunger. The ketones produced by the liver after consuming coconut oil help curb appetite. Additionally, caffeine in coffee has appetite-suppressing effects. This combination can be useful in controlling overeating when trying to lose weight. However, it’s important that this mix is part of a balanced diet rather than a meal replacement.

3- Increasing Energy Levels

While caffeine is known to promote alertness and energy, coconut oil contributes to energy in a different way. The healthy fats in coconut oil are quickly absorbed by the liver and converted into energy, providing the body with the fuel needed to function properly. However, it’s crucial not to overconsume coconut oil, as large amounts could lead to fat buildup in the liver.

4- Enhancing Heart Health and Immunity

Studies have shown that coconut oil can raise levels of “good” HDL cholesterol, which supports heart health. However, it’s worth noting that some studies also suggest that coconut oil may increase “bad” LDL cholesterol levels in certain cases. In addition, coconut oil contains lauric acid, which has antibacterial and antiviral properties, potentially strengthening the immune system and reducing the risk of various illnesses.

5- Supporting Brain Health and Mental Performance

Coconut oil’s fatty acids provide a crucial energy source for brain cells, as they are converted into ketones that boost brain performance. Some studies indicate that these ketones could help improve symptoms in Alzheimer’s patients, making coconut oil an excellent addition to coffee for enhanced mental clarity and focus at the start of the day.

How to Prepare:

To make coconut oil coffee, start by adding one tablespoon (about 14 grams) of coconut oil to your hot coffee. Stir well to ensure the oil blends completely with the coffee. If the taste or texture doesn’t suit your preference, you can increase the amount of coconut oil to two tablespoons to enjoy the mentioned benefits. Some people prefer to blend the coconut oil with coffee using an electric blender to create a frothy, creamy drink similar to those served at specialty coffee shops.

Notes:

It is important not to overdo the amount of coconut oil in your daily diet, especially if you are following a low-fat or low-calorie diet. Excessive coconut oil intake could lead to side effects such as nausea, particularly for those with sensitive stomachs. Therefore, it’s recommended to consume it in moderation and as part of a balanced diet to reap the desired health benefits.

New study: Coffee helps with weight loss, but under one condition

Posted on by Qahwa World

A recent publication in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that coffee, so beloved by many, can help in the process of losing weight, but in order for it to have an effect, one condition must be met.

As part of their research work, the purpose of which was to trace the connection between coffee consumption, weight changes and the addition of sugar and cream to the drink, experts from the United States studied data from more than 150 thousand participants in group studies.

After analyzing the habits of the subjects, experts found that every cup of coffee without sugar contributed to weight loss, and adding cream had almost no effect on weight change. At the same time, as the researchers noted, adding even one spoon of sugar was associated with subsequent weight gain. This association was stronger for younger people with higher body mass index.

The scientists’ findings state that drinking coffee without sugar is inversely proportional to weight gain, and adding sugar to the drink eliminates all the benefits of drinking it for weight control.

  • Study details

Changes in Coffee Intake, Added Sugar and Long-Term Weight Gain – Results from Three Large Prospective US Cohort Studies

Background

Consumption of both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee has been reported to attenuate long-term weight gain. Whether the association between coffee consumption and weight gain depends on the addition of sugar, cream or coffee whitener remains unclear.

Objective

We aimed to study the associations between changes in coffee consumption, caffeine intake and weight changes by considering the addition of sugar, cream or a non-dairy coffee whitener.

Methods

We used three large prospective cohorts – the Nurses’ Health Study (1986 – 2010), Nurses’ Health Study II (1991 – 2015) and Health Professional Follow-up Study (1991 – 2014). We applied multivariable linear regression models with robust variance estimators to assess the association of changes in coffee habits within each 4-year interval with concurrent weight changes. Results across the three cohorts were pooled using inverse-variance weights.

Results

After multivariable adjustment, each 1 cup per day increment in unsweetened caffeinated coffee was associated with a reduction in 4-year weight gain of -0.12 kg (95 % CI: -0.18, -0.05 kg) and of -0.12 kg (95 % CI: -0.16, -0.08 kg) for unsweetened decaffeinated coffee. The habits of adding cream or non-dairy coffee whitener were not significantly linked to weight changes. Adding a teaspoon of sugar was associated with a 4-year weight gain of +0.09 kg (0.07, 0.12 kg). Stratified analyses suggested stronger magnitude of the observed associations with younger age and higher baseline body mass index (BMI). Neither caffeine nor coffee modified the association of adding sugar to any food or beverage with weight changes.

Conclusions

An increase in intake of unsweetened caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee was inversely associated with weight gain. The addition of sugar to coffee counteracted coffee’s benefit for possible weight management. On the other hand, adding cream or coffee whitener were not associated with greater weight gain.