Coffee with or without milk: Nutritionist on its affect on health
Illustrative photo (Freepik)
Few of us can imagine a morning without a steaming cup of flavorful coffee. It is a part of many people's daily diet. However, there are cases when adding milk to coffee may harm the body, according to nutritionist Olha Dorosh.
Coffee with or without milk?
According to the expert, 67% of coffee drinkers add milk or cream to it. This is because milk proteins can transform bitter coffee into a nice creamy drink.
Milk and coffee are popular and beneficial beverages for those who tolerate them well.
Milk is beneficial because of its calcium, potassium, vitamin D, and protein content.
However, coffee on its own is rich in antioxidants, polyphenols, which help reduce oxidative stress in the body, which leads to inflammation.
"This beverage helps many parents get through the morning, can improve mood, and increase mental activity," the nutritionist says.
She also says that milk does not affect the caffeine content and its effects.
There are studies indicating that adding milk to coffee reduces its antioxidant property.
Other studies also suggest that adding milk to coffee does not affect the benefits of polyphenols, and conversely, adding milk to coffee may positively impact reducing inflammation.
It is important to remember that milk increases the calorie content of the drink though. An americano contains 9 calories, while a latte contains 90-100 calories.
Coffee on an empty stomach
Many people are concerned that consuming coffee with milk on an empty stomach will lead to lower absorption of calcium and iron. However, the nutritionist found no confirming studies.
However, if you have an iron deficiency or anemia, it is indeed advisable to drink coffee at least an hour after eating.
Olha Dorosh advises eating a balanced diet, including a variety of vegetables, fruits, and berries, which are also rich in polyphenols. And she also highlights that adding milk to coffee can help meet calcium needs.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
