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Caffeine is the worlds most consumed stimulant. It's in coffee and green tea which are the two most widely consumed beverages world wide. Caffeine is also one of the most common ingredients in weight loss pills and weight loss detox programs. But don't be fooled, not all caffeine is created equal and the source of your caffeine will have a great impact on whether or not it will help you lose weight and it's not safe for all people.
How Caffeine Helps with Weight Loss
Caffeine is a widely popular ingredient in diet pills and there has been extensive research on the topic. So, how could caffeine help with weight loss?
Caffeine Boosts the Metabolism
Studies have shown caffeine to have a direct increase on the body's metabolism. One study showed results that after caffeine consumption the average increase in resting metabolic rate was 4% over the 3 hours after consumption. The increase is partially due an increase in burning fat but this effect was dependent on the body mass of the individual. One study showed a increase in fat burning in leaner people was 29%. However this effect diminished with individuals with a higher body mass. Obese individuals in the study had fat burning increase only 10%.
Caffeine has a thermogenic effect on the body. Thermogenesis is when the body temperature increases, a higher core temperature takes more energy to manage resulting in more fat burning.
Caffeine Boosts Energy
Caffeine is a stimulant and it gives us mental clarity and energy to wake us up in the morning. While most people use caffeine as a mental stimulate and energy to get work done it can also be used t give you energy to workout longer and harder. With a little bit of caffeine before a workout you can get the boost you need to give your workout 100% effort. Giving it your best at the gym or on your run means you will see the results you are looking for even faster.
Caffeine as a Appetite Suppressant
Caffeine also has the ability to temporarily suppress your appetite and curb cravings. However, too much caffeine can increase anxiety which can lead to emotional eating. Caffeine is a stimulant and too much of it overstimulates the central nervous system. When the central nervous system gets overstimulated it causes the adrenal glands to produce a chemical called cortisol. Cortisol signals the body to increase its energy stores and this is done by consuming calories.
Best Sources of Caffiene for Weight Loss
They way you get your caffeine is super important. Caffeine can come in the following common forms:
- Energy Drinks
- Coffee
- Tea
- Pills
Coffee and tea are the most common sources of caffeine. The healthiest tea with caffeine are the following:
- Black Tea (60-90mg)
- Oolong Tea (50-75 mg)
- Green Tea (35-70mg)
Black coffee contains about 150-200mg. Coffee can quickly become unhealthy when you add creamer, flavoring, milk, and sugar to the mix. You can quickly drink coffee that is high in calories like many latte and cappuccino coffee house drinks. Take caution regarding the amount of sugar and flavoring you add to your coffee. Energy drinks are also a popular choice for caffeine drinkers. Stay away from energy drinks with a high sugar content and opt for healthier options. Believe it or not there are healthy energy drinks out there! Here is a list of the top three energy drinks I would recomend:
You can also get caffeine from certain weight loss pills and it's actually one of the most common ingredients in slimming pills. While caffeine can have the potential to lead users to lose weight it also needs to be taken with caution. Too much caffeine can cause a rapid and irregular heart beat, sleep problems, and anxiety. It also should not be consumed by women that are pregnant. In general it should be completely avoided by people with anxiety disorders, cardiac problems, and blood pressure issues. It's always suggested that you consult with a doctor before adding simulates to your diet.
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