Coffee with milk wins: More anti-inflammatory benefits found

We often drink coffee simply for pleasure and its excellent taste. However, this beverage also has many health benefits. Scientists from the Department of Food Science and the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at the University of Copenhagen decided once again to investigate whether it is more beneficial to drink black coffee or coffee with milk.

Danish scientists discovered that, for example, cappuccino has a greater anti-inflammatory effect than an Americano. But that doesn't mean that a cup of black coffee is unhealthy. During the studies, researchers also confirmed that coffee contains minerals and antioxidants, which can reduce the risk of cancer, type 2 diabetes, and dementia. Thanks to the caffeine content and its appetite-suppressing properties, it can help treat obesity. However, the type of coffee is not insignificant.

Danish studies focused on the fact that proteins found in milk and antioxidants from coffee together double the anti-inflammatory properties in immune cells. This means that coffee with milk impacts health differently than black coffee. Scientists used a model of artificial inflammation in cultures of immune cells to study the anti-inflammatory effect of combining polyphenols with proteins. Still, it can be assumed that such a combination would benefit the human body equally.

— We will, of course, continue to study this effect. For now, on animals, and in the future, if we manage to raise the necessary funds, also on humans — said Professor Marianne Nissen Lund, the main author of the study, the results of which were published in 2023 in the "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry".

Everything indicates that white coffee has more anti-inflammatory properties than black coffee.