Category Archives: Heart Health

Q:  I recently picked up some store-brand commercial coffee creamer and there seems to be a lot fewer long-worded ingredients in it compared to the popular name brand.  Might it be safer? ~ J.K., Hayward, CA

Try healthy alternatives to artificial coffee creamers

A: All in all, when you add artificial creamers to your coffee, you’re essentially adding oils and sugar – the principal ingredients.  The other ingredients prevent the oils from separating and provide a hint of dairy flavor as well as artificial flavor/color.  Sound yummy?  How about trying a shot of REAL 2% milk instead?  You’ll gain some essential nutrients while you feed your coffee-drinking ritual.

An ounce (2 Tbsp) of 2% milk has 1 gram of protein and just 17 calories.  In addition, you’ll gain some of your daily dose of vitamins and minerals:  Vitamin A (1%), Calcium (4%), Vitamin D (3%), Phosphorus (3%), and Potassium (2%).   To trim the fat even more, switch to skim (nonfat) or 1% lowfat milk.

Evaporated skim milk has 2X the nutrients as regular milk and no fat.

Better yet, try some evaporated skim milk (not to be confused with sweetened condensed milk).  It has zero fat and a rich consistency since 50-60% of its water has been removed.  Compared to regular milk, evaporated skim milk has twice the protein (2 gm) and 25 calories per ounce with double the nutrients:   Vitamin A (2%), Calcium (8%), Vitamin D (6%), and Potassium (3%).

THR Tip: If you also gradually reduce the amount of sugar you add to your coffee, this single adjustment would be healthier for your heart.  A study found that sugar can lower your levels of HDL (good cholesterol) and raise your levels of triglyceride (fats in the blood).