Habits that unintentionally make a cup of coffee unhealthy

With so many flavor options, sweeteners, and additives available today, it's easy to accidentally turn a simple cup of coffee into an unhealthy beverage.

Here are some unexpected brewing habits that make your cup of coffee less healthy, according to Very Well Health (USA).

Using too much unhealthy cream

Cream adds flavor, sweetness, and cools down coffee, but not all cream is good. Depending on the type and amount of cream you choose, your coffee can become less healthy.

Solution: Replace with a little unsweetened nut milk (oat milk, soy milk) to keep the fat without too much sugar or fat.

Coffee is good for your health, but some habits unintentionally make your cup of coffee less healthy.

Photo: AI

Too much sugar and artificial sweeteners

There are tons of ways to sweeten your coffee, but it’s easy to go overboard and skyrocket your calories and sugar intake. Instead, cut your sugar intake in half and try adding ground cinnamon for extra flavor.

Choose poor quality or non-organic coffee

Many conventionally grown coffees may contain pesticide and chemical residues. Long-term consumption may have health effects. Consider choosing high-quality, USDA Organic-labeled, certified organic coffee.

Drinking too much caffeine or at the wrong time

Caffeine is a natural stimulant that helps you stay alert and focused. But drinking too much, especially throughout the day, can affect your mood and sleep.

Depending on your sensitivity to caffeine, drinking a lot of coffee can cause jitters and increase feelings of anxiety or stress. Some people find that drinking coffee on an empty stomach, such as before breakfast, can also lead to indigestion or acid reflux.

Plus, caffeine can stay in your system for up to 6-14 hours after you stop drinking it. If you drink coffee in the afternoon and have trouble falling asleep before bed, your afternoon drink may be to blame.

Rely on pre-bought coffee

Packaged or store-bought coffee is convenient, but it’s often loaded with calories, unhealthy fats, and sugars from syrups and flavorings. Some specialty coffees can contain more calories than a meal.

These drinks are a great option to enjoy occasionally, but if you drink them regularly, prioritize making them at home so you can control the ingredients.

Is hot coffee or iced coffee healthier?

Both are equally good, as long as you control the ingredients you add.

Cold brew: Less acidic, easier on sensitive stomachs.

Hot coffee: May contain more antioxidants due to the high-temperature extraction process.

Healthy alternative to coffee

If you want to cut back on coffee, you have many alternatives such as:

Green Tea : Less caffeine, rich in the antioxidant EGCG, good for the brain and heart, may fight cancer.

Matcha : Green tea powder, for more lasting energy thanks to L-theanine – helps focus, does not cause restlessness.

Herbal tea : From chicory root, dandelion, caffeine-free, good for digestion.

Turmeric milk (Golden Milk): milk mixed with turmeric, anti-inflammatory thanks to curcumin; add black pepper to increase absorption.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/thoi-quen-vo-tinh-khien-ly-ca-phe-tro-nen-khong-tot-cho-suc-khoe-185250906132801486.htm