A SPLASH of milk could give your coffee a health kick, say scientists.
Black coffee is packed with polyphenols that can prevent cell damage and help you live longer.
GettyScientists say adding milk to coffee could boost its health benefits[/caption]
And proteins from milk can latch on to the antioxidants and help the body soak more of them up.
Lab experiments by the University of Copenhagen found this doubled the effectiveness of the polyphenols.
They became twice as good at reducing harmful swelling in human cells.
This swelling – known as inflammation – can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart diseases.
Study author Professor Marianne Nissen Lund said: “We show that as the polyphenol reacts its effect on inflammation in immune cells is enhanced.
“It is clearly imaginable that this cocktail could also have a beneficial effect on inflammation in humans.
“We hope to study the effect in humans.”
It is good news for latte lovers.
Brits quaff 95million cups of coffee every year – 181 every minute.
Studies have found java reduces the risk of heart and liver diseases and can help people lose weight.
The latest research put human cells with inflammation in a dish and then added coffee polyphenols either on their own or combined with milk protein.
Swelling in the cells was reduced twice as much in those treated with the combination.
Prof Nissen Lund added: “Because humans do not absorb that much polyphenol, many researchers are studying how to improve their absorption.
“This strategy has the added advantage of enhancing the anti-inflammatory effects.
“I imagine that something similar happens in a meat dish with vegetables or a smoothie, if you make sure to add some protein like milk or yoghurt.”