Dietician Edita Gavelienė of the Kaunas Clinical Hospital addressed common misconceptions surrounding beverage consumption, specifically focusing on the proper intake of coffee. Speaking about past dietary guidelines, Gavelienė recalled instances when consumption was restricted, such as periods mandating that coffee be consumed only with sugar. She noted that while coffee itself is not inherently considered healthy, the perception that adding sugar improves its nutritional profile was once prevalent.
Recently, new dietary advice has circulated, suggesting that milk should be avoided when drinking coffee. However, Gavelienė offered reassurance, stating that whether coffee is consumed black or mixed with milk, the resulting difference in overall health impact is negligible. In collaboration with her colleague, gastroenterologist Gabrielė Milaknytė, Gavelienė provided clearer guidelines regarding sweeteners.
She advised that if an individual desires a sweet taste, the healthiest approach would be to reduce or eliminate added sugar entirely. Conversely, she confirmed that consuming coffee mixed with milk is generally acceptable from a health standpoint. The discussion highlighted the variability of public health advice and emphasized that dietary recommendations should be approached with caution.
The experts stressed that while the desire for a specific taste profile can lead to rigid guidelines, moderation and understanding the source of the nutrient intake are key components of maintaining a balanced diet. The core message remains that individual dietary needs should guide decisions about coffee consumption rather than circulating trends.
Topics: #coffee #sugar #healthy
