You love coffee and so do I. Personally, I drink mine black, the same as my father did when I was a kid.

But many prefer their coffee in various ways. I have no problem with that, as long as the additives are healthy ones. We have a post you are sure to love about 7 Healthy Coffee Additions.

For now, here are 5 things you should NEVER add to your coffee.

1. Artificial sweeteners
   There should be no surprise that these top the list. Additives such as saccharin, aspartame and sucralose are touted as low or zero calorie sweeteners. But don’t be fooled. Studies show that people who consume them are more likely to suffer from diabetes, hypertension, stroke, and cardiovascular disease.
2. Sugar and Flavored Syrups
   Just about everyone knows that sugar consumption is linked to an increased risk of a variety of chronic diseases including obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) as well as cognitive decline and even some cancers. In 2014, the World Health organization recommended getting less than 10%, ideally, only 5%–of one's daily caloric intake from sugar. For the average adult, this means around 25 grams of sugar per day. If you order a grande flavored coffee drink at your local coffee shop, you’ve easily exceeded this amount in one beverage using flavored syrups.
3. Non-dairy or shelf stable creamers
   I remember these so vividly from my childhood at the local pancake house. While their convenience has kept these in restaurants and grocery store shelves for decades, shelf stable, single-serving creamers and non-dairy creamers, especially those that are kept at room temperature, are full of trans fats and other chemicals. They contain harmful additives such as sodium phosphate, which has been linked to numerous health risks. This additive earned a spot on the Environmental Working Group's Dirty Dozen Guide to Food Additives due to its connection to increased risk of heart problems.
4. Condensed Milk
   A common ingredient in many iced coffee drinks worldwide, condensed milk is one of the most detrimental ingredients you can add to your morning brew. With just 2 tbsp of this substance containing 22 grams of sugar and 130 calories, it is no friend to your waistline or your blood sugar. Many sweetened condensed milk products sold in the market actually contain palm oil which is used as a cheaper substitute for cow’s milk. I put these in the frankenfood category, as they often contain no milk at all.
5. Skim Milk
   Baristas across the globe prefer full fat milk for its texture and coffee-complimenting richness, and numerous studies have established that whole-fat dairy is actually better for you than low fat varieties. In fact, full-fat dairy eaters had less chance of developing diabetes. And on top of that, one of the strongest links between diet and acne is skim milk, which may increase blood sugar levels and therefore trigger hormones, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. In short, low-fat dairy may increase the risk of diabetes, weight gain, strokes, and acne.

Coffee drinking should be a pleasurable part of your day. For our top suggestions on what to add to your morning cup of Joe, check out our article, 7 Ways to Boost Your Wellness In Your Daily Joe.