Coffee helps in bringing down the risk of liver disease.
Photo Credit: istockphoto
Moderate coffee drinking — about three to five cups a day — has been previously linked(link is external) to reduced risks for dying early. A new study suggests that when people drink coffee could factor into these observed benefits. The researchers found that adults who drank coffee before noon saw the greatest reductions in dying early from any cause and from cardiovascular disease.
Coffee has emerged one of the most popular drinks of those who need to stay up for hours. The aroma of the drink, be it milk coffee or black coffee, can give you the much-needed comfort that you have been yearning for. And, most of us, find it hard to spend the entire day without the warmth of the coffee. The presence of caffeine in the beverage can boost energy, enhance endurance, reduce muscle stiffness, and help burn fat. If you are trying to lose extra calories, you can rely on coffee.
Consumption of coffee enhances fat burning by restricting fatigue signals, enhancing fat oxidation, making workouts effective and helping you work out harder and longer especially when taken 45 to 60 minutes prior to the workout.
The key ingredient of the beverage is caffeine, a natural stimulant that proves effective on your central nervous system. The beverage helps you live longer as it has been linked with longevity. Black coffee when taken in moderate quantity can lower risk of heart failure and stroke. Presence of caffeine in the drink can boost cognitive function, improve mood, and focus.
According to Dr. Saurabh Sethi, AIIMS-trained gastroenterologist and liver specialist, also educated at Harvard and Stanford, sipping black coffee has been “linked with a lower risk of fatty liver, fibrosis and cirrhosis.”. When you opt for moderate consumption of the beverage, it helps in bringing down the risk of liver disease that may include some specific cancer. It also helps people with fatty liver disease. 1
There is a lot of conversation around whether you should have coffee first thing in the morning because it spikes Cortisol. According to a study featured in National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, “Moderate coffee drinking — about three to five cups a day — has been previously linked(link is external) to reduced risks for dying early. A new study suggests that when people drink coffee could factor into these observed benefits. The researchers found that adults who drank coffee before noon saw the greatest reductions in dying early from any cause and from cardiovascular disease.” 2
Recently, leading cardiologist & functional medicine expert with 40-years of experience, Dr Alok Chopra spoke on early morning coffee habits and whether it is good or bad for the health. Dr Alok Chopra said, “When you wake up in the morning, Cortisol is already rising. That’s not a problem – physiology. Cortisol follows a natural rhythm called the Cortisol Awakening Response. It peaks in the morning to help you feel alert, focused, and ready to start your day. So the idea that coffee suddenly creates cortisol is not entirely accurate. Your body is already producing it." 3
Where the problem begins is when you wake up, don’t eat anything, and have only black coffee. Now you are layering caffeine on top of the an already elevated cortisol state without giving your body any fuel, added Dr Chopra.
High Cortisol
Jitters
Anxiety
Blood Sugar Swings
Wired Energy Exhausted
Dr Alok Chopra added, “Especially for women, it matters. Women are more sensitive to stress hormone fluctuations and repeated spikes without nourishment can affect energy, mood, and even hormonal balance over time.
Dr Chopra added, “And, if you are having coffee, don’t have it black on an empty stomach. Add something to it like ghee, MCT oil, or even better – protein. A protein coffee is actually a very smart option because you are combining stimulation with nourishment.
FAQs
Is it beneficial to drink coffee early in the morning?
Dr. Alok Chopra explains that while cortisol naturally peaks in the morning to help you feel alert, drinking coffee immediately upon waking can layer caffeine on top of already high cortisol levels. This may cause jitters, anxiety, and energy crashes, especially if consumed on an empty stomach. Therefore, drinking coffee early is beneficial if combined with nourishment, such as protein or healthy fats, rather than black coffee alone.
How does drinking coffee on an empty stomach affect the body?
Consuming black coffee on an empty stomach during the cortisol peak can elevate stress hormone levels further, leading to negative effects like jitters, anxiety, blood sugar swings, and wired but exhausted feelings. Women, in particular, may experience more pronounced fluctuations affecting energy, mood, and hormonal balance over time.
What are the best ways to consume coffee for maximum health benefits?
According to Dr. Chopra, adding nourishment to coffee is key. Incorporating protein, ghee, or MCT oil with coffee creates a balanced intake that combines caffeine stimulation with essential nutrients. Protein coffee, for example, supports both energy and nourishment, reducing adverse effects associated with caffeine alone on an empty stomach.
Does drinking coffee help with fat burning and workout performance?
Yes, caffeine in coffee can boost fat oxidation, reduce fatigue signals, and improve endurance. Drinking coffee about 45 to 60 minutes before workouts can make exercising more effective by helping you work harder and longer, which aids in burning extra calories and fat.
Can moderate coffee consumption lower the risk of chronic diseases?
Moderate coffee consumption, typically three to five cups per day, has been linked to a lower risk of heart failure, stroke, liver diseases including fatty liver, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and certain cancers. It also supports longevity and improved cognitive function. However, timing and how coffee is consumed can influence these benefits.Wha
Saurabh Sethi, AIIMS-trained gastroenterologist and liver specialist, also educated at Harvard and Stanford via Instagram|What could happen if you drank coffee daily for 14 days
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute|When it comes to the health benefits of coffee, timing may count
cardiologist & functional medicine expert with 40-years of experience, Dr Alok Chopra via Instagram|Is morning coffee good or bad
Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health or treatment options.
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