Latte love: benefits and pitfalls of your favorite brew

Latte coffee is one of the most popular coffee varieties, winning the affection of coffee lovers worldwide. Its mild taste, velvety texture, and delicate foam make it ideal for leisurely mornings and afternoon gatherings over a cup of aromatic beverage. But have you ever wondered how latte coffee affects your body? Does the addition of milk change the health properties of this drink? Let's delve into what makes our favorite coffee so appealing.

What exactly is latte coffee? The name comes from the Italian word "latte," meaning milk. In its traditional version, caffè latte is a portion of freshly brewed espresso combined with heated and frothed milk. The distinguishing feature of latte coffee is its creamy texture and subtle taste, making it a milder alternative to classic espresso.

Latte macchiato is a close relative of the latte, with one difference – coffee and milk create three distinctive layers, giving the drink an impressive appearance. Both versions have gained immense popularity in Poland, where coffee with milk is often the first choice for many people.

Coffee, regardless of the variant, has long intrigued scientists. It is not only a source of caffeine, which stimulates the body and enhances concentration, but it also contains a range of bioactive compounds with health-promoting properties. According to Institute of Food and Nutrition experts, coffee is viewed as a "rising star in disease prevention." Its strong antioxidant action helps protect the body's cells from damage and reduces the risk of developing diseases such as atherosclerosis, strokes, heart attacks, or cancers.

Research also indicates that moderate coffee consumption, i.e., 3–5 cups daily, can reduce the risk of ischemic heart disease by 11–13%. Coffee improves blood flow to the brain, which boosts alertness and intellectual performance.

While milk adds mildness and a creamy texture to coffee, it impacts the drink's chemical composition. Milk reduces the content of absorbable polyphenols—natural antioxidants present in coffee. This occurs because milk proteins bind these valuable compounds, reducing their availability to the body.

Does this mean that latte coffee loses its health-promoting properties? Absolutely not. It still remains a source of antioxidants and other bioactive substances, albeit in slightly lower concentrations than classic espresso. Moreover, milk can be beneficial for people with sensitive stomachs, softening the intense aroma and acidity of espresso.

However, it's important to remember that milk increases the caloric content of latte coffee. Depending on the type of milk used, the nutritional values can vary significantly:

• Whole milk (3.8% fat) provides about 66 calories per 3.4 ounces.
• Skim milk (0.5% fat) contains only 39 calories per 3.4 ounces.

If you're watching your calorie intake, you can replace cow's milk with plant-based drinks like almond, soy, or oat. Most of them froth well, allowing you to prepare a vegan version of latte.

While latte coffee can be a healthy choice, it's important to be mindful of additives that may reduce its beneficial impact on health. Avoid:

• sweet syrups and sugar,
• powdered milk,
• liquid or whipped cream,
• ready-made mixes with high artificial ingredient content.

These additives not only increase the caloric content of the drink but also introduce unnecessary fats and sugars, which can negatively impact the body. Instead, enriching your coffee with spices like cinnamon or cardamom is worthwhile, which have proven health benefits.