The macchiato has risen in popularity globally due to its intense espresso taste complemented by foamy, creamy milk. But as a caffeinated beverage, there are also some macchiato benefits and drawbacks worth understanding. We will explore macchiato side effects and benefits, from energy and cognitive function boosting to weight loss aid.
What is Macchiato?
Macchiato, which means “marked” or “stained” in Italian, refers to an espresso drink that has been “marked” with a small amount of foamed or steamed milk. A traditional macchiato recipe contains just a dash of milk, while more modern variations feature more milk, often in layered or blended forms.
Read More: Benefits of Coffee with Milk
What Are 5 Macchiato Benefits?
There are 5 potential benefits associated with consuming macchiato in moderation:
1. Increased Energy and Alertness
The macchiato provides caffeine, which is a stimulant that can help increase energy levels, improve concentration, and boost metabolism. Just one shot of espresso contains around 63 milligrams of caffeine.
The concentrated espresso in macchiato provides more caffeine (75-90mg per shot) for improved alertness, memory and reaction times [1].
2. Enhanced Physical Performance
Research indicates that pre-exercise caffeine consumption can reduce fatigue and increase athletic performance. Caffeine helps muscles contract with more force and decreases perceived exertion.
Milk’s calcium, protein and vitamins D and K in macchiatos helps maintain healthy bones and prevent loss of bone mineral density [2].
3. Improved Cognitive Function
Studies show that caffeine may stimulate areas of the brain responsible for memory, mood, and concentration. It may also offer some protection against cognitive decline.
4. Antioxidants and Nutrients
Coffee beans contain antioxidant compounds like chlorogenic acid, which can help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation. Macchiatos made with milk also provide nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and protein.
Macchiato provides antioxidants from the espresso which may help reduce inflammation in the body. One study found macchiato contains more antioxidants like phenolic compounds compared to Americano coffee [3].
5. Weight Loss Aid
The caffeine in macchiato may boost metabolism and fat burning, especially when consumed before exercise. Caffeine also has appetite-suppressing effects for some people.
7 Potential Side Effects of Drinking Macchiato
Drinking too much macchiato or caffeine in general can lead to negative effects in some individuals, such as:
Jitters, Anxiety, and Insomnia
Excess caffeine consumption can overstimulate the nervous system, causing jitteriness, nervousness, and sleep problems. People prone to anxiety or insomnia should limit intake.
Indigestion
Macchiatos are acidic beverages, which can aggravate heartburn or acid reflux symptoms in some. The dairy may also cause stomach upset for those with lactose intolerance.
Elevated Heart Rate and Blood Pressure
Studies show that high caffeine intake may cause temporary spikes in blood pressure and heart rate, increasing the risk of cardiovascular issues in susceptible individuals.
Diuretic Effects
As a stimulant, caffeine has diuretic effects, leading to increased urine output. This can cause dehydration if fluid intake is not increased.
Dependency
Frequent macchiato drinkers can become dependent on caffeine, developing withdrawal symptoms like headache and fatigue when they stop drinking it.
Bone Loss
Heavy caffeine consumption may interfere with calcium absorption and contribute to loss of bone mineral density, increasing osteoporosis risk.
Blood Sugar Spikes
The carbohydrates and sugar in macchiatos, especially blended, creamy versions, can cause unstable blood glucose levels in diabetics.
Conclusion
When consumed in moderation, the macchiato can be an enjoyable coffee drink that provides caffeine-related benefits from increased energy to enhanced mental and physical performance. However, excessive intake may result in negative side effects like anxiety, digestion issues, and dependency. Being mindful of your personal caffeine tolerance and health conditions is important. Follow the tips here for drinking macchiato safely, and enjoy this popular beverage as part of a balanced lifestyle. Sip, savor, and drink consciously.
References
- McLellan, T. M., Caldwell, J. A., & Lieberman, H. R. (2016). A review of caffeine’s effects on cognitive, physical and occupational performance. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 71, 294-312.
- Bonjour, J. P. (2013). Calcium and phosphate: a duet of ions playing for bone health. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 32(sup1), 438S-448S.
- Daglia, M., Papetti, A., Gregotti, C., Bertè, F., & Gazzani, G. (2000). In vitro antioxidant and ex vivo protective activities of green and roasted coffee. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 48(5), 1449-1454.