You love your morning cup of joe, but you're also trying to be mindful of your inflammatory foods intake. So, does coffee count as an inflammatory food? The answer is a little complicated. Let's take a closer look.
Coffee and Inflammation
On its own, coffee is not an inflammatory food. In fact, coffee contains antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation. However, the problem with coffee is that it's often loaded with sugar and cream, which can trigger inflammation. If you're trying to stick to an anti-inflammatory diet, it's best to stick to black coffee or coffee with unsweetened almond milk. And if you must have a little sweetness in your cup, reach for a natural sweetener like honey or agave nectar.
In addition to sugar and cream, another potential trigger for inflammation in coffee is the acidity. Some people are more sensitive to acid than others, so if you find that drinking coffee on an empty stomach makes you feel queasy, you may want to hold off until after you've eaten breakfast. And if you're really looking to reduce the inflammatory potential of your morning cup of coffee, try cold brewing your coffee instead of using hot water. Cold brewing helps preserve the antioxidants in coffee while reducing the acidity.
The Final Verdict
So, is coffee inflammatory? It can be if it's loaded with sugar and cream or if you're sensitive to acidity. However, black coffee or coffee with unsweetened almond milk is a perfectly fine choice for people following an anti-inflammatory diet. Just be sure to listen to your body and enjoy in moderation!
Want to know what is the best coffee creamer for weight loss? Check out our guide here!
