There is increasing awareness in females, a consciousness on what we want our body to look, how it should feel like. With the increase in processed foods, drinks and a sort of busyness that deprives us of the time to take in the good and trash out the ugly.
We have created a seemingly worse situation, that is, taking in ‘go to drinks’ that keeps us moving all through the day, which may or may not be detrimental in the long run depending on the individual and her habits.
Source: The Fit Mother Project
You would ask why coffee is a ‘go-to drink’. It contains caffeine amongst other components. Caffeine is a stimulant, that increases blood circulation and respiration. For a grumpy Morning, this will totally work.
However, as with everything else, striking a balance is key. Coffee is also a stronger source of caffeine unlike teas, fizzy drinks and chocolates.
Sweetened with milk or black? Either way coffee still contains caffeine. Caffeinated drinks like coffee and teas also contain tannins which can block the absorption of key nutrients such as Iron.
Iron is especially important for women who bleed each month and lose blood. Iron is a requirement for the formation of haemoglobin, a protein that transports oxygen throughout the body.
Tannins are antioxidants but unfortunately bind with Zinc and calcium as well and limit their absorption. You might want to take coffee hours later after eating and not with meals.
Taking hot black coffee on the day of your period to help you feel better could make you feel worse. Already, this phase comes with bloating and cramps. Caffeine may cause abdominal cramps by moving food too quickly through the digestive system.
You may just experience more pain. The best option is to consume warm water from time to time during the day to relieve you of some pain.
Caffeine increases the rate of metabolism, and causes the breakdown of fat, releasing fatty acid into the blood to be broken down for energy production when glucose is not available.
This is how it may affect weight loss. However, whether you lose weight or not, depends on you consuming less than you burn off. To achieve an even muscle tone, exercise is a preferred and natural option for weight loss.
Caffeine is a diuretic, allowing loss of water, causing dehydration and nutrient loss.
It is recommended that you drink no more than 400mg of coffee a day, which is equivalent to four cups of coffee. Some individuals do not have to take this amount before the effects kick in. Know what your body wants.
