If your coffee ideal is one that includes a healthy dollop of milk, a recent study conducted by the University of Copenhagen may be of interest. A team of researchers determined that the combination of milk and coffee – proteins and antioxidants – increases anti-inflammatory properties.
Drinking Coffee with Milk May Help Reduce Inflammation, According to New Research. Another win for coffee drinkers! Danielle DeAngelis is a journalist and current assistant editor for EatingWell. She previously worked as the 2022-23 fellow for the brand.
Dairy Research
Despite conflicting information, overall, research paints a positive picture for milk-based products. A 2017 review of 52 clinical studies, published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, concluded that dairy generally has anti-inflammatory effects, except in people allergic to cow's milk.
Adding Milk or Cream Enhances Texture and Masks Bitterness
The proteins in milk soften coffee's bitterness by binding to polyphenolic compounds, such as tannins. Although good for the body, tannins have an astringent taste that detracts from coffee. When proteins bind to these molecules, their flavor is covered up.
In the study, the experts showed that just by adding milk to your morning coffee, you could be helping your body fight inflammation twice as compared to just sipping on a cup of black coffee. The study says milk contains amino acids and antioxidants like polyphenols found in coffee.
Milk coffee has more calories because of the infusion of milk and sugar, but it boasts an impressively high calcium content as well. While both black coffee and milk coffee offer antioxidant benefits, black coffee contains more of the essential nutrient niacin.
Adding milk to coffee decreases antioxidant activity and cuts absorption of chlorogenic acids in the bloodstream, but adding soymilk does not. So, if you want to add milk to your coffee, add soymilk.
Move over almond milk. Flax milk is a great nondairy option if you're looking for an anti-inflammatory boost, says Staci Small, a registered dietitian based in Indiana. The milk is made with flax oil, which is rich in an omega-3 fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).
While all coffee contains anti-inflammatory properties, whether or not it affects the inflammatory response can depend on the concentration of caffeine, how your body reacts to it, your genetics, and your age. Some evidence suggests that coffee may increase inflammation in some people.
Here are some drinks that contribute to inflammation: Soda: they are concentrated in simple sugar and artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Diet soda may not contain sugar, but it is still loaded with other chemicals. It is better to drink water, tea, or sparkling water.
When your body encounters an offending agent (like viruses, bacteria or toxic chemicals) or suffers an injury, it activates your immune system. Your immune system sends out its first responders: inflammatory cells and cytokines (substances that stimulate more inflammatory cells).
Coffee may have anti-inflammatory effects in the body. These effects are thought to be a primary reason why research has linked regular coffee consumption with lower risks for many inflammatory-related conditions, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, type 2 diabetes, gout, heart disease and some cancers.
1. Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids , which are abundant in fatty fish such as salmon or tuna, are among the most potent anti-inflammatory supplements. These supplements may help fight several types of inflammation, including vascular inflammation.
In addition to its use as a natural sweetener, honey is used as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial agent. People commonly use honey orally to treat coughs and topically to treat burns and promote wound healing.
Key Points: Research shows that caffeine is neither pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory. Coffee reduces low-grade inflammation and fights chronic disease via several mechanisms (unrelated to caffeine itself). Overall, coffee offers numerous health benefits, but it may be best for certain people to avoid it.
Bananas are versatile fruits with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties that can help counteract inflammation and support the body's immune system. People may benefit from an anti-inflammatory diet and avoiding pro-inflammatory foods.
The vitamin D present in the eggs modulates the inflammatory response in rheumatoid arthritis. As a result, eggs are one of the best anti-inflammatory foods.
There's also the chance that certain forms of dairy are better at combating inflammation than others. For instance, fermented options like yogurt and kefir can contribute to higher levels of beneficial bacteria in our guts that, in turn, can help combat inflammation.
Drinking coffee with milk can have anti-inflammatory benefits, according to new research. Coffee, rich in polyphenols, already fights inflammation but may have a boosted effect when mixed with protein like milk.
Café Au Lait
Another translation of "coffee with milk," au lait on the average American coffee-shop menu typically means brewed coffee with steamed milk, as opposed to espresso with steamed milk (see above: Café Latte).