Lovers always have a question which coffee drink is most useful: cappuccino, latte or macchiato? All of these drinks are based on espresso, whose health benefits are confirmed by research. However, some additives can radically change their effects on your health and figure.
Espresso: a healthy basis for drinking
First of all, it must be remembered that coffee itself is a healthy drink. Big reviews such as one, published by British Medical Journal, have shown that average coffee consumption (3-4 cups per day) can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, liver disease and some forms of cancer. This is due to high levels of antioxidants, especially polyphenols, which are in coffee. Thus, the main difference between the benefits of cappuccino, latte and macchiato lies not in the coffee itself, but what is added to it.
The main difference between Cappuccino, Latte and Macchiato
The most important difference between these drinks is the amount of milk that directly affects calories, fat and protein.
Macchiato
Macchiato is an espresso shot with a few drops of milk or milk foam. For the minimum part of milk, this drink is the best choice for the figure. One standard portion has only 10-15 kcal. It retains almost all the benefits of pure espresso.
Cappuccino
Cappuccino is a balanced drink consisting of equal parts espresso, hot milk and milk foam. The average portion (about 350 ml) without sugar has approximately 70-90 kcal. It is the “golden middle” between strength and milk texture.
Latte
Latte has the most milk and the least foam. As a result, this is the most calorie of three drinks. The average portion (350-400 ml) without sugar can contain 120-150 kcal or more, depending on the milk fat content.
Secret threat: sugar and syrups
Although milk does not pose the biggest threat to your health and figure, the greatest damage is caused by added sugar and sweet syrups. The World Health Organization and the American Heart Association emphasize that excess sugar in the diet directly leads to weight gain, metabolic disorders and heart disease.
For example, a large portion of Latte with vanilla or caramel syrup can contain 250-400 kcal and 4-6 teaspoons of sugar, which makes the coffee drink into a real liquid dessert.
What do research say?
Research published in a prestigious medical journal JAMA Internal Medicineshows that people who drink coffee (up to 5 cups per day) have a lower risk of premature death. Although this study mainly analyzed black coffee, it should be noted that milk additives do not eliminate the benefits of antioxidants in coffee, but significantly increase calorie intake.
Which drink to choose: cappuccino, latte or macchiato?
Choose macchiato for maximum benefits and minimum calorie content. This is the closest option for pure espresso.
If you want a balanced taste, sugar -free cappuccino is a great compromise. You get a pleasant milk taste but less calories than latte.
If you like milk taste, choose Latte, but ask it to be made with lean or plant milk (such as almond or coconut) and most importantly, avoid sugar and syrups.
Source: RBC.UA
Photos associative © canva.
