This Is What Happens When You Drink Artificially Flavored Coffee Every Day
If you stop by a coffee shop every day for your morning dose of caffeine, you're not alone. Many people need a cup of coffee to get through the day. But unless you drink it black, your coffee is probably full of artificial flavors to make it taste good. According to Healthline, coffee is a healthy beverage when consumed plain but can quickly become less than ideal when filled with artificial flavorings.
According to Livestrong, artificial flavorings are any flavorings not derived from natural sources like spices. While the flavorings used by your local coffee shop are considered safe for human consumption by the FDA, you may increase your risk of developing certain health conditions if you consume them frequently. According to the CDC, exposure to high levels of artificial flavorings can increase your risk of developing lunng cancer. While you'd need to work in a manufacturing plant to reach that kind of exposure, it doesn't bode well for artificial flavorings in general for your health. Of course, you can enjoy everything in moderation without worrying too much. If you drink artificially flavored coffee every day, try to cut it down to a few times a week and sweeten your coffee naturally on those days instead.
How to sweeten your coffee naturally
If you're used to artificial flavors, you might be stumped at how to add real flavor to your morning cup of coffee. According to Livestrong, spices like cinnamon and nutmeg are great ways to add some flavor with additional health benefits. "Cinnamon, clove, nutmeg or cocoa powder are a few fun ideas to get started with," said Mary Matone, RD, a registered dietitian at the virtual private practice Culina Health. "In addition to tasting good, many of these spices have anti-inflammatory properties, which can give your morning coffee an extra nutritional boost."
Milk, cream, and coffee creamer are also good ways to avoid consuming too many artificial flavorings. Just be sure to stay as natural as you can with these products, as most coffee creamers are full of artificial sweeteners and additives. "Coffee creamers often contain thickening and stabilizing agents like carrageenan as well as partially hydrogenated oils," said Matone. "These ingredients are important to consider, as some have been linked with negative health outcomes such as cardiovascular disease." As long as you enjoy coffee creamer in moderation, you don't need to worry about your health when it comes to this product.