Adding a splash of milk to coffee is a very common custom, but also one of the most debated. Are any benefits lost? Can it damage digestion? Or maybe it has positive effects that you didn’t know about? In this article we explore the secrets of this combination that is as beloved as it is controversial.
Café con leche: a tasty but controversial mix
For many, morning coffee isn’t complete without a touch of milk. However, this mixture can have not-so-positive effects on digestion. Naturopath Virginie Fleur calls it a “digestive bomb,” explaining that the tannins in coffee coagulate the casein in milk, making it difficult to digest and causing bloating, upset stomach, and gas.
Are we all affected equally?
No. Some people can enjoy lattes without any problems, while others experience:
Swelling or feeling heavier
Nausea
Accelerated intestinal transit
Over the years, the lactase enzyme, which is essential for digesting lactose, also decreases, which can aggravate these symptoms. It should also be noted that coffee with milk increases acidity, and can aggravate gastric reflux or cause burning in sensitive people.
But it’s not all negative: hidden benefits of coffee with milk
A recent study from the University of Copenhagen revealed a curious fact: the combination of polyphenols in coffee with amino acids in milk boosts antioxidants, helping to reduce inflammation in the body.
This finding calls into question the idea that coffee with milk is harmful in all cases. Like many things in life, everything depends on the organism and balance.
Alternatives for those who do not tolerate coffee with milk
If you love the taste of coffee with milk but don’t like it, all is not lost. Here are some options:
