A good many of us couldn’t function without our cup of coffee in the morning. And here’s some good news: studies have shown that drinking coffee may really confer health advantages, one of which is reduced body fat. If, on the other hand, you brew your coffee with the incorrect components, you run the risk of doing more damage to your body than good to your health in the long run. Many of the most popular coffee add-ins are loaded with sugar in addition to other potentially dangerous ingredients, which might increase your risk of weight gain, inflammation, and other health problems. If you don’t like your coffee black, what alternatives do you have available to you? The most important thing is to choose a milk that is as good for you as it can possibly be.
If you often drink milk that has been flavored and/or sweetened, you should know that this is a terrible decision for your health. However, this does not imply that there aren’t a lot of options that are better for you! We spoke with Kelsey Costa, MS, RDN to get insight into one of the most viable choices. She shared with us that adding soy milk to your coffee, in particular fortified soy milk, is one of the best ways to improve the nutritional value of this beverage. Below, you will find all of her knowledgeable insights on the advantages of drinking this milk.
Advantages of drinking fortified soy milk
Soy milk remains Costa’s “top recommendation when it comes to the healthiest milk for your coffee,” she adds, even if almond and oat milk may have surpassed it in popularity over the last few years. Nevertheless, she believes that soy milk is the healthiest choice overall. In addition to its naturally “smooth and creamy texture,” as she puts it, “it has a multitude of health benefits that make it stand out from other types of milk.”
But what precisely is it that makes this milk so good for you? According to Costa, the soybeans that are used to make this milk “are an excellent source of plant-based protein,” which makes this milk “a great choice for those looking to increase their protein intake or switch to a more plant-based diet.” Each dish has 7 grams of protein, making it an excellent choice. When compared to other plant-based milks, this one has the greatest protein content due to its unique composition. According to her, in reality, “fortified soy milk is the only plant-based milk recognized by the USDA as a nutritional alternative to cow’s milk.”
However, soy milk provides more than just protein; according to Costa, it also includes healthy fatty acids that may do wonders for the health of your heart. Soy milk is a great choice for anyone who are concerned about their heart health. “It’s also often fortified with vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D, which are crucial for bone health,” according to the researcher. “Thus, when considering a balance of protein, beneficial fats, and essential nutrients, fortified soy milk is a superior choice for your coffee.”
Do not be alarmed if you have heard that use of soy products may increase the risk of developing hormone-dependent malignancies. Costa has given us his word that this is a misunderstanding. “The truth is that numerous studies have verified the safety and significant health benefits of these products, even suggesting that isoflavones may protect against certain common cancers like breast and prostate cancer.”
In addition, she says, “Choosing unsweetened soy milk can help you avoid added sugars, supporting your weight loss goals and promoting better health.” The consumption of an excessive amount of sugar is associated with a number of significant health hazards, one of which is the development of excess body fat. Regardless of the kind of milk that you choose, it is imperative that you go for an option that is sugar-free and unsweetened.
At the end of the day, the majority of industry professionals believe that drinking coffee black (or with some healthful spices sprinkled in) is the best way to consume coffee. On the other hand, according to Costa, soy milk is most likely the healthiest option when you want to add some richness to your beverage.
