Thus, it may be especially beneficial to include moderate amounts of coffee in your intermittent fasting regimen. Research suggests that it may safeguard against age-related mental decline ( 16).įurthermore, a study in mice tied coffee to significantly increased autophagy ( 17). Intermittent fasting may also support brain health through increased autophagy ( 14).Īutophagy is your body’s way of replacing damaged cells with healthy ones.

Early research indicates that the caffeine in coffee may likewise promote ketone production ( 13, 14). In a fasted state, your body produces energy from fat in the form of ketones, a process linked to improved brain function. Like intermittent fasting, regular coffee consumption is associated with a reduced risk of mental decline, as well as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases ( 12). Interestingly, coffee shares and complements many of these benefits. One of the major reasons intermittent fasting has surged in popularity is its potential to promote brain health and protect against age-related neurological diseases. What’s more, up to 3 cups (710 ml) of coffee per day is associated with a 19% reduced risk of death from heart disease ( 9, 10, 11). Studies also link coffee intake to a decreased risk of type 2 diabetes. Some research suggests that higher coffee intake is associated with a decreased risk of metabolic syndrome, which is an inflammatory condition characterized by high blood pressure, excess body fat, high cholesterol, and elevated blood sugar levels ( 7, 8). Research suggests that both intermittent fasting and coffee intake may help reduce inflammation ( 1, 6). Metabolic benefitsĬhronic inflammation is a root cause of many illnesses. These include improved brain function, as well as reduced inflammation, blood sugar, and heart disease risk ( 1). Surprisingly, coffee may enhance many of the benefits of fasting.

You can also reply to me personally if you need more clarification.Coffee may bolster the benefits of fasting Be sure to sign up for my list below so you can get early access to these articles.

I get that intermittent fasting (and dieting in general) can seem overwhelming since there's so much conflicting info out there. Go ahead and put that milk in your coffee, y'all. In that vein, I think sprucing up your beverage is perfectly fine, provided that it helps you get through the fast so that the great majority of your calories are still being eating in the eating window. The answer I like to give in this situation has to do with what I believe is the main benefit of intermittent fasting (making the caloric deficit easier). Second, as long as it helps you put ~97% of the day's calories in the eating window, you are still getting what I believe to be the primary benefit of intermittent fasting Something I learned from Martin Berkhan's LeanGains page is that the fasted state isn't an instant on/instant off switch, so all you nerds grasping for the variety of physiological benefits of fasting are in the clear for adding a touch of honey to your tea.Ī total amount of up to about 50 calories (50 is Martin's suggested upper-limit) during your fasting period isn't going to lose you much if anything. First, the fasted state isn't an instant on/instant off switchĪs long as you are staying under roughly 50 calories for your entire fasting period, you are good to go.

Does drinking black coffee break a fast