Is Adding Sugar To Your Coffee Bad For You?

Millions of Americans rely on a cup of coffee to wake them up in the morning. However, black coffee tastes bitter to many people and most fans of this beverage choose to sweeten it. Unfortunately, most people add excessive amounts of sugar to make their coffee taste better, whether it's with syrups or coffee creamer. According to Healthline, coffee is a healthy beverage on its own but can quickly become a harmful treat when you dump sugar into it.

It's no secret that sugar is harmful to your health. Sugar has little to no nutritional value and can lead to a variety of health problems including weight gain, diabetes, and heart disease (via Medical News Today). Natural sugars, found in foods like fruit and dairy products, don't have the same negative effects on the body as processed sugars. Sugar comes in many forms including dextrose, sucrose, high-fructose corn syrup, and agave nectar. When buying products to sweeten your coffee with, look for those ingredients and avoid them when possible. The best way to sweeten your coffee is to use a natural sweetener like stevia.

If you avoid adding lots of sugar to your coffee, this beverage is a great drink to add to your morning. Drinking coffee every day may help you live longer (via Eat This, Not That!). A 2015 study published in the journal Circulation found that participants who drank one to five cups of coffee each day were more likely to have a longer lifespan than those who drank little to no coffee (via Circulation). According to Eat This, Not That!, "the researchers reported that drinking one to three cups of coffee per day was associated with a 15% reduction in risk of dying." Scientists are unsure exactly why coffee can help, but it may be due to the antioxidants, caffeine, and other natural compounds in the drink that can improve cardiovascular health and blood glucose levels.

Coffee may also have neurological benefits. According to Healthline, coffee can protect against Alzheimer's disease and fight against depression. It can also improve physical performance, help with concentration, and protect your liver. Coffee contains many nutrients that will also benefit your health.