Many of us are huge fans of coffee, but there are certain coffees that everyone should probably avoid
That seemingly harmless morning cuppa that you, along with the rest of the nation, enjoy each day could be causing some serious health issues. While it may be the cherished brew that kick-starts most people’s days, some of our favourite coffees might actually be incredibly unhealthy for us.
In fact, many of the “seasonal favourites” (yes, we’re talking about you, pumpkin spice latte) are loaded with sugars and fats, giving coffee a bad reputation. That matcha latte and innocent-looking cappuccino may be causing more damage to your body than you realise.
According to the American Heart Association, your daily saturated fat intake should not exceed 13 grams, and the daily sugar intake should be around the 25 grams mark.
In a chat with Coffee Friend, nutrition expert Kelly Gray ranked the unhealthiest and healthiest coffees available, and the list is quite surprising, to say the least. Gray also debunked some common myths and beliefs about coffee drinking, revealing the facts for all those coffee addicts out there, reports Surrey Live.
Topping the chart as the unhealthiest type of coffee is the Pumpkin Spice Latte, closely followed by the Mocha. Both are extremely high in sugar and fat content, as well as milk content.
The Mocha even tends to have a bit of chocolate added, which makes it significantly worse for the body if consumed too frequently and in large amounts.
Flavoured lattes, matcha and chai lattes aren’t far behind, all scoring poorly due to their high sugar, fat and milk levels. Chuck in a dollop of flavouring such as caramel or hazelnut on top and you’ve got some of the most unhealthy beverages you can get in a cup.
At the opposite end of the scale, the simple Americano claims the crown as the healthiest coffee option you can treat yourself to, with black coffee and the potent espresso trailing behind. Without any milk added, these brews are your best bet, though you should still enjoy them in moderation.
Speaking about coffee’s advantages, Gray disclosed: “Drinking caffeine improves your physical performance, as it can help you feel more alert and on the ball – ready to take on the day ahead of you. They also may have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
“From a health perspective 2-5 cups of coffee a day are great for your health, as long as you keep the coffee clean. By that, I mean opting for an americano, black coffee or an espresso. You can add a dash of milk but go for skimmed or a dairy-free alternative such as unsweetened almond milk.
“With that being said, too much caffeine can cause anxiety. It can also alter your sleeping patterns if you drink coffee too late in the day. It can also have a negative effect on people suffering from bowel conditions such as IBS. It can also give you an increased heart and breath rate.”
Nutrition boffins from the John Hopkins School of Medicine have been singing the praises of coffee, and their argument is more compelling than ever. The humble cuppa can have a multitude of positive effects on your health.
Whether it’s reducing your risk of heart failure, Parkinson’s disease, colon cancer or Alzheimer’s disease, a regulated amount of coffee could be just the ticket. It might even help you live longer by decreasing the risk of dying from coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease in women, strengthen your DNA, aid your body in processing glucose (or sugar) better, and provide a protective effect on your liver.
According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, most women can safely enjoy between three to five cups of coffee a day, with the maximum intake being around 400 milligrams of caffeine.
However, if you’re expecting or breastfeeding, different rules apply.
It’s always wise to consult your obstetrician before adding any form of caffeine to your diet. If you’re the sort who gets the shakes after a cup of joe, take care not to overdo it.
Remember, everyone’s caffeine tolerance varies, and you can reap the same health benefits from just one cup of coffee (which could very well be decaf).
As with anything else, moderation is key, no matter how much you crave that delicious, caffeinated pick-me-up!