How sugar-laden coffee sabotages your morning brew
Many people reach for coffee first thing in the morning. We drink it with breakfast, brew it at work, and serve it to guests. Some prefer to drink it black to fully appreciate the aroma of the beans, while others like to sweeten and enhance it with additions. However, experts warn about potential drawbacks.
6 November 2024 13:57
Coffee is a powerhouse of antioxidants that neutralize harmful free radicals and may slow aging. Regular coffee consumption can also reduce weight, improve the circulatory system, and ease muscle pain. This is thanks to caffeine and the presence of numerous bioactive compounds. However, this doesn’t mean coffee is without flaws, as too much of anything can be harmful. Its health benefits also fade if you choose the wrong additives.
The worst additive to coffee
In the fall and winter, coffee shops tempt us with sweet drinks. Some opt for the classic pumpkin spice latte, while others wait for various winter coffees with gingerbread, caramel, or chocolate syrups. These coffee drinks become more of a dessert than a beverage, something not everyone realizes.
The sugar content in such drinks can be truly overwhelming. Sugar, the sweet adversary of our health and waistline, often sneaks into our coffee cups. Its excessive intake can lead to serious health problems like obesity, diabetes, or heart disease. If we care about maintaining good health and well-being, it's worth breaking this sugary habit.
Dietitian Tamar Samuels emphasizes that a standard serving of caramel syrup contains about 100 calories and 25 grams of sugar, which is the daily sugar intake limit for an adult.
The World Health Organization recommends that sugar contribute no more than 10% of our daily caloric intake. For an adult, this translates to about 200 kilocalories of sugar per day, equivalent to roughly 10-12 teaspoons. Meanwhile, sweet coffee drinks can contain several teaspoons of sugar. It's also crucial to remember that sugar naturally occurs in other products. So, there's no need to add more to an already-sweetened coffee.
- For example, a typical four-pump serving of caramel syrup contains about 100 calories and 25 grams of sugar ― that’s the recommended daily limit of sugar for adults, emphasizes dietitian Tamar Samuels in an interview with "HuffPost".
What to replace syrup in coffee with?
Instead of sweet syrups, consider adding spices like cinnamon, cardamom, or turmeric. Cinnamon helps regulate blood sugar levels and boosts metabolism, while turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties and enhances immunity. These additions make your coffee not only tastier but also healthier.
Just add a pinch to your brewed coffee to enjoy the taste without guilt and unnecessary sugar. These spices will accelerate metabolism and enrich the aroma.
