A study conducted at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark reveals some of the health benefits found in the combination of coffee and milk. The goal of the researchers was to check how antioxidants known as polyphenols and found in high quantity in coffee, interact with amino acids, which make up the proteins found in milk.
The results of the study suggest that this cocktail could have a highly beneficial effect on inflammation in humans: The inflammatory response begins when the body’s immune system releases white blood cells to fight foreign substances such as bacteria and viruses, the researchers say. Polyphenols, found in high amounts in coffee, are considered very effective in preventing and treating inflammation.
The researchers tested this anti-inflammatory effect on immune system cells. They say that cells that received both polyphenols and amino acids, the substance found in milk, were twice as effective at fighting inflammation compared to cells that received only polyphenols. The scientists also looked at how the molecules bind together in a drink like coffee with milk and found that the same reaction occurs.
In addition, the study authors added, this anti-inflammatory effect may occur when combining other types of food, such as a meat dish with vegetables or a smoothie with milk or yogurt.