Morning brew caution: The health impact of coffee additives

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

For many people, the taste of pure coffee without additives is almost impossible. Hence, white coffee, to which milk is the most popular addition, is very popular.

Although opinions on this matter are divided, many nutritionists claim that fresh, low-fat milk added to coffee enhances its taste and has health benefits.

Plant-based milks, which are increasingly trendy, are also good alternatives to cow's milk. An oat milk latte or flat white with almond milk not only enhances the beverage's flavour but also breaks its characteristic bitter note. However, it is important to check whether the drink contains sugar.

It's also worth paying attention to the once-popular powdered milk 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 required with sweeteners or other sugar substitutes.

Seemingly healthier than sugar, they sometimes come with a long and complicated composition, which can be harmful.

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