Healthy coffee tips: Choose the right milk and skip the sugar

Many people can't imagine a good morning without a cup of hot and refreshing coffee. The popularity of this beverage is evident from the long list of options on coffee shop menus. Coffee with milk, sweet syrups, or brewed in dozens of ways has become standard. However, some of these additives can harm our health.

For many, the taste of pure coffee without any additives is almost impossible to swallow. Hence, white coffee is popular, with milk being the most common addition.

Although opinions are divided, many nutritionists claim that fresh low-fat milk added to coffee not only enhances its taste but also offers health benefits.

The increasingly popular plant-based milks are good alternatives to cow's milk. An oat milk latte or flat white with almond milk not only enhances the flavor of the beverage but also tempers its characteristic bitterness. However, it is important to check whether these drinks contain added sugar.

It's also worth noting the once-popular powdered milks or powdered creamers. Due to their high degree of processing, they do not constitute a valuable addition to coffee.

It is worth giving up sugar as an additive. Even one teaspoon significantly raises glucose levels, which can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes. According to nutritionists, caution is also advised with sweeteners and other sugar substitutes.

While seemingly healthier than sugar, these substitutes sometimes come with a long and complicated composition, which can be harmful.

It's worth using natural, sweet substitutes like erythritol, stevia, or xylitol, though in moderation. Other beneficial additives for our health include honey, spices (cardamom, cinnamon), and cocoa.