Is your morning latte as healthy as you think?
Latte coffee, with its velvety foam and mild taste, has won the hearts of many. However, is this popular drink, which has even been included in the new food pyramid, as healthy as it seems? Let's look at what lies behind its taste and its benefits to our bodies.
Latte coffee is one of the most popular coffee varieties, captivated by coffee lovers worldwide. Its mild flavour, velvety texture, and delicate foam make it ideal for lazy mornings and afternoon gatherings over a cup of aromatic beverage. But have you ever wondered how latte coffee affects your body? Does the addition of milk change the health properties of this drink? Let's take a closer look at what lies behind our favourite coffee.
Latte coffee – a blend of tradition and mildness
What exactly is latte coffee? The name comes from Italian, where "latte" simply means milk. In its traditional form, caffè latte is a portion of freshly brewed espresso combined with heated and frothed milk. The distinguishing feature of latte coffee is its creamy texture and subtle taste, making it a milder alternative to classic espresso.
Latte macchiato is a close relative of latte, with one difference—coffee and milk create three distinctive layers, giving the drink an impressive appearance. Both versions have gained immense popularity in Poland, where coffee with milk is often the first choice for many people.
The health benefits of coffee
Regardless of the variant, coffee has long sparked scientists' interest. It is not only a source of caffeine, which stimulates the body and enhances concentration, but also contains a range of bioactive compounds with health-promoting properties. According to Institute of Food and Nutrition experts, coffee is seen as a "rising star in disease prevention." Its strong antioxidant action helps protect the body's cells from damage and reduces the risk of developing diseases such as atherosclerosis, strokes, heart attacks, and cancers.
Research also shows that moderate coffee consumption, i.e., 3–5 cups daily, can reduce the risk of ischaemic heart disease by 11–13%. Coffee improves blood flow to the brain, which affects alertness and intellectual performance.
How does milk affect the properties of latte coffee?
Although milk adds a mildness and creamy texture to coffee, it has some impact on the drink's chemical composition. Milk reduces the content of absorbable polyphenols—natural antioxidants present in coffee. This happens because milk proteins bind these valuable compounds, reducing their availability to the body.
Does this mean that latte coffee loses its health-promoting properties? Absolutely not. It still remains a source of antioxidants and other bioactive substances, albeit in slightly lower concentrations than a classic espresso. Moreover, milk can be helpful for people with sensitive stomachs, softening the intense aroma and acidity of espresso.
Caloric content of latte coffee – what you should know
However, it's worth remembering that milk increases the caloric content of latte coffee. Depending on the type of milk used, the nutritional values can vary significantly:
- Whole milk (3.8% fat) provides about 23 calories per 100 millilitres.
- Skim milk (0.5% fat) contains only 13 calories per 100 millilitres.
If you're controlling calories, you can replace cow's milk with plant-based drinks like almond, soy, or oat milk. Most of them froth well, allowing you to prepare a vegan latte version.
What to watch out for when drinking latte coffee?
While latte coffee can be a healthy choice, it's important to consider additives that may reduce its beneficial impact on health. Avoid:
- sweet syrups and sugar,
- powdered milk,
- liquid or whipped cream,
- ready-made mixes with high artificial ingredient content.
These additives not only increase the caloric content of the drink but also introduce unnecessary fats and sugars, which can negatively affect the body. Instead, it's worth enriching coffee with spices like cinnamon or cardamom, which have proven health benefits.
