How a simple change to your morning coffee can ‘prevent agonising condition’

A splash of milk could give your coffee a health boost, scientists say.

Black coffee is packed with polyphenols, which can prevent cell damage and help you live longer.

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And proteins from milk can bind to the antioxidants and help the body absorb more of them.

Laboratory experiments at the University of Copenhagen found that this doubled the potency of the polyphenols.

They became twice as good at reducing harmful swelling in human cells.

This swelling, called inflammation, can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease.

Study author Professor Marianne Nissen Lund said: “We show that when the polyphenol responds, the effect of the polyphenol on inflammation in immune cells is enhanced.

“It is quite conceivable that this cocktail could also have a positive effect on inflammation in humans.

“We hope to study the effect in humans.”

It’s good news for latte lovers.

Brits drink 95 million cups of coffee every year – 181 per minute.

Studies have shown that java reduces the risk of heart and liver disease and can help people lose weight.

Recent research has placed human cells with inflammation in a bowl and then added coffee polyphenols either alone or in combination with milk protein.

The swelling of the cells was reduced twice as much in the patients treated with the combination.

Prof Nissen Lund added: “Because humans don’t absorb as much polyphenol, many researchers are investigating how to improve their intake.

“This strategy has the added benefit of enhancing the anti-inflammatory effect.

“I can imagine something similar happening in a meat dish with veggies or a smoothie if you’re careful to add some protein like milk or yogurt.”