Coffee may not be for everyone, but it’s still one of the most popular drinks in the world. Not only is it delicious and energizing, but it also offers many health benefits such as helping to accelerate metabolism, reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes, and even slow down the aging process.
Plain black coffee can offer these benefits, but if you’re not careful, it can be quickly canceled by the ingredients you put in the coffee. For example, drinking a lot of cream and sugared coffee every day can cause complications such as weight gain and inflammation.
That’s why I talked with TristaBest, MPH, RD, and LD at Balance One Supplements to learn how to drink healthy coffee. Continue reading to learn about the coffee habits she suggests to help prevent inflammation, and check out the best coffees in the world for healthier coffee tips.
A popular way to drink coffee is to order whole milk latte at heavy cream, milk, half and half, or at your favorite coffee shop. It tastes good, but when taken regularly it can contribute to the body’s inflammatory response.
“Dairy products can cause inflammation for many people due to various allergies, intolerances, or autoimmune conditions, so people with inflammation problems should cut dairy products from coffee for a period of time. We encourage you to consider, “says Best.
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It’s easy to order vanilla or caramel latte at your favorite store without worrying about excess sugar. However, Best warns that adding sugar can cause inflammation as soon as it is consumed for a period of time.
“Refined sugar is found in the traditional sugar used to sweeten coffee and in the sugar added to many coffee flavors and creamers. This type of sugar is very irritating.” Best says. “If you want to reduce the amount of inflammatory ingredients you take on a regular basis, natural sweets such as honey and cinnamon can help.”
Also, if you enjoy getting your special coffee drink, the serving size can be unexpectedly large, which will stuff you with extra calories and sugar.
“Hot, cold, or frozen specialty coffee beverages often contain empty calories and a serving, so if you’re worried about inflammation, check the size of your next bespoke coffee. I recommend it, “she says. “Try sizing for a period of time to test if the bloating and inflammation subside.”
When choosing a coffee creamer, it is important to always read the nutrition label. If you’re looking for a non-dairy creamer to help fight inflammation, you may be surprised that many dairy-free creamers are high in sugar and other weird ingredients.
Therefore, if it is plant-based, look for a creamer without added sugar. Check out these new options for ideas on healthy creamers.
