Both black coffee and coffee with milk have their own health benefits and drawbacks. However, when it comes to health benefits, black coffee is generally considered the better choice.
1. Black Coffee
Benefits
- Rich in antioxidants: Black coffee is a very good source of antioxidants, which help protect the body from free radicals, slow down the aging process and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.
- Enhance alertness and concentration: Caffeine in black coffee helps increase concentration, improve alertness and improve work performance.
- Support weight loss: Black coffee can help increase metabolism, help burn calories and reduce cravings, thereby supporting weight loss. Does not contain calories from sugar or milk.
No sugar: Black coffee does not have sugar, helping to avoid weight gain due to consuming too much sugar.
Disadvantages
- Caffeine can cause insomnia: If you drink black coffee in the evening, caffeine can make it difficult for you to fall asleep or cause insomnia.
- May cause stomach irritation: Black coffee is highly acidic, which can be irritating to people with stomach problems like acid reflux.
2. Coffee with Milk
Benefits
- Provides calcium and vitamin D: Milk is an important source of calcium and vitamin D, which help support strong bones. If you use milk with added vitamin D, this will help improve calcium absorption.
- Softer and easier to digest: Coffee with milk is less likely to irritate the stomach than black coffee because milk helps neutralize the acidity in the coffee. This can be more pleasant for those with stomach problems.
- Reduces bitterness: Milk helps to soften the bitterness of coffee, making the drink easier to drink for those who do not like the strong bitterness of black coffee.
Disadvantages
- Adds calories and sugar: Coffee with milk is often higher in calories, especially if you add sugar. The combination of sugar and milk can cause you to consume too many calories and sugar, which can lead to weight gain and increase the risk of type 2 diabetes if consumed in excess.
- Lactose: Some people who are lactose intolerant may experience digestive problems when drinking coffee with milk. However, you can choose lactose-free milk or plant milk such as almond milk or soy milk to solve this problem.
Black coffee is a better choice for those who want to lose weight, control their calorie intake, or are looking for a natural source of antioxidants without the added sugar or milk.
Coffee with milk may be better for those who want a milder taste, need extra calcium and vitamin D from milk, or have stomach problems with black coffee.
If you are looking to cut down on calories and sugar, black coffee is a healthier choice. However, if you prefer a smoother taste and need the added nutrition of milk, coffee with milk may also be a good choice, but you should limit the amount of sugar so as not to increase the calories significantly.