Can Coffee Safely Raise My Metabolism for Weight Loss?

There is no shortcut to weight loss, but sometimes we do find something that may supplement a good diet and regular exercise. Caffeinated coffee is a stimulant and it can jolt your metabolism a bit. Now, coffee will not cause weight loss on its own, but it has been shown to raise the metabolism.

How Big of an Impact Does Coffee Have on Metabolism?

Black coffee has the potential to burn about 50 extra calories - in a 145-pound woman - over the course of four hours. Caffeine triggers our nervous system, which in turn, signals our bodies to go into its fat stores and release a small amount of energy. Now, if we add any sugar, cream, milk or anything else, the metabolic effect is diminished.

In addition to the metabolic effects, caffeine may also help to suppress the appetite and act as a diuretic for some people. The appetite suppressing effects are only brief. The diuretic effects do not contribute to fat loss, and this effect is only present in some people.

Is Caffeine Safe?

Caffeine is generally safe. However, consuming too much coffee can cause side effects , and for some people even a small amount of caffeine can cause side effects if they are sensitive to it. Those who should avoid caffeinated coffee include those with anxiety or sleep issues, those with stomach ulcers or acid reflux, those with irregular or fast heart rhythms, those with lumpy and/or painful breasts, those with high blood pressure that is not controlled by treatment and those with chronic headaches. Pregnant women should also avoid caffeine.

Possible side effects of caffeine may include a fast heart rate, depression, nausea, tremors, vomiting, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, restlessness and urinating more often. These are generally seen in those who either are consuming too much caffeine or are sensitive to caffeine.

Those who regularly consume caffeine and then abruptly stop may experience drowsiness, irritability, vomiting, headaches and nausea.

What is the Average Daily Intake of Caffeine?

If you are getting about 250 milligrams each day, then you are getting what is considered average. In terms of coffee, this is equal to about three eight ounce cups of coffee. Drinking more may possibly start to cause side effects depending on how you react to caffeine. An excessive intake of caffeine is considered to be about 10 eight ounce cups of coffee. It is a good idea to talk to your doctor before adjusting your caffeine intake.