Most people associate coffee with only higher energy markers and focus. In truth, caffeine comes with countless benefits for health. It can cut down the risk of stroke, certain cancers as well type 2 diabetes. It also lowers the risk of many neurological conditions including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and dementia. One 2018 study found that caffeine intake shared a link with weight reduction.
Now a new study also connects caffeine to weight loss. According to this latest research, coffee reduces the negative effects of a diet that promotes obesity. Scientists from the University of Illinois conducted this study on rats and say that the results are applicable on humans as well.
They noted how rats that had consumed caffeinated mate tea gained less weight in comparison to those that consumed decaffeinated mate tea. A Journal of Functional Foods paper published this study.
Diving Into The Research
For the purpose of this study, scientists fed the rodents a high-fat and high-sugar diet for 28 days. They then divided the rats into five groups:
- The first group was fed synthetic caffeine
- The second group mate tea with caffeine
- The third group had caffeine extracted from mate tea
- The fourth group had caffeine extracted from coffee
- The fifth and last group was given decaffeinated mate tea
Following this experiment, researchers noted that the rats that were given caffeine had less body fat than those in the decaf group. To be precise, the rats that had caffeine gained 16% less weight and had 22% less body fat. This was in comparison to those that had decaffeinated mate tea.
This study doesn’t only show that caffeine has an effect on weight but also the potential of mate tea. The amount of caffeine given to the rats was equal to 4 cups of coffee in a day for humans.
What Did The Researchers Say?
Considering how obesity is a global epidemic, such studies are helpful in determining how weight gain can be controlled.
Corresponding study author, Prof. Elvira Gonzalez de Mejia said, “The results of this research could be scaled to humans to understand the roles of mate tea and caffeine as potential strategies to prevent overweight and obesity, as well as the subsequent metabolic disorders associated with these conditions.”
Other measures that you can take to prevent obesity include eating healthy as well as exercising. This means you should avoid sugary beverages, processed foods, fried foods, and overeating. You should also include more physical activity in your routine in small ways such as taking the stairs, walking to work, etc.
Sum Up
Coffee can help with weight loss. A new study shows that consuming caffeine can help combat the effects of pro-obesity habits. This research was conducted on rats. Rats that took caffeine had less body weight and less body fat. Scientists said these findings are applicable to humans as well.