Coffee creamer has become a popular alternative to real dairy creamer in recent years, especially among those looking for a dairy-free alternative. But what happens when you make it a daily habit to drink coffee creamer?
Drinking coffee creamer everyday can have both positive and negative impacts on your health. On the plus side, coffee creamer can give you a boost of calcium and phosphorus, both of which are essential minerals for proper bone and teeth development. It can also provide a healthy boost of energy, which can be beneficial when you’re feeling tired or run down. And of course, some coffee creamers contain added flavors or sweeteners, which can help to give your coffee a richer, more flavorful taste.
On the other hand, drinking coffee creamer everyday can also have some ill effects. For starters, many coffee creamers contain hydrogenated and partially-hydrogenated oils, which can increase your risk of heart disease by raising your levels of “bad” cholesterol. Additionally, some coffee creamers contain added sugars and artificial sweeteners, which can contribute to weight gain and habituate a sweet tooth. Plus, one serving of coffee creamer can contain more than 20% of your daily saturated fat and calories intake— which, if consumed too frequently, can wreak havoc on your diet.
Nutrition experts advise that if you’re going to include coffee creamer in your daily coffee routine, it’s best to opt for an all natural, non-dairy creamer. Additionally, they recommend limiting yourself to only one or two tablespoons of coffee creamer in a day— that way, you’ll limit your calorie and fat intake, while still getting the benefits of added flavor, energy and minerals.
It’s also important to note that, while some coffee creamers do offer health benefits, they’re not a substitute for getting your recommended daily allowance of minerals and vitamins from other sources. So if you’re thinking of using coffee creamer as an alternative to dairy creamer, make sure you make up for the deficiency of calcium and phosphorus in other ways.
The Different Types of Coffee Creamer
When it comes to coffee creamer, there are a few different types to choose from. Generally speaking, they can be divided into two categories: dairy and non-dairy. Dairy creamers are made with real milk products, while non-dairy creamers are made with alternative sources— like nuts, soy, and other plant-based ingredients.
It’s important to note that the saturated fat and calorie intake of a particular coffee creamer will vary depending on which type you choose. For example, dairy creamers usually contain more saturated fats and calories than non-dairy creamers. So if you’re looking to make a healthier choice, try opting for a nut or plant-based creamer instead.
Additionally, many coffee creamers come in a variety of flavors, from vanilla and hazelnut to maple and caramel. However, be aware that these added flavorings can often come with added sugars and other sweeteners, which may not be included in the nutrition facts label. So if you’re trying to reduce your intake of added sugars, opt for an unsweetened creamer instead.
The Impact of Coffee Creamer on the Environment
In addition to its health effects, coffee creamer can also have an impact on the environment. For starters, many coffee creamers come packaged in plastic containers and cans, some of which contain non-recyclable components. Additionally, some coffee creamers are made with animal-derived ingredients, like milk, which can require a large amount of energy to produce.
Fortunately, there are some coffee creamers available on the market that are more eco-friendly. These options are usually made with plant-based ingredients and packaged in recyclable containers. Additionally, many eco-friendly brands also opt to use natural sweeteners, rather than artificial ones, which adds another layer of green credentials.
When considering coffee creamer, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons both for your own health and for the health of the planet. The good news is that, with a little research, you should be able to find a product that meets both of your needs.
The Effects of Coffee Creamer on Mental Health
In addition to its potential health and environmental effects, drinking coffee creamer also has the potential to affect your mental health. This is because, apart from its energy boost, coffee creamer can also contain caffeine, which is a stimulant that can affect your brain’s natural levels of energy and alertness.
If you’re looking for a caffeine boost, consider using coffee creamer alternatives like chicory or matcha powders. Unlike coffee creamer, these drinks don’t contain caffeine, but they still provide a natural energy boost. Additionally, they don’t contain any added sweeteners or artificial flavors, so you don’t have to worry about consuming any added sugars.
On the other hand, if you already suffer from anxiety or other mental health issues, you might want to limit or avoid drinking coffee creamer altogether. This is because the stimulants in coffee creamer can exacerbate these conditions, so it’s best to check with your doctor before consuming too much.
What to Look for When Buying Coffee Creamer
When it comes to buying coffee creamer, there are a few things you should look out for. First and foremost, you should check the nutrition facts label to make sure the creamer is low in saturated fat, calories and added sugars. Additionally, look out for artificial sweeteners and flavorings, as well as high-fructose corn syrup.
Also, make sure to check the ingredients list for hydrogenated and partially-hydrogenated oils, which can increase your risk of heart disease. Finally, look for coffee creamers that are eco-friendly, as these are typically made with plant-based ingredients and are packaged in recyclable containers.
Other Ways to Make Your Coffee Healthier
If you’re looking to make your coffee healthier, there are a few other things you can do aside from cutting back on coffee creamer. For starters, you can reduce your caffeine intake by switching to a lower-caffeine bean. Additionally, you can add healthy ingredients to your coffee to boost its nutrition, like cocoa powder and cinnamon.
You can also reduce the acidity of your coffee by pouring in a bit of almond or coconut milk. This will help to reduce your coffee’s impact on your stomach and can even enhance the flavor. Finally, if you want to increase your coffee’s nutritional benefits, try adding some MCT oil or grass-fed butter, which can help to boost your energy and overall health.
The Benefits of Cold Brewing Coffee
Finally, another way you can make your coffee healthier is by cold-brewing it. Cold-brewing is a process that involves steeping coffee grounds in cold or room-temperature water for at least 12 hours. The result is a smooth, less acidic cup of coffee that’s also much lower in caffeine than regular coffee.
Additionally, cold-brewed coffee is also more nutrient-dense than its hot-brewed counterpart, as it has more of the antioxidants and polyphenols that are associated with improved health. And because cold-brewing is done at a lower temperature, it also preserves more of the coffee’s natural flavors and aromas, giving it a richer, smoother taste.
All in all, cold-brewing is a great way to make your coffee healthier, while also adding a bit of variety to your routine. So if you’re looking to get the most out of your morning cup, give cold-brewing a try!
