Not only is coffee a great morning pick-me-up, it can also help significantly reduce visceral fat - the most dangerous type of fat for heart and metabolic health.
Belly fat, especially visceral fat - the fat that surrounds organs like the liver, intestines and stomach - not only affects appearance but also increases the risk of serious diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and metabolic disorders.
However, a newly published study shows that people who drink an average of 1.7 cups of coffee per day have significantly lower levels of visceral fat than those who do not drink.
So what makes coffee an effective fat-burning beverage? Here are three scientifically proven reasons:
1. Boost metabolism with caffeine

Not only is coffee a drink that helps you wake up in the morning, it can also significantly help reduce visceral fat (Photo: Getty).
Caffeine in coffee has long been known for its ability to stimulate the nervous system and increase energy metabolism.
According to Dr. Megan Byrd - nutritionist at EatingWell , caffeine can boost metabolism by 5-20% within 3 hours of consumption. Thanks to that, the body uses more energy, helping to burn excess fat, including belly fat.
2. Rich in antioxidants that help break down fat
Few people know that coffee contains more antioxidants than green tea and red wine. A cup of coffee can provide 200-550mg of antioxidant compounds such as chlorogenic acid and cafestol - two ingredients that have been shown to have a positive effect on reducing visceral fat and waist circumference.
Dr. Beth Conlon - a nutritionist in New Jersey (USA) said: "Chlorogenic acid helps slow down glucose absorption and stimulates fat breakdown, while cafestol can affect genes that regulate metabolism, contributing to reducing body fat mass."
3. Reduce appetite
Caffeine can also help you feel fuller longer. Some studies have shown that coffee can reduce the hormone ghrelin, which stimulates hunger.
Although results have not been consistent across studies, drinking coffee after meals may help reduce uncontrolled snacking, thereby contributing to calorie control and belly fat loss.
Note: Dr. Conlon warns that coffee is not a meal replacement. Fasting and drinking only coffee can be harmful to your overall health and slow down your metabolism. It should be combined with a nutritious diet and moderate exercise.
How to drink coffee to effectively reduce belly fat?
Not all coffees are created equal. Iced coffees or lattes loaded with cream and sugar can add unwanted calories.

Coffee with milk or latte with lots of cream and sugar can increase calories (Photo: Tu Anh).
Expert advice:
- Prefer pure black coffee, no added sugar or sweetened condensed milk.
- If you want to enhance the flavor, you can add unsweetened nut milk or skim milk.
- Best time to drink: morning or before 2pm to avoid affecting sleep.
- Combine coffee with a balanced diet and active lifestyle to optimize belly fat loss.
While coffee may help reduce visceral fat, it's not a "miracle cure."
Losing belly fat successfully still depends on a healthy lifestyle: a sensible diet, regular exercise and adequate sleep. A cup of coffee in the morning can be a small but positive starting point for your journey to improving your body shape and health.
Source: https://dantri.com.vn/suc-khoe/3-ly-do-khien-ca-phe-la-thuc-uong-dot-mo-bung-hang-dau-20250509082436927.htm
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