Drinking unsweetened coffee in moderation can aid in weight loss, increase concentration, and prevent tooth decay and diabetes.
Whether or not you add sugar to your coffee is a personal preference, but limiting sugary drinks has health benefits. Consuming too much sugar increases your risk of diabetes, heart disease, skin problems, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Here are some reasons to enjoy your coffee without sugar.
Reduce the risk of diabetes
Regularly adding sugar or artificial sweeteners to your coffee can increase your blood sugar (blood sugar). If left unchecked, this can lead to diabetes. However, caffeine reduces insulin sensitivity, so diabetics can drink unsweetened coffee to reduce the impact on blood sugar. Consult your doctor for the appropriate dosage.
Heart disease prevention
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for an estimated 17.9 million deaths each year. It is a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels, including coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, rheumatic heart disease, and several other conditions.
Coffee contains caffeine and antioxidants that are good for the heart. Moderate coffee consumption, with limited added sugar, is associated with a lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease. Too much coffee, four or more cups a day, can be bad for the heart.
Drinking coffee without added sugar brings many benefits. Photo: Bao Bao
Improve memory
Unsweetened coffee helps increase the activity of nerve cells in the brain. This promotes the release of beneficial neurotransmitters, improving memory and brain function. Avoid drinking too close to bedtime, preferably in the morning.
Weight loss support
Drinking coffee without sugar or milk also helps you lose weight. Caffeine also increases thermogenesis, supports the body’s metabolism, and burns more calories.
Reduce the risk of fatty liver
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition in which fat builds up in the liver even when alcohol is not consumed. It mainly occurs in people who are obese or overweight.
Drinking unsweetened coffee may reduce this risk. The digestion of caffeine in the body leads to the production of paraxanthine, which inhibits the formation of scar tissue that contributes to fibrosis. This benefit helps prevent hepatitis C, cirrhosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and liver cancer.
Prevent tooth decay
Adding sugar to your coffee encourages bad bacteria in your mouth to grow, increasing your risk of tooth decay. Replace sugar with artificial sweeteners like xylitol (a substance commonly found in sugar-free gum) to avoid damaging tooth enamel.
Healthy adults can drink no more than 4 cups of unsweetened coffee per day. People with sensitive stomachs or digestive problems, or a history of caffeine allergies, should avoid it completely or consult a doctor for specific advice.