Hunger and appetite are controlled by complex systems within our bodies, which can be deeply affected by what we eat and drink, including coffee. Although many people use coffee to be more alert and energetic, new research shows that this drink reduces appetite and increases feelings of satiety. Explications!
People metabolize coffee at different speeds and genetically determined. Indeed, coffee affects many neurotransmitters and hormones, but its effects also depend on the type of coffee, how much you drink and when you drink it. According to research from the American College of Nutrition newspaper, this universal drink not only helps you feel good, but also helps you lose weight.
But what's in this cup of coffee?
Coffee is a complex mixture of chemicals that remains the main food source of caffeine. Caffeine is an effective ergogen that improves sports performance, it saves muscle glycogen and delays fatigue.
The coffee also contains phytochemicals called chlorogenic acids, a large group of biologically active food phenols and antioxidants. Chlorogenic acids have recently attracted the attention of researchers on obesity and manufacturers of dietary supplements, as they can help reduce hunger.
The secrets of the appetite
Hunger and satiety are influenced by dozens of interacting hormones. The three main hormones are ghrelin, leptin and peptide YY. Ghrelin is a digestive hormone that stimulates appetite. Leptin and YY peptide are hormones that help reduce appetite.
Ghrelin is secreted mainly in the stomach. It stimulates the appetite and increases the food intake. Leptin is a hormone, synthesized mainly in fat cells, which has been shown to reduce food intake and increase energy expenditure.
The cells of the intestinal lining of the ileum and the large intestine release the third hormone, the peptide YY (PYY). PYY reduces appetite and food consumption, perhaps by acting on the neurons of the hypothalamus to help feel full or satisfied. Other researchers believe that PYY may delay gastric emptying.
All about the study
This study used eleven healthy male volunteers who ingested one of three test beverages (caffeine in water, caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee) or placebo (water), and 60 minutes later they ingested glucose. Eight times during each lab visit, hunger and satiety were assessed using analog visual scales and blood samples were taken to measure the three hormones associated with hunger and satiety: ghrelin, peptide YY (PYY) and leptin.
Decaffeinated coffee resulted in significantly lower levels of hunger and higher plasma levels of PYY than placebo (plain water) and other caffeinated beverages
More than PYY means less hunger. Not only that, but the decrease in hunger lasted the full 3 hours of the visit to the laboratory, even though, after an hour and a half, PYY levels decreased.
Another interesting discovery is that the decrease in hunger and the increase in PYY persisted during and after ingestion of glucose.
In addition, experts have assumed that one or more components other than caffeine (coffee contains hundreds) can also reduce hunger and increase PYY. It could be chlorogenic acid, or maybe other satiety hormones.
Be that as it may, this study provides interesting data that can lead to practical applications to increase the feeling of fullness and reduce the feeling of hunger.
Caution: There is significant evidence that coffee consumption during pregnancy increases the risk of low birth and premature birth rates.
Until more research confirms these results, do not just rely on coffee, eat healthy, hydrate and move!
