Coffee is a popular beverage and an excellent source of antioxidants and can provide many health benefits. A cup of black coffee typically contains just 2-5 calories, making it an excellent choice for those watching their calorie intake. However, if you add milk, cream, sugar, or other sweeteners, the calorie content can increase significantly.
For example, a 16 oz cup of latte made with whole milk contains about 130 calories, while a 16 oz mocha made with whole milk has about 270 calories. Similarly, a 16 oz cup of cappuccino made with whole milk has about 140 calories. If you switch to skim milk, these beverages still contain a significant amount of calories, but not as much as whole milk.
Adding sweeteners to your coffee can also increase the calorie content. A 16 oz cup of mocha made with whole milk and 2 tablespoons of sugar has about 320 calories, while a 16 oz cup of cappuccino with 2 tablespoons of sugar has about 240 calories.
It is also important to keep in mind that some coffee drinks, such as frappuccinos and iced coffees, can contain large amounts of sugar and calories. For example, a 16 oz caramel frappuccino made with whole milk contains about 300 calories.
So, if you are looking for a low-calorie beverage, black coffee is an excellent choice. However, if you are looking for something a bit more indulgent, be sure to keep an eye on the calorie content of your coffee.
What are the Calories in Coffee?
The nutrient value of 100 g of brewed coffee according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is as follows:
Water: 99.4 g
Energy: 1 kcal
Magnesium: 3 mg
Phosphorous: 3 mg
Potassium: 49 mg
Sodium: 2 mg
What are the health benefits of coffee?
1. Improves cognitive function
Coffee is a great way to improve your cognitive function as it contains caffeine that helps increase alertness and concentration. Caffeine helps block the action of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that slows down brain activity and makes you feel sleepy. By blocking this neurotransmitter, caffeine helps increase focus and alertness.
2. Reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes
Studies have shown that drinking coffee can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This is because coffee helps improve insulin sensitivity, which can reduce your risk of developing the disease.
3. Reduces the risk of heart disease
Regularly drinking coffee can help reduce your risk of heart disease. Coffee contains antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation, which is a key factor in the development of heart disease.
4. Improves mood
Coffee can also help improve your mood. Caffeine helps increase the levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain, which are two neurotransmitters that are known to improve mood.
5. Reduces the risk of certain cancers
Studies have found that drinking coffee can reduce your risk of developing certain cancers, such as prostate and liver cancer. This is due to the antioxidants found in coffee, which can help reduce inflammation and fight off cancer cells.
6. Improves athletic performance
Finally, coffee may improve athletic performance. Caffeine helps increase alertness and focus, and it can also reduce fatigue and help you to push through tough workouts.
What are the downsides of coffee?
Coffee has long been known as a go-to source of energy, but it can have some serious drawbacks. While some people may be able to enjoy coffee in moderation, others may find that their coffee habit has some negative consequences. Here are some of the potential downsides of coffee that you should keep in mind:
1. Caffeine addiction:
Caffeine is a drug, and it can be highly addictive. If you’re drinking coffee every day to get an energy boost, you may find yourself needing more and more of it to get the same effect. This can lead to an unhealthy reliance on caffeine, which can be difficult to break.
2. Insomnia:
Caffeine is a stimulant, so it can make it difficult for some people to get to sleep. If you’re having trouble sleeping, it may be time to reduce your coffee intake.
3. Anxiety:
Caffeine can also cause anxiety in some people. If you’re feeling anxious after drinking coffee, it’s probably time to cut back.
4. Stomach problems:
Coffee is a diuretic, meaning it can make you urinate more frequently. This can lead to dehydration and can also cause stomach upset in some people.
What are the different types of coffee?
1. Espresso: The strongest coffee drink
Espresso is a strong, concentrated coffee that is made by forcing hot water through ground coffee beans. It's the base for many other coffee drinks including cappuccino, latte, macchiato, and americano. It's usually served in a small cup and has a rich bitter flavour.
2. Cappuccino: A creamy Italian classic
Cappuccino is a popular Italian coffee drink that is made from espresso, steamed milk, and foam. It's usually topped with a dusting of cocoa powder or cinnamon. It's creamy, rich, and often served with breakfast or after dinner.
3. Macchiato: A sweetened espresso
Macchiato is a type of espresso that is sweetened with sugar and topped with a dollop of foam. It's usually served in a small glass and has a strong, sweet flavour. It's often enjoyed as an after-dinner treat or as a mid-morning pick-me-up.
4. Americano: A milder version of espresso
Americano is a type of coffee that is made by diluting espresso with hot water. It's usually served in a large mug and has a mild flavour. It's often enjoyed as a morning coffee or as an afternoon pick-me-up.
5. Cold brew
Cold brew is a type of coffee that is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for an extended time. It has a smooth, mellow flavour and is usually served over ice. It's often enjoyed as a refreshing summertime drink or as an afternoon refresher.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is coffee so high in calories?
Coffee itself is calorie-free, but many of the ingredients that are added to coffee can add calories. Common additions such as coffee creamer, sugar, syrups, and flavoured syrups can add calories to the drink.
Does caffeine cause belly fat?
No, caffeine does not directly cause belly fat. However, excessive consumption of caffeine can cause other health problems, such as dehydration, which can lead to weight gain. Additionally, consuming too much caffeine can cause sleep deprivation, which can lead to a buildup of stress hormones, which can then lead to an increase in abdominal fat.
Why should I quit coffee?
Consuming caffeine in large amounts on daily basis leads to negative effects on the nervous system. Additionally, drinking more than 2-3 cups of coffee can lead to cardiovascular diseases.
Which coffee is best for weight loss?
Some general tips for choosing a coffee that can help with weight loss include opting for black coffee, avoiding adding sugar and cream, and trying out a lighter roast, such as a medium or light roast. Additionally, adding a teaspoon of coconut oil to your coffee may also help with weight loss as it can increase your body's metabolism.
