People love coffee, and research into its health benefits when consumed moderately has revealed many advantages – improved heart health, diabetes and Parkinson’s among them – but many consumers may be unaware that adding milk may counteract some of these positive results.

According to the 2022 Fall National Coffee Data Trends report, most coffee drinkers add milk to their beverage. Lattes and cappuccinos account for three of the top five most popular adult choices of milk-based coffee drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos – these beverages generally have higher caloric counts than traditional black coffee; however they may contain essential nutrients like protein, calcium, vitamins D & K as well as potassium, riboflavin riboflavin pantothenic acid!

Coffee is also an excellent source of the amino acid cysteine, an essential amino acid needed by the body to aid immunity and protein synthesis, and fight inflammation. Coffee itself contains polyphenols which act as powerful antioxidants to combat oxidative stress and ultimately inflammation; adding dairy milk as part of a daily coffee routine could increase its effectiveness as an anti-inflammatory drink.

Black coffee may appear healthier than its milk-coffee counterpart due to the reduced amounts of sugar present, yet sugar consumption is far more harmful to one’s health than any additional fat in coffee with milk. Excessive sugar intake disrupts one’s hormonal system leading to symptoms including facial acne and poor digestion.

To limit calorie consumption, drinking small amounts of milk could be an ideal strategy. Skim milk or low fat coffee creamers could be suitable options; however, keep in mind that milk does contain calories which should still be monitored as part of a person’s overall dietary intake.

Buzz Lite, for instance, boasts the same amount of caffeine as traditional black coffee but with 10 percent fewer calories compared to its rival. According to its maker, it provides an energy boost without experiencing nervousness, jitteriness or stomach upset as a side effect of its intake.

Although consuming coffee with milk does add an ounce of fat, the typical cup in the United States is often enhanced with heaped spoons of sugar that could counter any potential health benefits from such consumption. If weight control is your goal, try substituting low fat milk and stevia instead for sugar as your sweeteners.