Some people just prefer their coffee with milk, while others like to shake things up by sipping on variations like protein coffee, olive oil coffee, or even mushroom coffee. But what about enzyme coffee for weight loss? The fizzy drink is touted as a quick fix for weight loss and belly fat, but is the hype really all it is?
Supporters of the trendy drink claim that the coffee blend contains digestive enzymes that help break down fat. But dietitians are less convinced. The drink combines various ingredients such as green coffee bean extract, chromium, yerba mate and more. And while regular coffee is known to increase metabolism, which can help you reach and maintain a healthy weight, according to Jim White, RDN, ACSM Ex-P, owner of Jim White Fitness and Nutrition Studios, when it comes to Enzyme Coffee: There is very little scientific evidence to really support weight loss,” explains White.
“It’s been touted as a weight loss drink because it’s very high in caffeine, and there are some studies that support that caffeine can promote weight loss,” explains Keri Gans, RDN, author of The small change diet and podcast host of The Keri Report. Gans says that to lose weight the healthy way, she recommends focusing on a healthy diet, portion control, stress reduction, and increasing activity levels.
What is Enzyme Coffee?
“Enzyme coffee is a blend of coffee powder, green coffee bean extract, green tea, chromium, yerba mate, and guarana,” explains White. “All of these ingredients combined would help with weight loss because it boosts metabolism and can suppress appetite.” But why are these ingredients combined to produce a weight loss drink?
Chromium can be used to stabilize blood sugar, correct insulin resistance and can increase lean muscle mass, White explains, according to the National Institute of Health. Yerba mate is an herbal tea that can suppress appetite (which can help lower your calorie intake), continues White, while guarana is a high-caffeine seed known to boost metabolism.
Does Enzyme Coffee Work for Weight Loss?
The short answer is “no,” says Gans. “There is never one food or drink that should be the ‘end point’ to weight loss – losing weight requires behavioral and lifestyle changes, along with a lot of patience and compassion for yourself.”
However, for those who struggle with overeating, enzyme coffee may help suppress appetite. This effect is said to be mainly due to caffeine, which is also found in regular coffee, which also helps to boost energy. This energy boost can be beneficial in terms of exercise to complete longer, more intense sessions for a higher overall calorie burn, White said.
In general, coffee is good for you for a number of reasons that can affect weight loss. In addition to caffeine, coffee can help you process sugar (glucose) better and “is associated with a lower risk of heart disease in moderation,” White explains.
Side effects of enzyme coffee for weight loss
“Enzyme coffee is high in caffeine, so anyone sensitive to caffeine may experience a variety of side effects,” notes Gans. Some of these possible side effects include:
Alternative weight loss drinks
There is no quick sip that can make you lose pounds. While enzyme coffee may not be a magic weight loss solution, there are some weight loss drinks you can add to a healthy diet to help get you closer to your goals. To put it simply, “water is definitely an ideal drink for weight loss,” notes Gans. “It has zero calories and can help with satiety.”
But if you’re looking for drinks other than water to sip throughout the day, White recommends (not necessarily for weight loss) adding higher protein drinks and shakes with 30g of protein, as these types of drinks can help with building muscle when combined with strength training. Plus, “Green and black teas may improve metabolism, which could support weight loss,” explains White.
it comes down to
While there aren’t too many worrisome side effects of consuming enzyme coffee, the sheer number of claims behind the weight loss drink are probably more of a marketing gimmick than a statement of truth. However, there are plenty of evidence-based ways to lose weight.
“Research shows that a combination of lifestyle and exercise is best for safe weight loss. Eating a nutritious diet, eating within a calorie deficit, and being physically active can all help you lose weight and maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle,” explains White. “I see these products and supplements as a tool in the toolbox Added to a healthy diet and exercise [they] can be a great addition to promote weight loss and overall health. Other suggestions include creating stress relief, improving sleeping habits, and practicing mindful eating habits.
Important disclaimer: Dietary supplements are products that are intended to supplement the diet. They are not medicines and are not intended to treat, diagnose, alleviate, prevent or cure any disease. Be careful about taking dietary supplements if you are pregnant or nursing and consult your doctor before taking any new supplements (or giving to a family member) in any situation, as they may interfere with the medication.
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