Coffee is a popular beverage enjoyed by many people. Many people like to customize their coffee according to their taste and preferences to satisfy their taste buds. Some people enjoy their coffee with added sugar to balance the bitterness of the espresso shot. While people who are very concerned about their health try to avoid adding sugar to their coffee. It is your personal choice whether to add sugar to your coffee or not, but no one should avoid the harmful side effects that consuming sugar has on your health. If you drink coffee often, then you must be aware of the health benefits of drinking coffee without sugar.

Why should you avoid coffee with milk and sugar?

No matter how attractive and aesthetic a cup of frothy cappuccino may look, it may not be the best for you. Dietician Riya Desai explains, “These beverages mostly contain sugar, sweeteners, whipped cream and milk. Drinking this kind of coffee regularly can lead to health problems. People should try to avoid sugary coffee or at least drink it in limited quantities keeping their health in mind. It can increase the chances of diabetes, cardiovascular heart diseases, skin problems, lack of sleep, NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) and kidney diseases.”

Also read: Know these health benefits of drinking coffee!

benefits of coffee without sugar

Here are some reasons why caffeine can be good for you, but only if you don’t add sugar to it:

1. Reduces the risk of diabetes

According to data from the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, drinking coffee reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in women by 8 percent. Adding any kind of sweetener can increase your blood sugar level, but plain coffee cannot. However, some studies also suggest that caffeine can reduce insulin sensitivity. Therefore, people with diabetes can drink coffee without sugar, but in moderation and after consulting their doctor.

2. Reduces the risk of heart disease

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), heart disease is the most prevalent cause of death worldwide. Studies have shown that drinking caffeine can reduce the risk of developing heart disease. A study published in the Ochsner Journal found that coffee consumption can be good for your heart. However, caffeine will be beneficial only if you drink it without sugar.

3. Improves memory

Do you often forget things or find it difficult to remember something? You may want to drink a cup of coffee to improve your memory. A study conducted by Johns Hopkins University found that drinking plain coffee can improve your memory.

4. Helpful in weight loss

If you are trying to lose weight, you can include drinking coffee without sugar or milk in your weight loss diet. A study published in the journal Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition found that caffeine intake can help reduce body mass index (BMI) and total weight. Its consumption helps increase thermogenesis, which increases the body’s energy production and metabolism, helping you burn more calories.

5. Reduces the risk of fatty liver

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or NAFLD occurs when fat accumulates in your liver without drinking alcohol. With obesity cases on the rise, NAFLD is becoming a concern in many countries. According to data from the Journal of Hepatology, the prevalence of NAFLD in the world has increased from 25.3 percent in 1990-2006 to 38 percent in 2016-2019. However, coffee consumption can reduce that risk. Not only NAFLD, but caffeine can also reduce the risk of developing other liver diseases.

The digestion of caffeine produces a substance called paraxanthine, which prevents the formation of scar tissue that contributes to fibrosis. According to a study published in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology, this may be beneficial in fighting hepatitis C, alcohol-related cirrhosis, non-alcohol-related fatty liver disease, and liver cancer.

6. Prevents tooth decay

Drinking coffee without added sugar or creamer may reduce bacteria in your mouth and reduce the risk of tooth decay. A study published in the Journal of Conservative Dentistry found that drinking coffee without any additives reduced the risk of tooth decay.

7. Controls blood pressure

High blood pressure can increase the risk of developing heart disease, so it is important to keep its levels under control. According to a study published in the journal Nutrients, drinking coffee can lower blood pressure. However, researchers of the same study advised people to drink it in moderation as excessive consumption can also increase blood pressure levels.

It may be helpful to avoid sugar in general, not just coffee, as it is not good for your health. Eliminating it can benefit you in many ways, improving your health.

How many calories are in unsweetened coffee?

How many calories are in your coffee depends on the type of coffee you are drinking. Coffees like Frappuccino or latte that contain full-fat milk, whipped cream, sugar syrup or sweetener and added sugar are high in calories due to their unique ingredients. Similarly, coffees like espresso shots, black coffee or iced Americano are considered the lowest calorie coffees because they rarely contain sugar or milk. Dietitians say that these coffees without sugar and milk can contain anywhere from 2 to 12 calories per cup.

Who should avoid coffee completely?

If you drink unsweetened coffee, it may be beneficial for you. However, some people should avoid all forms of caffeine, including:

• For people with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues, drinking it can cause stomach irritation and make your condition worse. It can cause bloating, constipation, gas, and diarrhea.
• If you are allergic to caffeine, you should strictly avoid drinking or eating these food products as it may trigger allergies and further lead to complications.