A popular habit might actually harm your health.
For many modern city dwellers, starting the day or taking a break means reaching for an aromatic cup of coffee. With each passing year, coffee production grows exponentially, meeting the ever-increasing demand. While doctors have long stated that caffeine can be safe in moderation, new research suggests that there’s more to consider when it comes to this beloved beverage.
Researchers from Uppsala University in Sweden recently studied popular foods and drinks and their effects on health. This time, they focused on coffee beverages, especially those picked up on the way to work. In a study of 101,000 people, they analyzed dietary habits and linked them to various health outcomes.
The Swedish researchers found that drinks containing milk and sugar—such as cappuccinos or lattes with syrups—had the most negative impact. Even small amounts of lactose combined with sugar may be detrimental to health, particularly for women, who, according to the researchers, struggle more with insulin spikes.
The researchers warn that this habit can increase the risk of heart disease by up to five times. The mix of sugar and lactose, they say, contributes to inflammatory processes and cell damage that affects the entire body. One of the study’s authors, Professor Karl Michaelsson, identified a critical limit: “Our analysis confirms the link between consuming more than 300 ml of milk per day and higher rates of ischemic heart disease and myocardial infarction.”
Additionally, regular consumption of these types of coffee can impair immunity and slow wound healing, making this habit potentially harmful in unexpected ways.