House coffee often comes with the option of milk or no milk. While your preference may be no milk, there is a health benefit to having coffee with milk.
A recent study by the University of Copenhagen found that adding milk to coffee has anti-inflammatory benefits.
Anti-inflammatory nutrients have multiple health benefits, such as reducing the risk of diabetes, heart disease, cancer, irritable bowel disease, or heart disease.
What is Inflammation?
This is the oxidative stress caused on cells in your body. It is usually an immune response whereby white blood cells are sent to an affected area which results in redness or swelling. However, it can be a sign of autoimmune disorders such as asthma.
The signs of bad inflammation include:
- diarrhoea
- weight loss
- anaemia
- ulcers
- redness
- heat
- loss of function
- body pain
- fatigue
- depression
Certain foods, such as sugars, alcohol, and overprocessed snacks, and alcohol can increase inflammation. If left unchecked, inflammation can make chronic diseases more severe. It can also lead to increased fatty deposits in blood vessels.
So, how does coffee with milk protect your body from this?
The Study
Researchers from the Department of Science at the University of Copenhagen found that polyphenols paired with food proteins can bind to help fight inflammation.
Polyphenols are plant compounds that lower inflammation, reduce oxidative stress, and reduce the risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease and cancer. Coffee beans contain polyphenols, whereas milk is chock full of amino acids. In addition, manufacturers use them to reduce the loss of flavours. They’re also used to add haze to beer.
The researchers found that polyphenols mixed with amino acids in coffee with milk combine and help fight inflammation.
In the study, the scientists created three separate groups of immune cells. Each group was exposed to artificial inflammation and received doses of polyphenols with amino acids. The second group got polyphenols alone, while the control group received no extra doses.
The immune cells exposed to polyphenols with amino acids were two times more effective than the other cells. This is promising for humans because the body can’t absorb polyphenols in large amounts. But when mixed with protein, this is more beneficial for us. This is because the amino acids could be making the polyphenols easier for the body to absorb.
Takeaway
Previous research shows that polyphenols bind to proteins found in meat, milk, and beer.
Consuming meals that combine polyphenols and proteins can help boost your immunity.
If you don’t like coffee with milk, a diet rich in proteins and fruits or vegetables can boost your immunity. Polyphenols can be found in raspberries, strawberries, red wine, green tea, apples, extra virgin olive oil, and nuts.
The scientists who conducted the study suggest that we consume a wide variety of polyphenols to ensure a more balanced intake. Furthermore, you can take coffee with plant-based milk to experience this benefit. Almond milk, oat milk, and soy milk contain similar compounds in dairy. Therefore, vegans can enjoy this benefit as well.
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