Louise Danielle Talabis
You need these hacks just as much as you need your daily coffee fix.
There’s no denying that there’s something incredibly soothing about sipping a freshly brewed cup of coffee. No wonder it has long been a fixture in people’s daily routines!
Not only is a cup of joe a great way to kickstart your day, it’s also a wonderful source of antioxidants and yummy health benefits, including increased life expectancy, and lower risk for Type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s Disease.
But did you know that consuming it daily with cream, sugar, and syrups can put a damper on your health?
Try these coffee hacks for tastier and healthier coffee – without the need to switch to black coffee
1. Flavor it with cinnamon.
You never know when the sugar cravings will hit, but when it does, consider adding a dash of cinnamon instead. That way, you’ll also be able to save hundreds on fancy-flavored coffees.
Classified as a medicinal plant, cinnamon has been reported to have anti-inflammatory, antitumor, anticancer, antidiabetic, and anti-hypertriglyceridemia properties.
Studies also show that having a teaspoon of cinnamon every morning can help fight inflammation and lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Other significant health benefits include lower risk of neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.
2. Add mint.
The next time you fix your daily cup of joe, we suggest putting fresh mint leaves.
If there’s mint tea, we think mint espresso drinks can be a hit, too, especially since Starbucks already offers mint-flavored syrup.
Mint works wonders for indigestion and upset stomach.
It also aids weight loss due to its digestive enzymes that help facilitate better absorption of nutrients from food. Thus, results in better metabolism.
3. Go for non-dairy milk.
Choose your milk wisely. Lactose gives milk its sweet taste and can raise your sugar levels.
Go for almond, coconut or soy milk.
Almond milk has a light and nutty flavor. For a traditional 12-ounce latte, this non-dairy milk brings your beverage to just 80 calories per serving.
Coconut milk, on the other hand, has a sweet, distinctive flavor that will give you a creamy drink that is only 110 calories per serving.
Meanwhile, a more popular and affordable option is soy milk. This non-dairy milk pairs well with lattes because of its smooth and creamy texture for 130 calories per 12-ounce serving.
4. Make it mocha.
Have a sweet tooth? Instead of caving in to your sugar cravings entirely, make a healthier version of your daily morning cup.
Try adding pure cocoa powder to your plain coffee and get a drink that tastes just like your favorite hot choco.
Cocoa is rich in polyphenols, like those found in green tea.
Polyphenols are found to have antioxidant properties which helps you fight against several conditions including cardiovascular disease, inflammation, and cancer.
In fact, one tablespoon has as much as nine percent of your daily intake of iron, manganese, magnesium, and zinc.
5. Mix in coconut oil.
Another tasty and healthy option if you like your coffee creamy is coconut oil.
Substitute your creamer and sugar with coconut oil and have nature’s best energy drink!
Coconut oil is made up of medium-chain triglycerides—a type of oil that’s quickly absorbed by the body and is processed into energy instead of being stored as fat.
It also contains lauric acid that boosts the immune system.
6. Add a hint of protein.
Sounds weird, right? But if you are one of those who skip the morning meal, this one’s for you!
Brew your regular cup and add it to a blender along with protein powder.
Whether whey or casein, protein powder allows you to increase protein intake without significantly increasing your intake of other macronutrients such as carbs and fats.
It can also help boost athletic performance, improve muscle tone, and increase overall health.
7. Pair it with grapefruit.
Over time (and constant drinking), the effects of caffeine in your body tend to decrease—causing you to become tolerant.
But did you know that if you eat a small piece of grapefruit with your coffee, it can stay active longer in your body?
Grapefruit has compounds called bergamottin and naringenin that alter the way you digest other foods.
In the book titled The 4-Hour Body, Tim Ferriss talked about how this compound helps slow the clearance of caffeine from your system.
Now you know—whenever you need an extra boost, grab a grapefruit!
8. Switch to organic.
Organic coffee is grown naturally which means pesticides and other chemical fertilizers were not used during the growing or production process.
By going organic, you’ll get extra antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can protect against cell damage and strengthen your immune system.
So, if you want to keep your health a priority, always look for “green labels” that indicate the coffee is organic.
