Is Coffee an Appetite Suppressant?

Hunger pangs can be a painful distraction from your diet. If you are already following a healthy dieting plan, there are appetite suppressants that can curb the hunger pains you may be suffering. But is coffee one of these suppressants?

Water Loss

Caffeine is a mild diuretic, meaning that when you drink coffee, you excrete more urine, so your body loses some water weight. This is not permanent weight-loss, however.

Calorie Burning

The caffeine in coffee also increases your body's metabolism so that you burn more calories when you eat; less of the extra calories will be converted to fat.

Peanuts and Coffee

One way to suppress hunger pains once they arise is to eat about 10 raw peanuts, very slowly, in between a few slow sips of coffee. Wait about 10 minutes, and the hunger pains should subside.

Specialty Coffee

Small amounts of coffee can aid your diet and appetite suppression, but keep in mind that some caffeinated beverages, especially specialty coffees, contain a lot of fat and can actually contribute to weight gain.

Side Effects

Too much caffeine can cause nervousness, heart palpitations, insomnia and other issues. Keep this in mind when you decide how much to add to your diet, and don't drink it if you are pregnant, nursing or have high blood pressure.

References

• Natural Strong Appetite Suppressants
• Mayo Clinic: Caffeine
• Rienstra Clinic: Appetite Suppressants