7 potential benefits of drinking black coffee

Switching from coffee with milk, sugar or cream to straight black coffee may seem like a big change for many. While the taste may be different, black coffee has several potential health benefits in addition to caffeine. From being low in calories to having a positive effect on liver health, metabolism and physical performance, let's find out what benefits you can get from drinking black coffee—

1. Very low in calories

A cup of black coffee without sugar, milk, or cream usually contains only 2 to 4 calories. In contrast, adding milk, sugar, cream, or flavored syrups can increase the calories in coffee significantly. So, by choosing black coffee, you can enjoy coffee without the added sugar and fat.

2. Good source of antioxidants

Coffee beans naturally contain a variety of antioxidants. These ingredients can play a role in combating oxidative stress in the body. As a result, the benefits of coffee are not limited to the effects of caffeine alone.

3. May be beneficial for the liver

Several studies have suggested a positive relationship between coffee consumption and liver health. Regular coffee drinkers may have a lower risk of some liver diseases.

A study by researchers at Cedars-Sinai was published in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology in 2026. It followed more than 355,000 participants from the UK Biobank for an average of 13 years.

The study found that people who drank five or more cups of coffee a day had a 32 percent lower risk of cirrhosis, a 47 percent lower risk of liver cancer, and a 42 percent lower risk of liver-related death than non-coffee drinkers. Coffee drinkers also had less fat, inflammation, and scarring on liver scans.

4. May play a role in reducing the risk of gout

Some studies have found a link between drinking coffee and a reduced risk of gout. It is thought that coffee may help remove uric acid from the body. However, coffee should not be considered a substitute for gout treatment.

A 2025 review published in Nutrition Research and Practice analyzed data from multiple studies and found that coffee drinking is associated with a lower risk of hyperuricemia and gout. Some cohort studies found that coffee drinkers had about half the risk of gout compared to non-coffee drinkers.

5. Can give extra energy before exercise

A cup of black coffee before a workout can be an effective natural energy booster for many people. The main reason for this is caffeine, which, when consumed in moderation, can help increase alertness and physical performance.

6. May slightly increase metabolism

Black coffee is also often mentioned for weight control. This is because caffeine can slightly increase the body's metabolic rate. However, this effect is limited and drinking coffee alone will not lead to weight loss. It can only play a supporting role along with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

7. Allows you to enjoy the true taste of coffee

The bitter taste of black coffee may seem unpleasant to many at first. However, with gradual habituation, it is possible to better appreciate the unique taste and aroma of coffee beans.

For beginners, it's best to start with a light roast coffee or a relatively gentle brewing method like a French press, Moka pot, or cold brew. This can make it easier to adjust to the taste of black coffee.