Is coffee with milk healthy? Understand the effects of the combination on your body!
The combination of coffee and milk is a classic and culturally popular preference. Whether it's for breakfast or as an afternoon snack, this mixture pleases many, but also generates controversy about its effects on health. After all, is it good or not to drink coffee with milk?
1. Benefits of drinking coffee with milk
Mixing coffee with milk offers a number of benefits due to the nutrients present in both ingredients:
- Source of energy: Coffee contains caffeine, which stimulates the central nervous system, increasing alertness and reducing feelings of fatigue. The addition of milk makes this drink more nutritious, offering carbohydrates, proteins and fats, which help maintain energy for longer.
- Nutrient supply: Milk is an important source of calcium, which is necessary for healthy bones and teeth, as well as containing high-quality proteins and vitamins such as B12. Mixing milk with coffee makes the drink a more nutritionally complete option, especially if you drink it in the morning.
- Antioxidant action: Both coffee and milk contain antioxidant compounds. The polyphenols present in coffee help fight oxidative stress and reduce the risk of some diseases. Although milk can reduce the bioavailability of some of these antioxidants, it still provides other important nutrients that help protect the body.
2. Possible disadvantages and controversies
Despite the benefits, some people raise concerns about combining coffee with milk:
- Interference with nutrient absorption: Studies show that the calcium in milk can interfere with iron absorption, and the polyphenols in coffee can have a similar effect. People with low iron intake or anemia should be wary of drinking coffee with milk, especially at meals involving iron-rich foods.
- Digestive difficulties: For some people, especially those with lactose intolerance or coffee sensitivity, the combination can cause discomfort such as heartburn, reflux and a feeling of heaviness in the stomach. Coffee increases acid production in the stomach, and milk, being a denser food, can slow down digestion for some people.
- Reduction in coffee antioxidants: The presence of milk proteins can reduce the antioxidant action of coffee polyphenols. However, this reduction is not complete and the drink can still offer antioxidant benefits, albeit to a lesser extent.
3. Coffee with milk for performance and satiety
The combination of coffee and milk is popular with people looking for satiety, as the proteins and fats in milk help control hunger and make the drink a good option to consume during intermittent fasting or throughout the morning. What's more, for those who practice physical activity, coffee with milk can be a practical source of quick and easy-to-consume energy.
4. Is coffee with milk for everyone?
Not everyone benefits equally from coffee with milk. People with lactose intolerance, digestive sensitivities to coffee or conditions such as anemia should consult a health professional for more specific advice. In addition, those who suffer from anxiety or insomnia may consider reducing consumption, as caffeine can intensify these symptoms.
Coffee with milk - good or not?
For most people, coffee with milk is a tasty drink that can be part of a balanced diet. Its benefits vary according to individual tolerance and nutritional needs, and moderate consumption is unlikely to do any harm. For those looking for a more complete and nutritious drink, the mixture offers advantages in terms of energy, satiety and nutrients.
However, it is important to be aware of possible discomforts and adapt the amount and frequency of consumption to personal needs.