Coffee is an essential daily ritual for many people, providing that all-important caffeine boost to kick-start the morning, with a huge range of ways to enjoy it. But for many, the thought of black coffee is a step too far. Its bitterness when unsweetened and without milk can be off-putting, but it does stand out as a relatively healthy choice when enjoyed in moderation.
Surprisingly, its flavour can be significantly improved with just a pinch of an unexpected ingredient. This advice comes courtesy of TikTok health expert Dr Karan Rajan, who regularly shares his knowledge on how to make everyday foods both healthier and more delicious.
Among his simple yet effective food hacks is the addition of a mere pinch of salt to your black coffee. Dr Rajan shared: “The salt blocks the bitterness receptors on your tongue, making the coffee taste way smoother and requiring less sugar.”
The coffee experts at Espresso Works have agreed, noting that salt not only brings out the nutty flavours in certain coffee blends but also amplifies their inherent sweetness, creating a less bitter and more rounded flavour profile, even without sugar.
As well as enhancing its taste, salt can also elevate the aromatics of black coffee too.
Health benefits of black coffee
Drinking your coffee black can have a number of important health benefits. One of these is a potentially reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the long-term, according to Healthline.
It may also help to protect against certain neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Black coffee may also influence fat storage and promote gut health, both of which could aid in weight management. It’s also beneficial for heart health, with one study indicating that consuming three to five cups of coffee daily could lower the risk of heart disease by 15 percent.
How much black coffee is safe?
Despite being a relatively healthy option, like everything else, black coffee should be enjoyed in moderation. According to Healthline, healthy adults should try to stick to 400 mg of caffeine per day or less. If the only caffeinated drink you have is coffee, that’s about four cups.
Having too much caffeine can result in headaches, insomia and rapid heart rate, so it’s important not to consume too much.