How do you take your coffee? The answer may have a lasting impact on your health.
New research at the University of Copenhagen found coffee with milk has the potential to double the number of anti-inflammatory properties in your immune cells.
This paper found the combination of milk and coffee is twice as good at fighting inflammation. It’s believed this is thanks to the polyphenols, a type of antioxidant found in both coffee and milk
“In the study, we show that as a polyphenol reacts with an amino acid, its inhibitory effect on inflammation in immune cells is enhanced” Professor Ms Marianne Nissen Lund, the research author, said to Science Daily.
“As such, it is clearly imaginable that this cocktail could also have a beneficial effect on inflammation in humans.”
“We will now investigate further, initially in animals. After that, we hope to receive research funding which will allow us to study the effect in humans.”
Australia has forged a serious love of coffee, and a report by research firm McCrindle found nine out of ten Australians like coffee to some extent.
As a resident of the New England region, your coffee choices may already be in tune with the latest research.
“As a roaster who provides coffee to the community, we find that milk-based drinks are highly more popular than non-milk based, especially lattes and flat whites,” said Ms Scarlett Leach, the Co-director of New England Coffee Roasters, a boutique coffee roastery in Tamworth.
“Flat whites have become a part of the Australian culture. Australia has a robust coffee community, which is very different from the rest of the world.”
“It is why Australia has some of the best coffee shops and roasters worldwide.”
When pressed about why New England’s residents choose the milky coffee over stronger options such as espressos or long blacks, Ms Leach offers some local insights.
“Naturally, that can depend on the café’s clientele and marketing.”
“The milk in coffee makes it a lot smoother and creamier, whereas black base coffee is meant to be a bit harsher on the taste palette.”
“This makes it more palatable to drink and a lot more enjoyable and popular.”
If you’re in doubt about what to order when standing in front of your local barista, adding a little milk may improve both the flavour and your health over time.
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