The tea lovers can hold on to their cutting chai; when it comes to giving the brain a quick jolt in the mornings, there’s nothing that can quite beat the therapeutic aroma of a steaming cup of java. Coffee chains have been introducing never-seen-before flavoured lattes at the speed of light—matcha, turmeric, cacao, take your pick—but even as this is happening, a new trend has been spotted stealthily working its way into office cubicles and kitchens alike. The humble cup of unsweetened black coffee is currently seeing a resurgence. Its acidic aftertaste meant that it traditionally commanded the attention of the hallowed inner circle of coffee lovers, but the extra kick it provides has been essential in the hot beverage’s foray to the mainstream spotlight.

“Black coffee is the purest way of drinking coffee without sugar, milk or cream,” explains Payal Kothari, an integrative and functional nutritionist in Mumbai. “It’s been climbing the popularity charts recently as it allows the aroma and the benefits of the full-bodied flavour of freshly roasted beans to be consumed. Once you make the switch to black coffee, you’ll likely find that additions like milk and sugar detract from the value that a cup provides for your mind and body, by doing more harm than good.”

Benefits of black coffee

“Studies show that coffee can improve your mood and memory, decrease your risk for type 2 diabetes and potentially reduce the risk of cancer. When consumed mindfully, this antioxidant drink can also enhance your performance in athletic activities while boosting the body’s metabolism, and [can even] prevent ageing,” explains Kothari.

While traditional coffee has always held audience with a cult-like following, black coffee has been catching up, with many people now skipping the mandatory dose of milk or cream in favour of adding fat to their morning cup. “A dash of coconut oil or butter not only adds an intriguing texture to the black, but also makes the brain more alert because of the good fats it is packing in. This can largely be credited to MCT, or medium chain triglycerides, which help maintain steady energy levels for a longer time,” says the Mumbai-based nutritionist.

Precautions to observe with black coffee

As with all good things in life, a little bit of caution can go a long way. While there isn’t any mandatory dosage limit that you need to adhere to, Kothari suggests taking cues from what your body is telling you. “If drinking coffee on the daily isn’t bothering you, then two or three cups a day is fine. It is advisable to watch how it affects you and to accordingly moderate your intake. If it makes you sluggish instead of making you active, rethink drinking this beverage. Some people are known to be sensitive to coffee as it makes them feel acidic, so watch out for these symptoms after consuming your daily dose and be mindful of how it is affecting your system. It is also recommended that you avoid drinking coffee on a completely empty stomach. If your body has been conditioned to its morning cuppa first thing after waking up, try eating some nuts or seeds along with it to simultaneously feed your body some essential fats. To maximise the benefits of this therapeutic cup, you can try accompanying your coffee with a book in hand as well, instead of your phone,” she advises.

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