Black coffee can be a bit of an acquired taste for those who usually opt for sugary, milky coffees – but it can be made much more palatable with one simple ingredient
Coffee is a vital part of the morning routine for countless individuals, offering that crucial caffeine hit to get the day started, with myriad ways to savour it. However, for some, the mere idea of black coffee is a bit much.
Its inherent bitterness when unadulterated by sugar or milk can be daunting, yet it’s recognised as a relatively healthy option if consumed in moderation.
Intriguingly, its taste can be greatly enhanced with just a sprinkle of a rather surprising ingredient. This tip comes from TikTok health guru Dr Karan Rajan, who often imparts his wisdom on making daily eats healthier and tastier.
One of his straightforward but ingenious culinary tips includes adding just a dash of salt to your black coffee. Dr Rajan advises: “The salt blocks the bitterness receptors on your tongue, making the coffee taste way smoother and requiring less sugar.”
The experts at Espresso Works concur, pointing out that salt doesn’t just highlight the nutty notes in certain coffee varieties but also accentuates their natural sweetness, resulting in a flavour that’s less bitter and more balanced, even sans sugar, reports the Express.
Salt can also enhance the aromatic experience of black coffee, not just its flavour.
Drinking your coffee black can have a number of important health benefits. One of these is a potentially reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the long-term, according to Healthline.
It might even contribute to warding off various neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
Black coffee might also affect fat storage and boost gut health, both of which could assist in weight management. It’s also good for heart health, with one study suggesting that drinking three to five cups of coffee daily could reduce the risk of heart disease by 15 percent.
How much black coffee is safe?
Despite being a relatively healthy option, like everything else, black coffee should be enjoyed in moderation. According to Healthline, healthy adults should try to stick to 400 mg of caffeine per day or less. If the only caffeinated drink you have is coffee, that’s about four cups.
Overconsumption of caffeine can lead to headaches, insomnia and a rapid heart rate, so it’s crucial not to have too much.