Starting your day with a cup of freshly brewed coffee can be one of the best feelings ever. We totally get it–there’s nothing quite like sipping on a steaming cup of joe and getting that caffeine rush. Aside from keeping you awake, energized, and in a good mood, drinking coffee (in moderation, of course) actually has significant health benefits too. As a low-calorie beverage, it’s rich in antioxidants, which protects your cells and reduces your risk of getting heart disease or cancer.
As you all know, there are many ways you can drink coffee. There are those who prefer to drink plain black coffee, and there are some who like to make it sweet by adding sugar, milk, cream, and syrup. These ingredients can definitely make your drink taste better, but it’s also important to know how they can negatively affect your health.
To learn more about which coffee additives you should cut down on, read on for medical advice from Obesity Medicine Certified Physician Dr. Craig Primack, MD, FACP, FAAP, FOMA of the Scottsdale Weight Loss Center.
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Cream, Half And Half, And Milk
According to Dr. Primack, “You should think twice about adding anything at all that is [high on calories].” Cream, half and half, and milk are the most common culprits. When you mix your coffee with these dairy products, you’re adding more sugar and more calories to your drink. “One ounce of cream is approximately 103 calories, one ounce of half and half is roughly 37 calories, and one ounce of 2% percent milk is about 15 calories,” Dr. Primack shares.
Usually, creamers also contain thickeners, stabilizers, and preservatives that contribute to slowing down weight loss. Because of the high sugar content in these coffee additives, you may also experience bloating and indigestion.
Sugar
Obviously, putting loads of sugar in your coffee is not healthy. "One packet of sugar is about 23 calories," Dr. Primack warns. If you really need something sweet to balance the bitter taste, you can consider artificial sweeteners or natural sweeteners like honey or cinnamon. Similar to cream, half and half, and milk, it's important to note that sugar can also prevent you from losing weight and even spike your blood sugar levels.
"All calories add up throughout the day," Dr. Primack concludes. He also explained that "calories in liquids are absorbed faster than solids and raise the blood sugar more because of it." So if you're trying to lose weight and you're thinking of grabbing a cup of joe, make sure to reevaluate what goes in your drink--or better yet, how about trying black coffee for a change?
