I drank an Americano for my diet... the reason I actually gained weight

Many people choose Americanos during dieting because they are worried about gaining weight. In fact, Americanos have about 5 to 10 kcal, making them lower in calories than other coffees. Is it really okay to freely enjoy Americanos while dieting?

Even if the calorie content is low, drinking a lot can affect hormones and lead to weight gain. Essentially, the caffeine in coffee, when ingested, increases heart rate and breathing rate, causing feelings of anxiety and tension. At this time, the secretion of cortisol, a stress hormone, increases. When cortisol levels in the body rise, the balance of metabolism is disrupted, preventing the satiety hormone leptin from functioning properly. Ultimately, this can stimulate appetite and cause false hunger, leading to a constant craving for food even when not truly hungry.

Drinking a lot of Americanos and consuming large amounts of caffeine may hinder fat breakdown because cortisol suppresses fat decomposition. Unbroken-down fat accumulates in the body. In particular, abdominal fat cells have up to four times more cortisol receptors than fat cells in other parts of the body, making fat accumulation in the abdomen more likely. Long-term high caffeine intake can slow down the previously accelerated heart rate and impair diuretic function, leading to poor elimination of toxins from the body. When toxins accumulate like this, it can lead to a body type prone to gaining weight.

Therefore, even if the calorie content is low, you should drink American coffee in moderation, considering your caffeine intake. Drinking about one cup increases energy expenditure without significantly activating cortisol. It is important not to exceed the adult daily caffeine intake of 400mg as recommended by the Korea Food and Drug Administration.

Meanwhile, many people drink coffee on an empty stomach without eating breakfast, which can cause stomach disorders. This is because stimulating components in coffee, such as caffeine and fatty acids, attack the stomach lining. As a result, the risk of developing ▲gastritis ▲gastric ulcers ▲irritable bowel syndrome increases. Additionally, caffeine stimulates the lower esophageal sphincter, increasing the risk of acid and food reflux. If these symptoms worsen, they can lead to reflux esophagitis. Especially for people with digestive or gastrointestinal disorders, it is even more advisable to avoid morning coffee.

<Source: Health Chosun>