If you are like many Americans, the first thing you think about when you wake up is a cup of coffee to wake your brain up. Coffee alone will give you a burst of energy because it is high in caffeine content. So, if you wish to keep your blood sugar stabilized in the morning, skip the sugar. Use sugar substitutes and sugar-free creamers to soften the bitter taste of coffee and avoid starting your day off with a rise in blood sugar.
Blood Sugar
When you add sugar to your coffee in the morning, your blood sugar will spike. This will cause your pancreas to secrete insulin to transfer the sugar throughout your body. When your insulin levels are high, your body stores food that is not being used as energy as fat for future use. So if your blood sugar is high in the morning, you may store breakfast and lunch as fat, rather than burning it for energy. Low-carbohydrate diets restrict sugar and carbohydrates, particularly in the morning to target weight loss. Be aware of hidden sugar from syrups and milk in lattes and cappuccinos at popular coffee shops.
Sugar Substitutes
Sugar substitutes or artificial sweeteners such as saccharin, aspartame, acesulfame and sucralose are much sweeter than sugar. Therefore, it takes significantly less to sweeten food and drink than sugar. MayoClinic.com says that sugar substitutes do not raise blood sugar and contain fewer calories than sugar. However, be cautious of sugar alcohols, including mannitol, sorbitol and xylitol because they can increase your blood glucose levels.
Benefits of Coffee
Coffee does have its benefits if you skip the sugar. Coffee beans naturally contain caffeine, which is a purine alkaloid. Caffeine can increase mental alertness and energy. It also raises your metabolism, which can contribute to weight loss. Caffeine has diuretic agents as well that can be of assistance to women who are bloated from menstruation. Drink water when you are drinking coffee so you don't become dehydrated. Coffee may also contain some antioxidant properties, which help protect your body from free-radical damage.
Warning
Avoid drinking other caffeinated beverages shortly after you drink coffee to avoid excess caffeine consumption. Too much caffeine can increase symptoms of anxiety such as irritability, restlessness and anxiousness. It can also interrupt sleep and lead to headaches and increased heart rate. Additionally, if you consume high amounts of sugar every day, it may cause weight gain and can lead to health problems such as diabetes.
