Stop Adding This to Your Coffee—It’s Blocking the Health Benefits
Coffee lovers, listen up! Your morning brew might be losing its superpowers, and it’s all because of one sneaky addition. Before you take another sip, let’s spill the beans on what’s really happening in your cup.
The Culprit: Dairy Milk
You might want to think twice before reaching for that creamer. Adding dairy milk to your coffee could be sabotaging its health benefits. Here’s the scoop:
- Antioxidant activity plummets by more than half with just a splash of milk.
- In lattes or milk-heavy preparations, antioxidant levels can drop by a whopping 95%.
- Chlorogenic acid absorption—a key player in coffee’s health benefits—is cut by more than half when milk is added.
Why It Matters
Coffee isn’t just a delicious wake-up call; it’s packed with potential health perks. Studies have shown that moderate coffee consumption is associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other health benefits. But these benefits aren’t guaranteed, especially if you’re diluting your java with dairy.
The Science Behind the Sip
Chlorogenic acids are the unsung heroes in your coffee mug. They’re thought to:
- Reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by improving artery function
- Help control blood sugar spikes, potentially lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes
But when you add milk, these compounds have a harder time making it into your bloodstream where they can work their magic.
Not All Milks Are Created Equal
Here’s a plot twist for you: while dairy milk is the villain in this story, plant-based alternatives might be the heroes we need. Soymilk, for instance, doesn’t seem to have the same blocking effect as cow’s milk. So, if you can’t bear the thought of black coffee, consider making the switch to soy.
The Roast with the Most
It’s not just about what you add to your coffee—how it’s roasted matters too. Dark roasts might smell heavenly, but they could be destroying up to 90% of those precious chlorogenic acids. Opt for a lighter roast to maximize the health benefits.
The Bottom Line
If you want to get the most out of your coffee, consider these tips:
- Drink it black for maximum benefit
- If you must add something, try soymilk instead of dairy
- Choose lighter roasts over dark ones
- Skip the sugar and syrups, which can counteract coffee’s positive effects