If you drink coffee every day, you’re not alone. In fact, many of us rely on our daily boost of caffeine to get us through each morning. Luckily, coffee isn’t necessarily bad for you—in fact, it can even offer up health benefits, including weight loss. However, health risks can arise and negate these benefits if you’re regularly filling your coffee with certain ingredients. That includes one major offender.
To discover one of the worst coffee ingredients that could be slowing your metabolism, leading to weight gain, and causing other health issues if consumed regularly, we spoke to dietitian Krutika Nanavati. She told us that refined sugar and other coffee add-ins containing this ingredient could be taking a serious toll on your health. Read on to learn more.
Health effects of refined sugar
Sugar is perhaps the most popular coffee ingredient. After all, who doesn't like a bit of sweetness in their cup of joe? Unfortunately, Nanavati tells us that despite the great taste, adding too much sugar—or any sort of sugary ingredient—to your coffee on a regular basis can do a lot of damage to your health. It should especially be avoided if you're trying to slim down.
"Adding sugar, flavored syrups, or whipped cream to your coffee can significantly increase the calorie content," she points out. "These empty calories do not provide any nutritional benefit and can contribute to weight gain, which slows down metabolism over time." Yikes!
Does that mean you have to suck it up and take your coffee black every morning? Not necessarily. There are a few healthier options. Nanavati recommends choosing natural sweeteners like honey, monk fruit, or stevia.
However, if you're looking for the healthiest option around, black coffee (maybe with a bit of metabolism-boosting cinnamon) is likely going to be your best bet.
The bottom line
Of course, it's okay to treat yourself every now and then. If you're really craving a spoonful of sugar in your coffee, or maybe even a Pumpkin Spice Latte, it's not going to kill you to indulge every now and then. But it's important to remember that weight loss is about practicing moderation and making healthy choices on a consistent basis. By limiting your sugar intake, you'll be doing wonders for your body.
