Black Coffee for Weight Loss: Does It Really Work?

Key Takeaways

With just 2 calories in a cup, drinking black coffee is a great way to lose weight.
Black coffee is not just good for weight loss, but also for blood sugar control, better mood, and elevated energy levels.
According to the ICMR, you should consume no more than 300mg of caffeine daily.

Ah, the smell of coffee. It rejuvenates and refreshes us in an instant.

Feeling sleepy? Get a cup of black coffee.

Feeling tired? Get a cup of black coffee.

Feeling down? Get a cup of black coffee.

Perfect date idea? Get a cup of black coffee.

Coffee is truly a quintessential part of our lives. But did you know this good old brew will not only help you stay wide awake and energised, but also help you lose weight?

In this blog, you’ll find out:

How black coffee can get rid of extra weight
Several amazing health benefits of drinking black coffee
Some delicious black coffee weight loss recipes to try at home

So, are you ready to discover how your favourite drink can get you from fat to fit?

What is black coffee?

Simply put, in its purest form, black coffee is a coffee with no milk, sugar, or frills. Just water and coffee grounds blended together to create a straightforward drink.

The best part? It's incredibly low in calories - by this, we mean just 2 calories per cup!

No wonder it's the next viral trend among those watching their waistlines! The country that once primarily sipped chai is now embracing the bold flavours of Arabica and Robusta with open arms.

Now that we know what black coffee is, it is time to explore how the bitter beverage can help you lose weight.

How does black coffee help in weight loss?

Black coffee is a multi-hyphenated beverage. Not only does it improve overall health, but it actually also acts as a natural fat burner.

Here is how you can lose weight with black coffee:

How is black coffee good for weight loss.

Reduces calorie intake:
Black coffee is low in calories; with just 2 calories in a cup, it helps you cut down on calorie intake.
Boosts metabolism:
Caffeine helps your body burn more calories by increasing your metabolic rate by 3-11%^[1], but only briefly.
Uses fat for fuel:
Black coffee makes your body use energy to break down fat and use it for energy. Chlorogenic acid* in the coffee slows down new fat cells from forming.
Curbs hunger:
Caffeine might also help suppress your appetite and stop you from unnecessary snacking.
Improves workouts:
Caffeine helps you exercise better by boosting endurance and delaying fatigue. It improves speed and makes muscles work better.

*CGA is a natural polyphenol compound found in plants, especially in coffee beans.

To put it briefly, you can have black coffee for weight loss. But keep in mind, just black coffee will not help you lose weight. You must pair it with diet and exercise to cut down on weight.

But, with a plethora of black coffees available in the world, which black coffee is really the best for weight loss?

Which black coffee is best for weight loss?

We've seen the rich blend of nutrients in black coffee, but which black coffee is actually best for weight loss?

Each type offers a slightly different experience in terms of flavour, caffeine concentration, and how it is prepared, and this can affect its impact on weight loss.

Whether you enjoy the bold intensity of an espresso or the smoothness of a cold brew, every black coffee type has a different way of supporting your weight loss plans.

Scroll down to know the different types of black coffees for weight loss, and which one will work the best for you.

Which black coffee should you drink for weight loss

Espresso

Provides quick energy boost
Increases fat metabolism
Suppresses appetite

Americano

Low-calorie alternative to espresso
Has smoother taste
Sustains energy levels

Cold Brew

Smoother in taste
Burns fat & is easier to digest
Higher antioxidant content

French Press

Gives the coffee a rich flavour
Boosts metabolism through coffee oils

Pour-Over

Increases antioxidant activity
Less bitter than other coffees
Sustains metabolism

What are the nutrients in black coffee?

Black coffee is a source of micronutrients and special (bioactive) molecules that support various bodily functions. Whether you drink it to energise yourself or maximise on its health benefits, black coffee offers more than just caffeine.

Here is what makes coffee, coffee:

As made evident by the nutritional values of black coffee above, the bitter drink benefits the body beyond weight loss. Read on to know the many health benefits of black coffee.

How does black coffee benefit your health?

With time, more and more people are getting drawn to black coffee for its benefits.

But, is black coffee good for health?

Yes, it is! Scroll down to know some mind-blowing benefits of drinking black coffee.

List of 10 health benefits of drinking black coffee.

Struggling to make a delicious cup of hot or cold coffee for weight loss? Check out some quick black coffee recipes for weight loss below.

How to make black coffee for weight loss?

Who said you need to visit your local coffee bar every time for caffeine?

Try any (or all) of these recipes, and voilà—your perfect brew is ready at home!

The best part is that you lose weight while sipping a cup of coffee from the comfort of your home.

3 black coffee recipes for weight loss

Classic black coffee (drip/filter method)
Lemon black coffee
Spiced black coffee

Ingredients:

1 tbsp coffee grounds
1 cup water

Instructions:

Add coffee grounds to a filter.
Pour hot water over them and let it brew for 3-4 minutes.
Enjoy it plain or add a pinch of cinnamon if you like a little spice.

Why is it great for weight loss?

The low-calorie and high-caffeine combination increases metabolism and helps the body burn more fat.

Ingredients:

1 cup black coffee
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Instructions:

Brew black coffee your way.
Stir in a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice.
Sip warm for a metabolism boost, or try it chilled with some ice cubes.

Why is it great for weight loss?

Lemons are a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants that help detoxify waste and improve digestion.

Ingredients:

1 cup black coffee
1 crushed cardamom pod
Grated ginger (optional)

Instructions:

Brew a cup of black coffee.
Add a crushed cardamom pod and some grated ginger for a spicy twist.
Let it sit for a minute before enjoying the aroma and flavour.

Why is it great for weight loss?

Cardamom and ginger are known for their positive effects on hunger and digestion. They increase body temperature and, by extension, its metabolism. These effects are enhanced when taken with caffeine.

What is the best time to drink black coffee for weight loss?

Whether you kickstart your day and get some pre-workout energy with black coffee, the fact is that drinking black coffee at the right time can help you lose weight better.

Here is when you should drink black coffee for weight loss:

The best time to drink black coffee for weight loss

Morning (6:00 AM - 9:00 AM):

Enhances your metabolism.
Keeps you sharp and alert.
May be beneficial in intermittent fasting.

Pre-workout (30-60 minutes before exercise):

Increases fat burning.
Builds more endurance without tiring out.

Mid-morning (10:00 AM - 11:00 AM):

Prevents unnecessary snacking.

Early afternoon (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM):

Prevents post-lunch sleepiness.
Keeps your metabolism going.

Avoid consuming black coffee in the late afternoon or evening as it can affect sleep quality ^[2].

To avoid disrupting sleep, drink coffee at least 8 hours ^[2] before bed, and consume pre-workout supplements at least 13 hours before falling asleep.

Conclusion

Black coffee can definitely help you on your weight loss journey. It gives your metabolism a nice little boost, keeps hunger at bay, and can even power up your workouts.

But let’s be honest, there are no shortcuts for weight loss. A healthy lifestyle with balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and solid sleep is essential at all times.

That said, coffee works best when used in moderation.

Losing weight can often be an uphill battle, with several ups and downs. If you have tried different ways to lose weight but are struggling with success, try Aktive, and you’ll set yourself up for real success.

Give it a try, and your future self will thank you!

FAQs

How do you reduce belly fat with black coffee?

Black coffee alone won't target belly fat, but it can support your overall fat-loss efforts. Combine it with a healthy diet and exercise for the best results.
Can I drink coffee every day for weight loss?

Yes, you can, as long as you're not loading it with sweeteners, sugar and cream. Stay consistent and combine it with healthy lifestyle habits, including nutritious meals and regular workouts.
Is black coffee good for skin?

Yes! Coffee contains antioxidants that protect your skin from damage and help slow ageing. It can also reduce dark spots and offer some sun protection.

Its anti-inflammatory properties soothe conditions like acne, and it can improve skin elasticity.
Can we drink black coffee during periods?

Caffeine narrows blood vessels in the uterus, which can restrict blood flow and make cramps worse. It also stimulates your nervous system, and increases anxiety and tension.

The dehydrating action of coffee can intensify the bloating and cramps. If coffee makes things worse for you, try swapping it for an herbal tea or a coffee alternative during your period.
Can I add artificial sweeteners to my black coffee without affecting its weight loss benefits?

While artificial sweeteners won't add calories, they might mess with your body in other ways.

Some studies suggest they can increase cravings and might affect your gut bacteria. If you really can't stand black coffee, try weaning off sweeteners gradually.
Is cold-brew black coffee more effective for weight loss than hot-brewed coffee?

Both cold brew and hot coffee can help with weight loss, but they have differences.

Cold brew often has more caffeine if brewed strongly. This way, it helps burn fat better and improves your metabolism.

Hot coffee delivers a faster caffeine hit and more antioxidants.

The low acidic content of cold brew makes it gentler on the stomach, so the choice really comes down to what works best for you.
Does decaf black coffee have the same weight loss benefits as regular black coffee?

The truth is, many of coffee's weight loss benefits come from caffeine.

Due to its chlorogenic acid and appetite-suppressing properties, Decaf black coffee can still support weight loss.

But it’s not quite as effective as regular black coffee since it’s missing that caffeine kick.

If you’re sensitive to caffeine or just prefer a gentler option, decaf might be the better fit. Ultimately, it all comes down to what works best for you and your diet.
How does black coffee compare to green tea for weight loss?

It's not a competition; both can be great for weight loss. Coffee typically has more caffeine than green tea, which might give you more advantages.

Green tea has catechins and other antioxidants that could help burn fat. Instead of picking one, you can alternate between them for the best of both worlds.
Are there any specific types of coffee beans that are better for weight loss?

Any coffee, green or black, can help with weight loss. Green coffee beans, rich in chlorogenic acids, may reduce fat absorption and increase metabolism.

Black coffee's higher caffeine content can increase fat burning and suppress appetite. But they're most effective when combined with a healthy diet and exercise.

Also, freshly roasted, properly brewed beans will taste better, meaning you're less likely to want to add calorie-laden creamers or sweeteners.
Does black coffee have any impact on mood?

Yes. Because of its caffeine content, drinking black coffee often has favourable effects on mood. If taken in moderate amounts, black coffee makes one more alert and increases problem-solving skills. It also lowers the severity of the symptoms associated with depression.

But, drinking caffeine in excess can manifest as increased anxiety or jitteriness.
Can we drink black coffee on an empty stomach for weight loss?

Yes, some people may see weight loss by drinking black coffee on an empty stomach. Black coffee (especially without sugar or cream) is low in calories and contains caffeine. Caffeine can increase metabolism and enhance fat burning temporarily. It may also suppress your appetite for a while, which again reduces the calories you consume.

However, some people may experience stomach irritation or increased hunger after drinking black coffee this way. If you have acid reflux or other digestive issues, consult your doctor before you add this to your weight loss plan.

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References:

[1] Dulloo, A. G., Geissler, C. A., Horton, T., Collins, A., & Miller, D. S. (1989). Normal caffeine consumption: influence on thermogenesis and daily energy expenditure in lean and postobese human volunteers. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 49(1), 44–50. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/49.1.44
[2] Carissa Gardiner, Jonathon Weakley, Louise M. Burke, Gregory D. Roach, Charli Sargent, Nirav Maniar, Andrew Townshend, Shona L. Halson, The effect of caffeine on subsequent sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis, Sleep Medicine Reviews, Volume 69, 2023, 101764, ISSN 1087-0792, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2023.101764.

Can you drink black coffee for weight loss? Let’s find out

Key Takeaways

What is black coffee?

How does black coffee help in weight loss?

Which black coffee is best for weight loss?

What are the nutrients in black coffee?

How does black coffee benefit your health?

How to make black coffee for weight loss?

3 black coffee recipes for weight loss

What is the best time to drink black coffee for weight loss?

Conclusion

FAQs