A source of energy to start the day and a sensory pleasure... Those who cannot live without coffee, know well what sensation we are talking about. Many people do not open their eyes without turning the cup of coffee first, to get that "shock" needed to face the day properly.
But, do you know that its frequent consumption can increase your kilograms? Certified nutritionist Megan Rasmussen says: "What you put in your coffee matters. Adding extra creams, syrups and sweeteners can easily contribute to a calorie surplus that leads to weight gain."
Here's an example:
A single frappuccino contains 480 calories and 55 grams of sugar, which is 150% to 220% of the daily sugar limit recommended by the American Heart Association. It is recommended that men consume no more than 36 grams of sugar per day and women no more than 25 grams. According to a study in the Polish Journal of Food Sciences, sugar consumption, especially in sweetened beverages, is linked to weight gain and obesity.
Caffeine and sleep problems
It is not only what you add to the coffee that matters, but also the time you consume it. An analysis published by the Risk Management and Health Care Institute examined the relationship between coffee consumption and sleep. Researchers noted that when coffee is consumed six hours before bedtime, it significantly impairs its quality. This means that if you have a bedtime of 10.00 pm and drink coffee at 2.00 pm, you may have trouble sleeping. But how does this relate to weight gain? Research has shown that when you regularly sleep less than seven hours a night, you have an increased risk of gaining weight. This effect may be due to increased levels of ghrelin (the hunger hormone), salt retention and inflammation associated with poor sleep.
But how to enjoy a good coffee without worrying about the weight
* "Be careful how much extra cream, sugar or syrup you add to your coffee," says nutritionist Rasmussen.
* Choose natural sweeteners. "Make your coffee with low-fat or plant-based milk and a little honey if you need a little sweetness," she continues.
* "If you want an extra flavor in your coffee, try adding cinnamon, nutmeg, or extracts like vanilla, peppermint, or raspberry." By adding these extracts, you play with the taste, but not with the weight!
