Many people wonder: “If I drink coffee, do I burn extra calories?”
It almost sounds too good to be true… and it is.
Caffeine and your metabolism
Caffeine can give your metabolism a little boost, but the effect is so minimal that it will not make you slimmer. For real calorie burning you really have to get moving.
What coffee does do
What coffee is known for is that it gets your intestines moving. For many people it works almost like a natural laxative.
This is due to:
- Caffeine, which stimulates your intestines
- The gastrocolic reflex, a signal from the stomach to the large intestine
- Acids and hormones such as gastrin, which speed up bowel movements
- The heat of your drink, which helps activate your digestion
Black or with milk?
Black coffee usually gives the strongest “toilet effect”.
Coffee with milk can make the effect even stronger in people who are sensitive to lactose.
Conclusion:
Coffee does not help you burn calories, but it does help you go to the toilet faster. So think of it as a natural “booster” for your bowel movements instead of your fat burning.
Do you want nutrition advice? Contact our nutrition specialist.
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