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Why Black Coffee Is So Good For You & The Best Times To Drink It

Lindsay Boyers
Author: Expert reviewer:
April 19, 2023
Lindsay Boyers
Certified holistic nutrition consultant
By Lindsay Boyers
Certified holistic nutrition consultant
Lindsay Boyers is a nutrition consultant specializing in elimination diets, gut health, and food sensitivities. Lindsay earned a degree in food & nutrition from Framingham State University, and she holds a Certificate in Holistic Nutrition Consulting from the American College of Healthcare Sciences.
Lauren Torrisi-Gorra, M.S., RD
Expert review by
Lauren Torrisi-Gorra, M.S., RD
Registered Dietitian
Lauren Torrisi-Gorra, MS, RD is a registered dietitian, chef, and writer with a love of science and passion for helping people create life-long healthy habits. She has a bachelor’s degree in Communication and Media Studies from Fordham University, a Grand Diplôme in Culinary Arts from the French Culinary Institute, and master's degree in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics from New York University.
April 19, 2023
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Coffee is one of the most controversial beverages out there. Some swear by it, and others say you should avoid it in the name of health. So, who’s right? Is black coffee good for you or not? We dug into the science and spoke to experts to get the answer.

Nutritional information

Before jumping into the specific health benefits of black coffee, here’s a quick nutritional breakdown of an 8-ounce brewed cup1:

  • Calories: 2.4
  • Protein: 0.29 grams
  • Fat: 0 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 0 grams
  • Fiber: 0 grams
  • Sugar: 0 grams
  • Sodium: 4.8 grams

Benefits of black coffee

Yes, coffee wakes you up—and that might be the main reason you drink it. But it can have positive effects on your health beyond that, too.

“Black coffee offers numerous health benefits as it contains more than 1,000 bioactive chemicals that can promote longevity,” says integrative medicine specialist and women’s health expert Betsy Greenleaf, DO.

Coffee is one of the most significant sources of polyphenols2 and phenolic acids in the developed world. Polyphenols act as antioxidants to protect your body from oxidative stress. This can help reduce your risk of a number of long-term health problems, like heart disease, inflammatory diseases, and cancer.

Here are some of the most significant health benefits of black coffee that have been studied by science—from brain function and cognition to gut health and weight loss:

1.

It may benefit brain health and cognition.

Let’s start with the main reason many people reach for a cup of joe in the morning: It wakes you up. The science is pretty clear on this, but in one particular study, researchers found that black coffee could increase alertness and improve reaction time3 30 minutes after drinking it. It was also shown to improve overall cognition and mood at around 150 milligrams of caffeine.

In addition to these short-term effects, black coffee has also been shown to have long-term benefits on brain health and cognition. In another study published in 2021, researchers called out that not only can coffee mitigate cognitive decline, but it may also reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease4. (Interestingly, this effect seems to be more pronounced in men5.)

These effects are due to the fact that coffee acts as an adenosine receptor antagonist6. To put it plainly: Adenosine is a neurotransmitter that makes us feel sleepy. Adenosine also plays a role in your immune, circulatory, respiratory, and urinary systems, as well as your brain health.

The caffeine in coffee blocks the adenosine receptors in your body, which is why it can increase alertness and improve cognition, learning, and memory. Over time, blocking these receptors may help prevent brain diseases and other issues7, like Alzheimer’s disease and migraines, while also improving your mood8.

Caffeine also enhances dopamine signaling9 in the brain, further improving mood.

2.

It may benefit heart health.

Coffee is considered cardioprotective too. Regular coffee consumption has been linked to a lower risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and congestive heart failure10. Habitual coffee drinking has also been shown to reduce other risk factors of heart disease, like type 2 diabetes11 and obesity12.

“Contrary to the common misconception that coffee worsens blood pressure and is bad for the heart, habitual coffee drinkers have actually reported a lower risk for cardiovascular diseases and an improvement in heart health," says Greenleaf. "Furthermore, no studies have shown an increased risk of arrhythmias or a worsening of blood pressure in coffee drinkers."

Researchers pored over data from observational studies and meta-analyses and found that drinking three to five cups of coffee per day13 could decrease the risk of heart disease by as much as 15%, compared to not drinking coffee at all.

3.

It may improve gut health.

As you might already know, coffee can make you poop. According to intregrative dietitian Jessica Cording, RD, it mimics the effect of a stimulant laxative, speeding up transit time. This can be good news for those who deal with constipation and need help getting things moving.

But coffee also appears to have some positive effects on your gut microbiome, too. Research shows that coffee may help balance gut bacteria14—specifically promoting the growth of “good bacteria,” like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, and decreasing numbers of potentially harmful bacteria, like Clostridium and Escherichia coli. It may also help protect the mucosal lining15 of your digestive tract.

Researchers are still trying to nail down the exact mechanisms here, but the hypothesis is that two compounds in coffee—chlorogenic acid and theobromine—can help increase the absorption of polyphenols in the intestines, which causes a synergistic effect.

"Coffee contains something called chlorogenic acid16 that also lights up your metabolism as well as your health defenses," physician and researcher William Li, M.D. explaines on the mindbodygreen podcast

Coffee also stimulates the secretion of stomach acid17 and other gastric juices like bile. This plays a role in balancing gut microbes, and it can reduce the risk of gallstones.

4.

It may benefit metabolism and weight loss.

There’s also some research18 that shows coffee may speed up metabolism and help promote weight loss—or at least play a role in weight management.

“Studies suggest that coffee affects fat storage in cells, boosts metabolism, and promotes gut microbiome,19 all of which can aid in maintaining a healthy and lean body,” says Greenleaf.

This effect is largely tied to the caffeine content of coffee, with one study concluding that increasing caffeine intake could promote greater reductions in body mass index (BMI)20 and body fat, specifically.

Caffeine also seems to have performance-enhancing effects21, which is why many people take it as a pre-workout supplement. It delays fatigue and triggers alertness, which can make it easier for you to get through your workouts.

However, Cording cautions taking this finding with a grain of salt: “Some research suggested that people who drink coffee every day are more likely to get enough physical activity,” she says, adding that there's more research to be done here.

5.

It may be beneficial for those with diabetes.

Epidemiological studies show an inverse relationship between coffee consumption and risk of diabetes. “Findings from a review of 28 medical studies22 showed that the more coffee participants drank, the less likely they were to develop diabetes. Five cups of coffee a day, for instance, could decrease the risk by as much as 26%. Even just one cup a day can lower your risk by 9%,” says Greenleaf.

Another review found that drinking up to three cups of coffee per day could reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes23 and metabolic syndrome—a cluster of abnormalities, like high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the midsection, and abnormal cholesterol levels that can increase your risk of diabetes, heart attack, and stroke.

While the science isn’t totally settled on how coffee can reduce diabetes risk, researchers have some ideas. One strong theory is that coffee can improve fat oxidation11 in the liver and lower the risk of fatty liver, both of which are connected to type 2 diabetes. Coffee also seems to improve mitochondrial function and lower stress in the beta cells—the cells in your pancreas that make, store, and release insulin.

Downsides & risks

But while there are plenty of health benefits of black coffee, the drink with some potential downsides too. People also tolerate it differently, so if you’re caffeine-sensitive, these side effects may not be worth it:

  • Anxiety and jitteriness: “Consuming caffeine may trigger anxiety, particularly in people who are already prone to panic attacks. Studies have shown that such individuals experience a 50% rise24 in the frequency of panic attacks as a result of caffeine consumption,” says Greenleaf, who recommends limiting or avoiding caffeine altogether if you struggle with anxiety.
  • Oral health problems: Teeth staining and the possibility of increased risk of bruxism25 (teeth grinding) are associated with drinking black coffee.
  • Sleep disruptions: Since caffeine has a long half-life, it can stay in our systems for many hours. Sleep disruptions26 can occur when coffee is consumed too close to bedtime—and disrupted sleep has all kinds of negative downstream effects.
  • Digestive issues: Coffee can also worsen issues like stomach reflux and heartburn27. “Those experiencing heartburn or reflux, should avoid coffee until these symptoms have been brought under control,” says Greenleaf.
  • Bladder issues: “Coffee is a recognized bladder irritant28 that is believed to escalate the pH of urine, resulting in increased bladder irritation. This can lead to overactive bladder, incontinence, and the exacerbation of interstitial cystitis,” says Greenleaf. She adds that caffeine tends to worsen the situation, but even decaffeinated coffee can have these effects.
  • Potential issues if you're pregnant: The safety of consuming caffeine during pregnancy 29remains a matter of debate. According to Greenleaf, “while no conclusive data exist, experts suggest opting for decaffeinated beverages or limiting caffeine intake to a maximum of one cup of coffee per day.”

So, is black coffee good for you?

Yes, black coffee is overall very good for you—even with these potential downsides. However, you'll want to make sure that your body can tolerate it and be careful not to overdo it on the caffeine.

Not only does black coffee enhance cognition and focus in the short term, but drinking it can benefit your heart, gut, and brain in the long term too, as well as have a positive effect on metabolic health.

Keep in mind, we’re specifically talking about black coffee here. “Adding sugar or creamer may result in body inflammation, therefore, consuming coffee without any additives is preferable for better health outcomes,” notes Greenleaf. Putting too many additives in your coffee can also lead to unwanted weight gain.

If you can’t tolerate black coffee, or you just don’t like the taste, you can still reap the benefits with some healthier strategic mix-ins (which we'll get to later).

Summary

Polyphenol-rich black coffee is a very healthy drink for most people. However, those with stomach reflux, heartburn, anxiety, and caffeine sensitivity, and people who are pregnant will want to limit their coffee consumption.

Black coffee preparations

Ready to reap some of the benefits of black coffee? There are several ways you can make it—each affecting its flavor and caffeine content.

Brewed:

Brewed coffee is made by pouring hot water onto ground coffee beans and allowing it to brew. Drip coffee, percolators and a French press all fall into this category. Brewed coffee has about 92 milligrams30 of caffeine per 8-ounce cup.

Espresso:

Espresso is made by forcing hot water through a compressed “puck” of coffee beans using high pressure. The result is a much more concentrated coffee that contains 62 milligrams31 of caffeine per ounce.

Cold brew:

Cold brew coffee is similar to brewed, but the extraction process involves using cold water instead of hot. Because cold water isn’t as effective at this extraction, the ratio of ground coffee to water is often greater—sometimes double. Because of this, some cold brews can have almost 200 milligrams of caffeine or more per 8-ounce cup.

Decaf:

Decaf coffee is made by soaking regular coffee beans in a mixture of water and solvents to remove the caffeine content. Decaf coffee has about 2.5 milligrams32 of caffeine per 8-ounce cup.

Don't like black coffee? Here are some healthy add-ins

While you’ll want to skip commercial creamers and sugar, here are some things you can add to your black coffee that shouldn't get in the way of its health benefits:

  • Collagen powder: If you want some extra protein, Cording recommends adding collagen powder to your brew. “It’s a convenient way to get a little extra protein and it blends very easily into warm liquids,” she says. Here are some collagen powders to try out.
  • Coconut oil: If you’re a fast metabolizer, you might want to add coconut oil to slow down the effects of caffeine. "The fat essentially will bind onto the caffeine because the caffeine's fat soluble, and it creates a time-release source of caffeine so that you don't get an immediate peak and then a crash in the afternoon. Instead, you're adding to that slow, sustained energy that ultimately I think everybody's looking for when they're going into their workday," metabolic health expert Alexis Cowan, Ph.D., explains on the mindbodygreen podcast.
  • Cinnamon: If you don’t like the flavor of black coffee, you can spice it up with some shakes of cinnamon. “Ceylon Cinnamon33 gives the coffee a warm flavor and can aid with microbiome balance and reducing blood sugar,” says Greenleaf.
  • Cacao powder: Cacao powder can also enhance the flavor of your coffee and provide some minerals, antioxidants, and flavonoids of its own.
  • Mushrooms. “Mushroom powders add an umami depth to the coffee while adding amazing health benefits. Many brands are coming out with their own mushroom coffee blends or even made by growing mushrooms on coffee beans,” says Greenleaf. 
  • Eggs. “The Vietnamese and Swedish use eggs to prepare their coffee. This provides a great way to get protein and a frothy treat," say Greenleaf.

Best time to drink coffee

The best time of day to drink coffee really depends on why you’re drinking it. If you need a pick-me-up right when you wake up, drinking it in the morning can be beneficial. 

However, drinking coffee on an empty stomach can be aggravating for some people, so you may want to wait and have it with breakfast.

“There’s a tendency to think it’s virtuous to only drink black coffee before eating anything, but coffee is not the same as breakfast,” says Cording. “While it’s perfectly fine to have black coffee on an empty stomach if you feel good doing it, each person is unique in terms of what they need to thrive.”

Some health experts, such as neuroscientist Andrew Huberman Ph.D., suggest that many people would also benefit from delaying their caffeine intake at least 90 minutes after waking up. This gives your body time to wake up naturally and it may help you get through the afternoon without needing more coffee (which will benefit your sleep).

If you want to reap the potential performance-enhancing benefits of caffeine, want to drink it about 30 minutes prior to a workout.

It’s also a good idea to stop drinking caffeinated coffee at least six hours before bedtime34 and cap your daily caffeine intake at around 400 milligrams (4-5 cups of black coffee) per day, according to Cording. Otherwise, it has the potential to disrupt your sleep.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it healthy to drink black coffee everyday?

Yes, it’s absolutely fine to drink black coffee every day. However, “If you feel jittery or extra anxious, you’re having sleep disturbances, those are signs to evaluate if your coffee routine isn't in alignment with your needs,” says Cording.

Can black coffee reduce belly fat?

There haven’t been a lot of studies done on this directly, but the short answer is: maybe. “In theory, drinking black coffee may assist in reducing belly fat. The caffeine present in coffee has thermogenic properties, meaning it can stimulate the body's metabolic rate and thus, boost fat-burning processes,” says Greenleaf. “Additionally, consuming coffee before engaging in physical exercise may enhance overall workout performance and increase the number of calories burned during the session, ultimately contributing to reduced belly fat.”

How often should I drink black coffee?

It’s up to you. If you don’t experience any ill effects, like anxiety or an upset stomach, you can drink black coffee every day. Just make sure you’re limiting your intake to the morning hours and capping it at around 400 milligrams of caffeine (4-5 cups of coffee) per day.

The takeaway.

Black coffee is a rich source of antioxidants and drinking it can have several positive effects on your health. But if you feel anxious or jittery after drinking coffee, or it bothers your stomach, don’t force it. If you want the full benefit of coffee, skip mix-ins like creamer and sugar, which can contribute to inflammation, and drink your coffee black or with functional mix-ins like mushrooms or collagen powder.

Lindsay Boyers author page.
Lindsay Boyers
Certified holistic nutrition consultant

Lindsay Boyers is a holistic nutritionist specializing in gut health, mood disorders, and functional nutrition. Lindsay earned a degree in food & nutrition from Framingham State University, and she holds a Certificate in Holistic Nutrition Consulting from the American College of Healthcare Sciences.

She has written twelve books and has had more than 2,000 articles published across various websites. Lindsay currently works full time as a freelance health writer. She truly believes that you can transform your life through food, proper mindset and shared experiences. That's why it's her goal to educate others, while also being open and vulnerable to create real connections with her clients and readers.

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