A nutrition expert at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center says coffee can be part of a healthy diet as long as you don't ruin it,

But Leisann Paglia says artificial creamers, sugar and other similar flavorings are not a good idea. Paglia says the latest nutrition guidelines say 3-5 8 ounce cups of coffee a day can be part of a healthy diet, although she adds that people who don't drink caffeinated beverages shouldn't necessarily start doing so. especially if they are sensitive to the stimulant.

She also says adding some low fat milk to your coffee is fine and even adds a little calcium.

But she says people who load up their coffee with sugar and/or artificial creamer--which often contains sugar, trans fats and other unhealthy ingredients--aren't doing themselves any favors health wise.

But while coffee can be part of a healthy diet, Paglia says soda pops and similar sugary beverages are a major problem.

She says the average American gets about 40 percent of their sugar intake from soda pop, sugary fruit drinks and similar items.

With obesity and related health issues running rampant in the United States, cutting down on sugar is a major focus of the latest health guidelines, according to Paglia.

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