Dec 15, 2010 Lorelei Sieja
Could Your Coffee Be Making You Fat? - photo by Beatrice Murch
Coffee... the word itself evokes a feeling of warmth and relaxation. No other single food in my kitchen has quite the same history with me as my morning brew. I remember waking up as a child to the pleasing aroma of the percolator. Later, when Mr. Coffee machines invaded many kitchens, I remember mom saying that it just didn't smell as nice.
I used to cut classes a lot in high school. I was bored. I was uninterested. I usually went home, though, and my mom and I went out to a coffee shop together. She took hers with cream, I took cream and sugar, then we'd both order donuts. My dad wasn't thrilled that I cut school, but as I continued to get straight As, he didn't complain (until I was actually flunked, because I hadn't met minimum compulsory attendance, but that's another story!)
Unfortunately, I had to give up caffeine about fifteen years ago. It didn't just keep me awake at night, but I had almost an allergic reaction to it. If I drink a cup of regular coffee by mistake, within minutes my pulse starts racing and it remains high for many hours. It is scary enough that I was able to give up all caffeine products (except chocolate). I drink only decaf now, but my children and spouse are still caffeine addicts, as are many of my relatives. So when I read something about caffeine causing weight gain, diabetes, hypertension and other health problems, I sat up and took notice. I decided to research it more. Now I'll share that with you.
Caffeine Affects Cortisol Levels
Cortisol is known as the "stress hormone". During times of stress, cortisol along with epinephrine and norepinephrine are released into your blood. These hormones give you an energy boost to deal with the crisis. Afterward, epinephrine and norepinephrine levels quickly return to normal, but the cortisol level remains high for some time. Cortisol tells your body to burn fat and carbohydrates right now, so you can have the energy you need. Cortisol also tells your body to release more insulin which raises your blood sugar levels. All this work makes you hungry, so you eat more. Cortisol is a major cause of belly fat - the most dangerous kind of weight gain. Since caffeine raises cortisol levels, then yes, caffeine consumption will make you more likely to "cheat" on your diet.
Caffeine Affects Blood Pressure
This one is hardly any surprise. I mean, I've heard for years that coffee is a stimulant. It wakes us up in the morning, gives us an energy boost throughout the day, and it can keep us awake even when we'd rather be sleeping. According to Dr. Sheldon Sheps, ("How Does Caffeine Affect Blood Pressure", www.MayoClinic.com) caffeine can temporarily raise your blood pressure significantly. It is unsure how caffeine does this, whether it is because it constricts blood vessels limiting blood flow, or if it causes the adrenal gland to release more adrenaline. Dr. Shep believed that two cups of a caffeinated beverage a day was unlikely to cause any adverse health affect, unless one already has high blood pressure. Limiting caffeine intake, however, becomes problematic in that caffeine is found in so many products, from sodas and teas to candies and even certain medications.
Decaffeinated Coffee Raises LDL - the Harmful Cholesterol
I switched to decaff about twenty years ago. I became sensitive to caffeine, and found that it caused a rapid spike in my pulse rate that lasted for many hours. However, I find now that I may have eliminated one problem and caused another. Recent research shows a high correlation between decaffeinated coffee and a rise in LDL cholesterol. While the researchers did not feel the results were enough to ban coffee from our diets, they did suggest that if you have high cholesterol, stop drinking decaff, and if you have high blood pressure, stop drinking caffeinated coffee. If you have both? Dr. Superko replied, "There's always Green Tea."
To Lose Weight, Eat Only Nutrient-Rich, Low Calorie Foods
Since coffee has no nutrients, and fills me up so that I'm not hungry for more nutritious foods, I guess for the duration of this diet, I will stop drinking it. Water is great for dieters, few of us drink enough of it. Fruit juice is better than soda, but it has less fiber and more calories than the fruit from which it is made. Fruit smoothies are the best alternative then, as you get all the fiber of the original fruit.
It's up to you, my readers, if you decide to give up coffee or decaff... I just posted the information here for you to make an informed decision. I've lost a few more pounds, but my weight loss is slow. I love cream and sugar in my decaff - black, it is just too bitter. Maybe this sacrifice will have the added bonus of easing the budget. Those little side trips to the coffee shop sure add up!
Today's Menu:
- Banana, two tangerines
- whole wheat crackers, cheese
- Potato-Corn Chowder
- Apple Slices
- Lentil Stew, side salad
Today's Exercise Plan:
This evening I need to help my spouse put the dog boxes on the truck. There is heavy lifting involved, but not much aerobic exercise. Ultimately, though, I'll be able to run my dog sled team soon! Yeah for winter! I will still walk the dogs twice today (Two thirty-minute walks, one in the morning, one in the evening.) Then I expect I'll have a session with the heating pad tonight...
Related Reading:
Losing Weight with Lorelei - Day 1
Losing Weight with Lorelei - list of articles
Sources:
Dr. Stoppler, M.D., "Ask the Experts: Does Stress Cause Weight Gain?", Medicinenet.com. Accessed December 13, 2010.
Little, Linda; "Decaf Coffee May Increase ApoB Levels", Medscape Medical News, November 2005, Medscape.com Accessed December 14, 2010.
Could Your Coffee Be Making You Fat? - photo by Beatrice Murch
Cortisol Causes Belly Fat - photo by Les Chatfield
Caffeine Affects Blood Pressure - photo by Clay Irving
Eat Nutrient-Rich, Low-Calorie Foods - photo by Jrsnchzhrs
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