You might have heard about the numerous health benefits of coffee, such as its ability to support neurological health, protect against liver cancer, and prolong life. However, there is an unexpected side effect that you should be aware of when enjoying your daily cup of joe: coffee can cause you to crave sugar.
Coffee’s sugary side effect
You might already be aware that coffee and sweets make an excellent pairing. The reason behind this is rooted in how the caffeine in coffee changes your perception of food, particularly sweet food. Coffee causes sugar to taste less sweet, which can lead to increased consumption of sugary snacks.
Researchers at Cornell University discovered that people who drank sweetened coffee with caffeine found it less sweet than those who drank the same sweetened coffee without caffeine. This difference is attributed to caffeine’s suppression of the body’s adenosine receptors, which are responsible for relaxation and sleepiness. Suppressing these receptors not only makes you feel more alert and energized but also decreases your ability to taste sweetness. As a result, you may find yourself craving sweet foods even more.
Of course, enjoying a pastry with your coffee every once in a while is fine, but indulging in sweets daily can have a detrimental effect on your health. High sugar intake can contribute to high blood sugar and insulin resistance, factors that can lead to serious diseases like type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even cancer.
How to enjoy coffee without giving in to sugar cravings
There are ways to enjoy the health benefits of coffee without succumbing to your sweet tooth. Start by curbing your sugar cravings altogether. Eating less sugar decreases your desire for it. In fact, when you cut out sugar completely and then reintroduce it to your diet, you may find the same sugary treats you once enjoyed far too sweet. Eliminating sugar, even for just a couple of days, can help reset your body’s sugar tolerance.
Additionally, maintaining a balanced blood sugar level can help prevent cravings for sugary foods. To achieve stable blood sugar levels, avoid sweets and refined carbohydrates and consume plenty of healthy fats and protein.
When a sugar craving does strike, try to distract yourself with a walk, chewing gum (preferably sweetened with xylitol), or running errands. Engaging in productive tasks that don’t involve sugary treats can help curb your cravings.
Once you’ve managed to control your sugar cravings, you’ll discover there are many healthier foods that pair well with your coffee, such as:
- A banana
- Yogurt
- Granola
- Whole grain toast and your favorite fruit
- Oatmeal
While some of these options still contain sugar, they are significantly healthier choices compared to a donut, Danish, or coffee cake. By enjoying these healthier pairings and saving the sugary treats for special occasions, you can still benefit from coffee without negatively impacting your health.
