Does Milk in Coffee Reduce Inflammation? Science Revealed
The Surprising Benefits of Adding Milk to Your Coffee
Drinking coffee with milk may enhance the anti-inflammatory properties of your favorite beverage, according to a recent study. Researchers found that when polyphenols—antioxidants present in coffee—bind with proteins, they become more effective at combating inflammation. This discovery opens up new possibilities for how we can incorporate these beneficial compounds into our daily diets.
For millions of people who begin their day with a cup or two of coffee, it’s well known that this beverage is one of the richest sources of antioxidants in their diet. Now, imagine if there was a way to double the antioxidant power of your morning coffee. A 2023 study suggests that adding milk to your coffee could do just that. With ongoing research highlighting the potential health benefits of coffee, these findings are worth exploring further.
The study, published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, examined what happens when polyphenols, which are naturally found in foods like coffee, are combined with proteins. Since coffee beans are rich in polyphenols and milk contains protein, researchers tested whether these molecules would bind together in coffee with milk.
Understanding Polyphenols and Their Role in Fighting Inflammation
Polyphenols are a type of compound found in many plant-based foods. They include flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans, and stilbenes, as explained by Melissa Mroz-Planells, D.C.N., R.D.N., a national media spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and member of the Bisakimia Medical Review Board. “Polyphenols act as antioxidants, helping to combat free radicals—unstable molecules that can cause cellular damage often associated with inflammation.”
Scott Zashin, M.D., a board-certified internist and rheumatologist in Dallas, TX, added that polyphenols also help reduce oxidative stress, which is typically linked to inflammation. “The food industry uses polyphenols in various foods to improve quality and prevent flavor deterioration,” he said. “In other words, polyphenols serve as natural preservatives.”
These compounds can be found in a wide range of foods, including berries, herbs, spices, nuts, flaxseeds, olives, tea, red wine, whole grains, and certain vegetables.
How the Study Was Conducted
In the study, researchers artificially induced inflammation and exposed cells to it. “When you get an infection, your body sends white blood cells to fight it, and this process causes inflammation,” explained Dr. Zashin. Next, the researchers added either polyphenols, polyphenols along with amino acids (the building blocks of protein), or nothing at all, and observed how the cells responded to the inflammation.
The results showed that cells exposed to both polyphenols and amino acids had a better response in reducing inflammation compared to those exposed to polyphenols alone or no treatment at all. Therefore, “drinking coffee (which contains polyphenols) with milk (which provides amino acids) can have a more significant anti-inflammatory effect than coffee alone,” said Dr. Zashin.
Key Takeaways from the Study
The most important takeaway from this study is that a diet rich in polyphenols can have anti-inflammatory benefits, according to Dr. Zashin. “In rheumatology, we often recommend a Mediterranean diet, which is high in polyphenols, for patients with inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. This study supports that recommendation.”
Dr. Zashin also noted that adding foods rich in amino acids to your diet, such as milk, salmon, chicken, or lean meats, may enhance the anti-inflammatory effects even further.
However, Keri Gans, M.S., R.D.N., C.D.N., a registered dietitian nutritionist in New York City, emphasized that these findings should not overshadow the benefits of consuming polyphenol-rich foods without protein. She pointed out that the study was conducted on cells, not humans, and therefore its results should be considered preliminary.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the study highlights the importance of incorporating a variety of polyphenol-rich foods into your diet to improve overall health and well-being. If you enjoy drinking coffee with a splash of milk or cream, there’s no need to stop—just keep in mind that the combination may offer additional anti-inflammatory benefits.
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