Health alert: The unseen risks of sweetened Turkish voffee

Starting the day with a good cup of coffee often sets us up for success. It provides a boost of strength and energy that fuels our work and study routines. We enjoy coffee in a variety of forms, including with milk or cream, and often with a sprinkle of cinnamon during the colder seasons of fall and winter. Yet, one particular type of coffee can have unexpectedly negative effects on our health.

Coffee generally enjoys a healthy reputation. It supplies energy, enhances blood circulation, reduces sugar and cholesterol levels, and provides antioxidants. The healthiest choice is a simple black coffee, freshly ground without any additives. However, not everyone favors this unadorned variety, leading many of us to infuse ours with various ingredients like milk or sugar — but is this a wise choice?

Contrary to popular belief, instant or crema coffee laden with milk and sugar is not the unhealthiest type of coffee. The crown surprisingly goes to Turkish coffee, or brewed coffee made with Arabica beans, garnished with a hefty dose of sugar, cinnamon, and cardamon. This particular kind of coffee becomes especially popular during the chilly fall and winter seasons.

Served in a small cup, this concoction creates a thick, highly sweetened beverage blended with grounds and contains an excessive dose of caffeine. This potent drink is, paradoxically, consumed widely due to its stimulating and energizing effects. Yet, many consumers remain unaware of its potential health risks, including elevating cholesterol levels, stressing the heart, increasing blood pressure, all while potentially causing nausea and even vomiting. Additionally, consuming this strong coffee before bedtime can lead to disrupted sleep.

- The least healthy variety of coffee is boiled coffee, such as Turkish coffee or coffee where the grounds float, essentially creating an infusion. When grounds float in coffee, harmful substances can seep into the final brew. This makes it imperative to press the grounds and filter them out before enjoying the beverage - commented Justyna Mizera, a sports dietitian, cautioning against this particular coffee type.