The Health Guide

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A Loaded Cup of Coffee

Are you a regular visitor to coffee shops that offer much more than your basic cup of coffee? Is a large latte with whipped cream or a cappuccino a common choice during your break? While delicious and comforting, these coffee habits could be giving you more fat, (particularly saturated fat) and calories than you realise.

Coffee alone is relatively low in calories and fat. An espresso for example contains 6 calories per shot, but with the extras it's a different picture: a cappuccino, caffè latte or frapuccino made with whole milk could provide between 120 and a whopping 430 calories, which is nearly a quarter of a woman's daily intake. Coupled with 7 to 15g fat,(two-thirds of which could be saturated) puts them on a par with a bar of chocolate, a bag of crisps or even a piece of fish in batter.

What does Caffeine do to the body?

Among its effects on the human body, caffeine is commonly thought to increase alertness, attention and mental ability by stimulating the central nervous system. However, indulging in a few mugs too many could result in symptoms such as restlessness, nervousness, excitement, insomnia, nausea, vomiting and a flushed face. The symptoms of a serious overdose include delirium and seizures as happened to a 17 year old in the UK who was hospitalised after overdosing on caffeine from coffee.

Do you need to stop drinking Coffee?

However there is no need to stop drinking coffee. Provided it's taken in moderation coffee is not a threat to health, but the recommendation is to enjoy it in moderation.

Here are a few tips to bear in mind when you next visit your local coffee shop:

• Ask specifically for skimmed or semi-skimmed milk as whole milk may be used as standard.
• Say no to whipped cream as this adds more saturated fat and up to 100 calories extra- and go easy on the flavoured syrup.
• Many shops provide their own nutritional information, so find out exactly what's in your cup.
• Less is more - just savour your smaller cup more slowly and remember to see these cups as a treat rather than a habitual part of your day.
• These glamorous coffees may be delicious, but they could help expand your waistline and significantly increase your saturated fat intake, being detrimental to your heart and arteries.
• Have a look at your habits, choose wisely and get the balance right between treats, healthy foods and an active lifestyle.