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For many of us, that first (or second, or third) cup of coffee in the morning gives us life. And, considering how rich it is in antioxidants, you can also feel good knowing that coffee provides health benefits that include lowering your risk of cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s Disease, and more.
But what you put into your coffee matters. And one of the most common coffee additives can undo some of the amazing metabolism-boosting benefits you would ordinarily find in your cup of Joe.
This is the one coffee mistake you should avoid because it slowly destroys your metabolism in the morning.
We get it. Coffee is bitter. And it can taste so much better with one or two additives that make it sweeter and creamier.
But one of the most common coffee additives — sugar — can add up fast and wreak havoc on your metabolism if you aren’t practicing portion control.
Metabolism is largely genetic, but the food choices we make can affect it. Sugar and processed foods are among the biggest metabolism offenders — and added sugars, when consumed in excess, require far less energy to digest than healthy foods that contains protein, good fats, and unrefined carbs. As a result, your body burns fewer calories.
According to the American Heart Association, women should consume no more than 100 calories, or 6 teaspoons, of added sugar each day. For men, the recommended amount is no more than 9 teaspoons of sugar per day. If you enjoy two cups of coffee each morning, and add 2 teaspoons of sugar per cup, you are already more than halfway over your recommended daily limit — with hours to go before bedtime.
The reality is: most people are not drinking their coffee black.
According to a study by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: “67% of coffee drinkers are using caloric add-ins like creamer, sugar, sweeteners, or half and half.”
Researchers also discovered that the average coffee drinker adds three teaspoons of sugar to each cup of coffee.
The best thing you can do for your health and metabolism is cut out the added sugar you put in coffee completely. But if the idea of drinking black coffee does not appeal to you, other additives like cinnamon (which helps lower blood sugar), sugar-free nut milk, or a few tablespoons of low-fat milk can ensure that your coffee tastes great — without all of the added sugar.
