Is coffee and milk good or bad for the body? If you do this often, 4 results will appear

In the fast-paced modern life, coffee and milk have almost become many people's daily "energy gas station". Whether it's in the rush of the early morning or lazy in the afternoon, a cup of fragrant coffee with milk can always instantly refresh the mind. However, this seemingly simple combination of drinks hides complex health implications. As a health science creator, I will talk to you today, is coffee and milk good or bad for the body? If you enjoy this cup of "small blessings" every day, then understanding its four potential effects may help you better balance life and health.

Behind a cup of coffee with milk: a balance of energy and enjoyment

Coffee and milk, a commonplace-sounding beverage combination, is rich in cultural and emotional significance. From ancient Ethiopia to modern Starbucks, the journey of coffee has not only witnessed the changes of human history, but also become an indispensable part of modern life. A cup of coffee with milk is like a feast for the palate, the bitterness of coffee and the mellowness of milk are intertwined, which is both stimulating and soothing, as if to tell us that life needs this balance of bitter and sweet.

However, the popularity of coffee and milk has also sparked a lot of discussion in the health field. Coffee itself contains caffeine, which can not only improve metabolism, but also cause problems such as heart palpitations and insomnia. After adding milk, although the taste is richer, it also increases the intake of fat and sugar. So, what kind of effect does this seemingly perfect drink have on the body?

1. Metabolism Acceleration: An "Energy Booster" for a Cup of Coffee

Caffeine, the "star ingredient" in coffee, acts like an enthusiastic "accelerator" that instantly boosts your metabolic rate. When you drink a cup of coffee, the cells in your body seem to be awakened and start burning calories at an accelerated rate. This boost in metabolism not only makes you feel energetic, but it also helps you lose weight to some extent. When milk is added, the protein and fat in the milk act like a "buffer", allowing the release of caffeine to be smoother and avoiding a "rollercoaster" fluctuation of energy. Therefore, a cup of coffee with milk will not only give you a quick pick-me-up, but it will also make that energy last longer.

2. A "little test" for the digestive system

For many people, coffee is like a "stomach massager", especially those with higher acidity. They may stimulate stomach acid secretion, making some people feel uncomfortable. But with the addition of milk, the situation improves. The fats and proteins in milk neutralize stomach acid, making coffee more "gentle" and thus less irritating to the stomach. However, if you're lactose intolerant, then this seemingly innocuous cup of coffee with milk could set off an "intestinal storm". After lactose intolerance is ingested, the lactase enzyme in the intestine cannot completely break down lactose, causing lactose to ferment in the intestine and produce a large amount of gas, which can cause discomfort such as bloating and diarrhea. So, if you often experience gastrointestinal discomfort after drinking coffee and milk, you may want to try switching to a lactose-free alternative, such as soy milk or almond milk.

3. The "double-edged sword" of cardiovascular health

There has been controversy in the scientific community about the relationship between coffee and cardiovascular health. On the one hand, a moderate amount of caffeine can enhance heart function and improve blood circulation; On the other hand, excessive caffeine may cause an increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, and even an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. With the addition of milk, the situation becomes even more complicated. Whole milk is high in saturated fats, which may increase blood cholesterol levels, which can adversely affect cardiovascular health. Especially for those who are already at risk of cardiovascular disease, such as those with high blood pressure or high cholesterol, choosing whole milk may worsen the condition. Therefore, if you are at risk of cardiovascular disease, it is recommended to choose low-fat milk or plant-based milk, so that you can enjoy the delicious taste of coffee and milk and reduce the burden on the cardiovascular system.

4. The "Invisible Disruptors" of Sleep

One of the biggest "side effects" of caffeine is that it affects sleep. It blocks adenosine receptors in the brain, which inhibits drowsiness and keeps you awake during the day. However, the price of this wakefulness can be insomnia at night. While tryptophan in milk can alleviate the stimulating effects of caffeine to some extent, caffeine has a half-life of up to 4-6 hours, which means that if you drink coffee with milk in the late afternoon, caffeine may still interfere with your sleep at night. Therefore, it is recommended that everyone drink coffee and milk before 3 p.m., which can give the body enough time to metabolize caffeine and avoid affecting the quality of sleep at night.

How to enjoy coffee with milk healthily?

Now that we know the four potential effects of coffee and milk, how can we enjoy this drink while minimizing the negative health effects?

1. Choose the right time to drink: The rate at which caffeine is metabolized varies from person to person, but in general, it is a safer time to drink coffee with milk before 3 p.m. This ensures that most of the caffeine has been metabolized before going to bed at night, reducing the risk of insomnia.

2. Control the amount you drink: Drinking in moderation is key. 1 to 2 cups of coffee with milk per day (each cup contains about 95 mg of caffeine) is safe for most people. Excessive consumption not only increases the side effects of caffeine, but it can also lead to excessive calorie intake, which can affect weight and cardiovascular health.

3. Choose dairy products based on your health status: If you're at risk of cardiovascular disease, it's advisable to choose low-fat or plant-based milk to reduce your saturated fat intake. In addition, for lactose intolerant people, soy milk, almond milk and other plant milks are good choices, which can not only enjoy the taste of coffee with milk, but also avoid digestive discomfort.

4. Maintain a balanced diet: Coffee and milk, while delicious, are not a substitute for a healthy diet. Make sure your daily diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein so that you can provide your body with complete nutrients.

Coffee and milk, a seemingly simple beverage combination, actually contain complex health implications. It boosts metabolism and energy, and may also have an impact on the digestive system, cardiovascular health, and sleep. By understanding these potential effects, we can better adjust our drinking habits and make this cup of "small blessing" a part of a healthy life.