Coffee, cinnamon, and ginger: Your tasty allies in weight loss journey

Understanding the benefits of coffee

Black coffee, known for its high caffeine content, invigorates our bodies, aids in combating fatigue, and sharpens our ability to concentrate. Besides these well-known effects, caffeine provides two additional benefits: it can lower histamine levels (related to allergic reactions), and dilate bronchi (offering relief for asthma patients).

The positive effects coffee has on us can be augmented with the addition of two spices: ginger and cinnamon. A touch of each in your cup can enhance its benefits!

Spotlight on ginger

Ginger is filled with bioactive compounds, including gingerols and shogaols, which boast anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. This spice may also help reduce cholesterol levels and prevent platelet aggregation, reducing the risk of thrombosis and cardiovascular diseases.

Ameta-analysis released last year, which included 24 studies on ginger's health benefits, confirmed that its consumption positively impacts blood sugar and lipid levels, degenerative joint disease, blood pressure, inflammation markers, and weight control.

When considering weight control, it's worth pointing out that ginger can stimulate digestion and aid food movement through the body.

The benefits of cinnamon

The spicy Ceylon cinnamon has numerous health-enhancing compounds. Composed of cinnamaldehyde, coumarin, cinnamic acid, and eugenol, it ensures antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action.

Studies indicate that people who consume 1-6 grams of cinnamon daily for several days have lowered blood pressure as well as decreased levels of sugar and lipids in the bloodstream.

Is coffee always healthy?

While black coffee with cinnamon and ginger delivers many nutritional benefits and very few calories, adding milk, especially whole milk, can significantly increase the drink's caloric content. If you top the drink with flavored syrup or sprinkle sugar on top, it transforms from a healthy drink to an unhealthy dessert.

The goal of weight loss should not be overshadowed by the potential risks of excessive coffee consumption, even when it's prepared healthily.

Keep in mind, caffeine can increase blood pressure, but usually only when its recommended daily dose of 400 mg for adults is exceeded. This amount typically equates to about four cups of coffee a day—a rough estimate as the coffee type and brewing method can cause variance.

Those who enjoy their coffee throughout the day are advised against drinking Robusta, which contains up to twice the caffeine of Arabica.