Black Coffee: Secret Weapon for Weight Loss and Dementia Prevention

Research reveals coffee’s positive impact on heart, brain, and weight

Research papers demonstrated black coffee aids in weight loss and dementia prevention. (Photo=DB)

An article in a prominent U.S. media outlet states that black coffee aids in weight loss and the prevention of dementia. One cup of black coffee has 2 calories (roughly 0.002 kcal), 95 mg of caffeine, 0g of fat, and 0.3g of protein.

A recent article on Today.com about black coffee (Black Coffee Benefits: Dietitian On Heart Health, Weight Loss, Risks) introduced four health benefits that can be gained from drinking more than one cup of black coffee a day.

First, it’s beneficial for heart health. Research has shown that consuming 2-3 cups of coffee daily is associated with increased lifespan and a reduced risk of heart disease and heart rhythm problems. These benefits of coffee apply to both people with and without heart disease.

Second, it lowers the mortality rate. Another research paper states that drinking coffee, especially unsweetened coffee, is associated with a lower risk of death. People who drank 1.5-3.5 cups of coffee without sugar every day had a 16-21% lower probability of dying over 7 years compared to those who didn’t drink coffee at all. Coffee drinkers also had a reduced risk of liver disease and type 2 diabetes.

Third, it aids in weight loss. Research supports that moderate consumption of caffeine-containing coffee can be an effective weight management strategy. This study was published in the Clinical Nutrition journal in 2023.

It was found that individuals who rarely drank coffee but increased their intake to a maximum of 7 cups a week saw a decrease in total body fat. Coffee’s anti-obesity effect is believed to be due to its influence on metabolism, including boosting metabolic processes. People who enjoy drinking coffee also tend to be more physically active.

Fourth, it’s beneficial for brain health. Research has shown that people who drink 4-6 cups of coffee a day have lower rates of stroke and dementia. Coffee can lift your mood. A moderate amount of caffeine can help alleviate depression by stimulating dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the brain.

The health benefits of black coffee come from over 100 bioactive compounds, including powerful antioxidants, found in coffee beans. According to a study presented at the American College of Cardiology in 2022, these bioactive compounds reduce inflammation in the body, improve insulin sensitivity, stimulate metabolism, inhibit fat absorption in the gut, and help block receptors associated with abnormal heart rhythms.