American coffee, also known as Americano, is often touted as a diet-friendly coffee option. Its light taste, without added sugar and milk, makes it popular among those looking to lose weight. With very low calorie content, Americano is preferred over sweet or milk-based coffee options.
But is Americano safe and healthy if consumed as part of a daily routine? This question is important because despite being low in calories, caffeine consumption still needs to be limited. Here is an explanation to help you understand the benefits and potential risks more comprehensively.
Americano is made from espresso mixed with hot water without added sweeteners. Therefore, the calorie content in a cup of this coffee is very low, only about 5 calories. This makes it a relatively safe drink for those who are restricting calorie intake.
Moreover, the caffeine content in Americano is believed to help suppress appetite and increase metabolism. Some studies suggest that caffeine can stimulate the release of the hormone epinephrine, which helps the body burn fat faster.
The caffeine in Americano can stimulate the central nervous system and epinephrine hormone, thereby increasing metabolism and helping release fats as energy. Studies have shown that caffeine consumption can increase metabolism by 3-11 percent, although its effect on weight loss is relatively small to moderate.
In addition, Americano contains antioxidants such as polyphenols and chlorogenic acid that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. These substances play a role in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers, especially when consumed without added sugar or cream.
Moderate coffee consumption, about 3-4 cups per day, is also associated with a lower risk of premature death and cardiovascular disease. However, it is still important to limit caffeine intake to avoid side effects like palpitations or sleep disturbances.
While promising, excessive consumption of Americano still poses health risks. High levels of caffeine can cause palpitations, sleep disturbances, acid reflux, and anxiety. Therefore, the recommended caffeine limit for healthy adults is ideally not more than 400 mg per day, or about 3-4 cups of Americano.
For pregnant women, those with gastric issues, or those sensitive to caffeine, this recommendation should be reduced. Moreover, coffee should not be consumed on an empty stomach to avoid triggering stomach irritation. Adjusting coffee consumption to individual body conditions is important to maximize benefits without causing side effects.
Therefore, Americano coffee can be a good companion for a diet if consumed in moderation and as part of a healthy lifestyle. Do not make coffee a substitute for food, as the body still needs nutrients from a balanced diet.
