Do you often forget to take your daily vitamins? Well, fear not, because there’s a solution that you may not have considered before – combining your daily cup of coffee with a healthy dose of vitamins, antioxidants, and other nutritious benefits. By doing this, you can ensure that you’re getting the health benefits by starting your day off in the right way.
But what are some of the ways you can achieve this?
CINNAMON
Initially, you could try sprinkling cinnamon in your coffee to improve heart health. Not only is cinnamon delicious, but it’s also loaded with protective compounds and has one of the highest antioxidant among spices. Studies suggest that cinnamon may provide protection to the heart and brain, while a study on human cells suggests it can lower cancer risk and boost the immune system.
To try this out, simply stir 1/2 tsp. of this into your coffee cup, or you can also brew your cup of coffee with 1 teaspoon. of cinnamon mixed right into the grounds. However, be sure to look for Ceylon cinnamon, also known as “true” cinnamon, as it’s a much higher quality than the lower-quality cassia cinnamon commonly found.
GINGER
Another option is ginger, a flowering plant that is widely used in traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties. It is native to Asia and has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, including muscle pain, nausea, and inflammation. Ginger contains a compound called gingerol, which is responsible for its distinct flavor and numerous health benefits.
One of the benefits of ginger is its ability to relieve muscle pain. Whether you’re an athlete or simply dealing with everyday aches and pains, adding ginger to your coffee can help ease your discomfort. According to a study, ginger has been found to be effective in reducing muscle pain caused by exercise-induced muscle injury. Consuming ginger regularly can also help lower cholesterol levels, which is important for maintaining overall heart health.
Ginger is also known to aid in digestion. Drinking ginger coffee can help alleviate nausea, bloating, and other digestive issues. Ginger has been used for centuries to treat digestive disorders, and recent studies have shown that it can help prevent gastric ulcers by reducing inflammation in the stomach lining.
In addition to its health benefits, ginger is also a delicious addition to coffee. It adds a spicy, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the bitterness of coffee. To ginger up your java, you can add up to 1 tsp. of ginger powder per cup of coffee. You can also make a healthy pumpkin spice latte at home using ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Not only will this drink be delicious, but it will also provide you with the health benefits of ginger and other spices.
MUSHROOMS
Mushrooms may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of coffee, but they can have some surprising benefits on your health. Fungi-filled brews are said to have antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting qualities. Mushrooms are loaded with antioxidants and have been found to have anticancer effects on mice. Other studies suggest that mushrooms may prevent liver disease and aid in digestion due to their powerful prebiotics.
Popular mushroom coffee brand Four Sigmatic claims that drinking mushroom coffee is beneficial for your body, filled with superfoods, and only contains half the caffeine of normal coffee. To try it out, you can purchase your own mushroom powders or buy conveniently packaged mushroom coffee and K-Cup pods.
TURMERIC
Turmeric is another popular ingredient for enhancing coffee’s nutritional benefits. It is a spice that has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine and cooking. It has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason – turmeric is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that can provide numerous health benefits. One of the ways that people are incorporating turmeric into their diets is by adding it to their coffee.
Turmeric is a rich source of curcumin, a compound that has been shown to have a number of health benefits. Curcumin is a potent antioxidant, which means it can help to neutralize harmful free radicals in the body that can contribute to chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, curcumin has strong anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body.
In addition to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric is also known to support liver detoxification and aid in digestion. This makes it an ideal addition to coffee, which can sometimes be hard on the digestive system. One way to incorporate turmeric into your morning cup of coffee is to create a four-ingredient coconut-infused awakening coffee. Simply mix together coffee, coconut oil, turmeric, and a pinch of black pepper, and blend until smooth. The healthy fats in the coconut oil will help to make the coffee more satiating, while the turmeric and black pepper will provide a number of health benefits.
When using turmeric in your coffee, it is important to pair it with black pepper, as this can improve its bioavailability and make the spice more effective in smaller doses. Black pepper contains piperine, a compound that has been shown to enhance the absorption of curcumin by up to 2,000%. This means that by adding just a small amount of black pepper to your turmeric coffee, you can increase the amount of curcumin that your body is able to absorb and utilize.
MACA
Another rich ingredient, Maca powder which comprises essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This nutrient-dense powder contains over 20 amino acids, including eight essential amino acids, and is high in protein and vitamin C. Additionally, maca powder is rich in free-form fatty acids, which are essential for brain health and can help to reduce inflammation in the body.
One of the most well-known benefits of maca powder is its ability to help balance hormones naturally. Hormonal imbalances can occur due to a variety of factors, including stress, poor diet, and environmental toxins. Maca root has been shown to have hormone-balancing effects in both men and women. A study on rats found that maca root supplementation helped to regulate hormone levels and improve fertility.
Along with its hormone-balancing effects, maca powder has also been studied for its ability to improve athletic performance and increase energy levels. Athletes who supplement with maca powder have been shown to experience increased endurance, improved stamina, and reduced muscle fatigue. Maca powder has also been shown to have a positive impact on reproductive function in both men and women.
To incorporate maca powder into your daily coffee routine, try making a Superfood Coffee with 1 to 3 teaspoons of maca powder per day for optimal health benefits. Simply add the maca powder to your coffee grounds before brewing, and enjoy the delicious, nutty flavor of this superfood powder. It is important to store your maca powder in the fridge to prolong its shelf life and ensure that it stays fresh.