Drinking Coffee This Way Cleanses Body Cells, Study Finds

With or without milk? This question, which every coffee lover faces, reaches the heights of Shakespeare's "To be or not to be?". Here's the answer.

Coffee with whole cow's milk is more nutritious and seems to provide more energy on a cloudy autumn morning. On the other hand, a cup of black espresso offers a pure caffeine boost, delivering instant energy along with the beloved, rich taste of natural coffee and its foam. But there's more to consider.

A recent study has revealed that black coffee and coffee with milk have different effects on our health. The positive health benefits of coffee have long been known, as long as we don't overindulge. Coffee can help prevent cardiovascular diseases, cleanse the body, and remove toxins from cells. This last benefit, in particular, raises the question of whether it's better to drink coffee with or without milk.

The process of cellular waste removal, known as autophagy, is typically triggered by controlled fasting. When we fast, the body reallocates its resources to vital functions and eliminates old, damaged cells, thereby cleansing itself. Coffee, it turns out, also stimulates autophagy. Studies show that 1-4 hours after drinking coffee, autophagy is significantly activated in the liver, skeletal muscles, and heart. However, when coffee is consumed with whole milk, animal proteins can inhibit these processes. To maximize coffee's beneficial effects, researchers recommend drinking it black or with plant-based milk, such as almond, oat, rice, or coconut milk, and avoiding cow's milk.

Another consideration when using plant-based milk substitutes is their nutritional content. For example, those following a low-carb diet may prefer almond or hemp milk, as they contain virtually no carbohydrates, unlike rice or oat milk. Hemp milk is also rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, while oat milk is known to help lower cholesterol. If protein intake is a priority, soy milk stands out as the best option. 

In addition to these health benefits, coffee also contains antioxidants that help fight inflammation and protect cells from oxidative stress. Whether you prefer it black or with a plant-based milk alternative, it's still good for your health, when consumed in moderation and when it's not contraindicated for you for one reason or another.