Milk in Coffee May Double Anti‑Inflammatory Benefits, Study Finds

For years, research has suggested that coffee may contribute to reducing inflammation in the body thanks to its antioxidant compounds. Now, a recent study confirms that adding milk to coffee could potentially double its anti-inflammatory effect compared to drinking it black.

A Molecular Synergy

Published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, the study highlights that the benefit lies in the interaction between polyphenols in coffee and proteins found in milk. Researchers observed that this combination creates a unique molecular bond that enhances the body’s response against inflammation.

Did You Know? The study, cited by Prevention, found that cells treated with both polyphenols and proteins showed twice the effectiveness in reducing inflammation compared to those exposed to polyphenols alone.

In laboratory tests, cells treated with both compounds demonstrated double the efficacy in reducing inflammation compared to those exposed to polyphenols alone. This suggests the coffee’s antioxidant effect could be significantly boosted by adding milk.

How It Works

Melissa Mroz-Planells, a national media spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, explained to Prevention: “Polyphenols act as antioxidants. They help fight free radicals and protect against cell damage commonly seen in inflammation.”

Coffee is a primary source of polyphenols in the everyday diet. Milk, conversely, provides amino acids that, according to the study, reinforce the antioxidant effect already present in the beverage. This synergy could make the combination more than just a flavorful choice—potentially offering additional health benefits.

Expert Insight: While promising, the study’s findings are based on laboratory experiments with cells, not clinical trials with humans. The conclusions should be considered preliminary until sufficient clinical evidence is available in people.

Scott Zashin, an internist and rheumatologist, explained in Prevention that the combination of coffee and milk offers a superior anti-inflammatory effect compared to coffee alone. He also noted that the food industry utilizes polyphenols as natural antioxidants to preserve the quality and flavor of various products.

Beyond Coffee and Milk

These antioxidant compounds aren’t limited to coffee; they’re also found in blueberries, walnuts, olives, whole grains, vegetables, tea, and red wine. Specialists in rheumatology often recommend a Mediterranean diet, known for its richness in polyphenols, for individuals with inflammatory diseases.

The study emphasizes the importance of including a variety of sources of polyphenols and amino acid-rich foods, such as milk or lean meats, to achieve an additional potential anti-inflammatory effect.

Keri Gans, a registered dietitian nutritionist, cautioned in Prevention that the study’s results are based on experiments conducted with cells in a lab, not human clinical trials. The conclusions should be interpreted as preliminary until sufficient clinical evidence is available.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did the study find?

The study found that adding milk to coffee could potentially double its anti-inflammatory potential compared to drinking coffee alone, due to a molecular interaction between polyphenols and proteins.

Where was the study published?

The study was published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry.

What other foods contain polyphenols?

Polyphenols are also found in blueberries, walnuts, olives, whole grains, vegetables, tea, and red wine.

While more research is needed, this study suggests that enjoying a cup of coffee with milk could be a simple way to potentially boost your intake of anti-inflammatory compounds.