Black Coffee vs Milk Coffee: Who will win this epic battle?

Coffee lovers mostly stand united against the army of chai fans, but they too are often divided over the type of coffee - should it be a dark black espresso or a frothy milky cappuccino? Should you add sugar to it or consume it as a bitter potion? And will adding milk to coffee prove harmful?

Let us try to find fair answers to all these questions. However, you must know that when consumed in moderate amounts, any type of coffee is not harmful to your health.

Coffee can provide various health benefits like better cognitive functions and reduced risk of heart ailments, when consumed in small quantities.

Also watch: Benefits of caffeine we bet you didn't know!

Does milk affect the value of coffee?

Scientists at Nestle’s research centre in Switzerland examined the addition of milk or creamer in coffee to understand if it has any effect on the contents of coffee. During the study, the researchers discovered a compound known as polyphenols.

Polyphenols are the antioxidants found in coffee. They are important as they protect the body cells against free radicals, thereby minimising cell damage. They also prevent cell breakdown during any kind of healing process after injury or infection.

At the end of the research, the outcome showed that the addition of milk to coffee does not have any effect on polyphenol. This proved that regardless of the type of coffee intake, polyphenols eventually will reach the bloodstream and act as antioxidants in the body.

So, which type of coffee is better?

While both black and milk coffee have the same effect on polyphenols, there are certain pros and cons of each. Let’s take a look at some of them.

Black coffee

Pros

• Negligible calorie content
• Helps in improving metabolism
• Lowers the risk of type-2 diabetes

Cons

• Contains a higher amount of caffeine
• Affects sleep quality if consumed after sunset
• Very bitter, so it is an acquired taste

Milk coffee

Pros

• Reduces the risk of oesophageal reflux
• Milk balances the pH level of coffee
• Milk reduces the stimulating effect of caffeine

Cons

• Higher calorie content
• Whole milk can affect cholesterol levels
• Pure coffee flavour is affected due to milk

So, the bottom line is, both milk and black coffee have their own share of pros and cons. As long as you are mindful of its quantity and sugar intake levels, a freshly brewed cup of coffee is a great way to start your day!