Coffee is one of the most popular beverages consumed worldwide. The caffeine present in coffee acts as a stimulant that activates the body and mind. Though people prefer it for its instant kick, it is also an effective way to lose weight. Read through to know what makes coffee for weight loss an effective and widely sought-after method to cut that extra flab.
Coffee contains a range of active substances that act as natural stimulants for the body. These are caffein, theobromine, theophylline, and chlorogenic acid. Caffeine is the main stimulant found in coffee that activates the central nervous system, resulting in an energy boost through increased alertness and uplifting of mood. It promotes weight loss through its thermogenic and stimulant properties. Theobromine is a bitter-tasting alkaloid found in coffee and cocoa that falls in the same class of stimulants as coffee. Its instant energy boost promotes weight loss. It also plays a role in appetite control and limits hunger cravings.
Theophylline is naturally present in cocoa and coffee. It also possesses stimulant properties which activate the vessels and boosts blood flow in the body. It aids weight loss by stimulating lipolysis and inhibiting adipogenesis or fat deposition in the body. Chlorogenic Acid is a key compound in coffee. It is a potent antioxidant and important for chemopreventive activities. It slows down the absorption of carbohydrates in the body.
Weight loss and fat burning directly depend upon how fast or slow the body’s metabolism is. The body burns calories even at rest. The rate at which these are burnt is called the resting metabolic rate (RMR). The higher the RMR, the higher will be the fat burning. This will mean no accumulation of fats in the body. Coffee, through its thermogenic and stimulant properties, increases RMR by up to 11%. Furthermore, a higher coffee intake is linked to a higher metabolism rate.