What Happens When You Add Milk To Black Coffee?

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Coffee is a universal favourite - be a piping hot cup of joe or a coffee flavoured toffee, they are hard to be not liked.

Aside from its energising effects, coffee has been linked to a number of potential health benefits, making it all the more compelling to begin brewing.

In addition to its ability to combat fatigue and increase energy levels, caffeine, a central nervous system stimulant in coffee, may also support brain health, reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, assist in weight management, reduce depression risk, and may even protect against liver disease [1][2].

There are also different types of coffee, with black coffee and milk coffee being the most common.

Milk coffee is nothing more than black coffee with milk added - and according to a recent study, milk can have a profound effect on the health of black coffee.

Let's take a look at what happens when milk is added to black coffee.

What Happens When You Add Milk To Black Coffee?

It is known that coffee contains high levels of polyphenols, including caffeic acid, which is also found in sunflower flour.

Caffeic acid is known to inhibit the oxidation of lipoprotein, which resembles cholesterol because it is sticky and can narrow or block blood vessels [3].

Polyphenols are the most abundant source of antioxidants in our diets, and are thought to reduce oxidative stress in the body, which occurs naturally [4]. Polyphenols are a group of natural compounds found in plants, such as fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, tea, and dark chocolate.

People with lactose intolerance may benefit from the combination of polyphenols, naturally occurring compounds found in certain plant-based foods, with dairy products [5].

Though the exact mechanism underlying this interaction is not fully understood, polyphenols may contribute to the reduction of immune responses by reducing inflammation.

As a result, the addition of milk to coffee may actually reduce the inflammatory properties of milk.

During the study, researchers examined the inflammatory response of two polyphenols bound to cysteine - caffeine acid and chlorogenic acid - compared with the inflammatory response caused by cysteine unbound.

The researchers found that the inflammatory response was reduced when cysteine (an essential amino acid needed for the production of protein, as well as for other metabolic functions) was bound to polyphenols.

What Does This Mean?

The findings of the study ultimately suggest that for people with lactose intolerance, adding black coffee to milk may help reduce the risk of developing symptoms such as gas, diarrhoea etc.

However, the MAY is of the most importance here, as more studies are required to understand this mechanism well.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.