If you like to drink lattes or cappuccinos, we have great news: scientists from Copenhagen have proven that it is very healthy. The discovery was made recently, in early February 2023. The findings of the Danish researchers strongly contradict the popular belief that milk protein negatively affects coffee antioxidants, neutralizing their beneficial properties.
Coffee with Milk: The Scientific History of the Question
For years, the health impact of adding milk to coffee was a topic of debate. Many experts believed that casein, a protein in milk, binds to coffee’s polyphenols, blocking their absorption and diminishing their health benefits. Polyphenols are essential antioxidants that help protect your body from disease and slow the aging process. Coffee is packed with these beneficial compounds.
One of the most notable polyphenols in coffee is chlorogenic acid, which helps lower blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of diabetes. It also boosts metabolism, aiding in weight loss. Coffee also contains quercetin and caffeic acids, which help protect against free radicals. Additionally, coffee provides important vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and vitamin B3, which support heart and nervous system health.
Cappuccino and macchiato lovers often worry that adding milk might reduce the health benefits of their favorite beverages. This led to a trend of using plant-based milks like almond, coconut, or oat milk as alternatives.
What Danish Scientists Found Out
Studies on the benefits of coffee with milk have been conducted before, but only the work of Danish scientists caused a great resonance. According to this study, milk protein does not block the activity of polyphenols, but, on the contrary, multiplies it and makes antioxidants more available for assimilation.
In the experiment, the scientists induced inflammation in test-tube immune cells and treated them in two ways. They treated one group with polyphenols that interact with an amino acid of a protein and the other group with polyphenols alone. The third group received no “treatment.” The results showed that the cells treated with the combination of amino acids and polyphenols were twice as effective at fighting inflammation as those that received only polyphenols. However, these findings were all theoretical. To confirm the benefits of coffee with milk, scientists conducted a new study to see if polyphenols bind to protein molecules when milk is added to coffee. The result turned out to be positive.
Study leader Marianne Nissen Lund, a professor in the Department of Nutritional Sciences, commented on her team’s findings, “We have shown that when a polyphenol reacts with an amino acid, its inhibitory effect on inflammation in immune cells is enhanced. Thus, it is possible that this cocktail may also have beneficial effects on inflammation in humans. We will now conduct further studies. First in animals, after that we hope to get funding for work that will allow us to study the effect in humans.”
The inflammatory response begins when the body fights bacteria and viruses, when muscles are overworked, and in chronic diseases such as these. Of course, coffee with milk is no substitute for medication. But now you can definitely drink it without worrying about the polyphenols being affected by casein. The main thing is not to forget about the caloric content of such a drink.
Still, the health benefits of coffee depend not only on whether you add milk but also on how you prepare it. The grind size and brewing method determine how effectively these beneficial compounds are released into your cup. Learn more about coffee grinding and brewing here.
Looking ahead, it will be interesting to see if researchers explore the anti-inflammatory benefits of milk combined with other polyphenol-rich foods. Perhaps tea with milk, creamy sauces with meat, or yogurt with fruit might offer similar health perks. The possibilities are deliciously exciting.
