Is your latte as healthy as you think? Exploring the truths

Latte coffee is one of the most popular coffee varieties, having captured the hearts of coffee lovers across the globe. Its mild taste, velvety texture, and delicate foam make it ideal for leisurely mornings and afternoon meet-ups over a cup of aromatic coffee. But have you ever wondered how latte coffee affects your body? Does the addition of milk alter the health properties of this drink? Let's delve into what makes our favourite coffee special.

What exactly is latte coffee? The name comes from the Italian word "latte," meaning milk. In its traditional form, caffè latte is a serving of freshly brewed espresso combined with steamed and frothed milk. The hallmark of latte coffee is its creamy texture and subtle taste, making it a milder alternative to classic espresso.

Latte macchiato is a close cousin to latte, with one key difference – the coffee and milk create three distinctive layers, giving the drink an impressive appearance. Both versions have gained substantial popularity in Canada, where coffee with milk is often a top choice for many people.

Coffee, regardless of the variant, has long captured the interest of scientists. It is not only a source of caffeine, which stimulates the body and enhances concentration, but also contains a range of bioactive compounds with health-promoting properties. According to experts from the Canadian food and nutrition authorities, coffee is seen as a "rising star in disease prevention." Its potent antioxidant action helps protect the body's cells from damage and reduces the risk of developing conditions such as atherosclerosis, strokes, heart attacks, or cancers.

Research also indicates that moderate coffee consumption, i.e., 3–5 cups daily, can lower the risk of ischemic heart disease by 11–13%. Coffee improves blood circulation to the brain, which enhances alertness and cognitive performance.

While adding milk to coffee lends a mildness and creamy texture, it does alter the drink's chemical composition. Milk reduces the content of absorbable polyphenols—natural antioxidants found in coffee. This occurs because milk proteins bind these valuable compounds, reducing their availability to the body.

Does this mean that latte coffee loses its health-promoting properties? Not at all. It still remains a source of antioxidants and other bioactive substances, albeit at slightly lower concentrations than a classic espresso. Moreover, milk can benefit people with sensitive stomachs by softening espresso's intense aroma and acidity.

However, it's worth noting that milk increases the caloric content of latte coffee. Depending on the type of milk used, the nutritional values can vary significantly:

• Whole milk (3.8% fat) provides about 67 calories per 100 millilitres.
• Skim milk (0.5% fat) contains only 39 calories per 100 millilitres.

If you're watching calories, you can substitute cow's milk with plant-based beverages like almond, soy, or oat milk. Many of them froth well, allowing you to prepare a vegan version of latte.

While latte coffee can be a healthy choice, it's crucial to be mindful of additives that may reduce its beneficial impact on health. Avoid:

• sweet syrups and sugar,
• powdered milk,
• liquid or whipped cream,
• ready-made mixes with high artificial ingredient content.

These additives not only increase the calorie content of the drink but also provide unnecessary fats and sugars, which can adversely affect the body. Instead, consider enhancing your coffee with spices like cinnamon or cardamom, which have proven health benefits.