Many people consider the perfect cup of coffee to include adding milk or creamer as an integral component, helping balance out its acidity while attenuating caffeine’s stimulating effect. But is adding milk healthy? While answers vary according to doctors’ advice, many say adding it moderately won’t harm you.

Black coffee is the healthiest way to enjoy coffee, without adding sugars or creamers. Black coffee contains antioxidants which may improve heart and brain health while possibly even protecting against certain cancers. On the other hand, sweeteners and dairy can add hundreds of extra calories into your beverage, potentially pushing you closer toward exceeding your daily calorie limit.

Many flavored options contain artificial sweeteners that have been linked to detrimental effects on our gut microbiome and metabolisms in various ways. Furthermore, many creamers and butters contain saturated fats that increase LDL cholesterol levels and negatively affect heart health.

Recent research conducted in 2023 demonstrated that the combination of polyphenols and amino acids found in both milk and coffee increases its anti-inflammatory benefits by two times more than taking either alone. This may be because polyphenols interact with various molecules within our bodies, so combining them with specific amino acids strengthens their effects even further.

However, this research was only performed in the lab, and its impact remains to be seen in human studies. If you’re looking for alternatives to dairy for health reasons, be sure to explore plant-based options such as tofu that offer less saturated fat content while providing ample calcium, protein, vitamins and minerals.

As well as these advantages, adding milk to coffee can also make it easier for those suffering from acid indigestion or reflux to digest their beverage. Be warned, however, that too much milk in your brew can lead to bloating and digestive issues as well as stomach pain or ulcers; additionally its high fat levels could contribute to obesity if consumed regularly. If you’re looking for healthier ways of enjoying your morning java fix, why not experiment with different brewing techniques or types of milks; perhaps they could bring you joy without adding all those extra calories and fat.