Some ingredients can do more than just enhance your coffee’s flavor. Coffee is the most widely consumed beverage in the world, and it’s estimated that the average American consumes over 3.1 gallons of coffee each year! So it’s important that we get the best cup of coffee we can – and fortunately, there are tons of ways we can do that!
Some can boost its freshness and health benefits.
Here’s a short list of some of the lesser-known things that we can do to make our coffee taste even better.
1) Black tea leaf extract: Add one teaspoon of this extract to an ounce of brewed coffee and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Studies suggest that black tea leaf extract may help reduce cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. It may also boost antioxidant levels of coffee, making it healthier and fresher for a longer period of time.
2) Coconut oil: Replace your butter or margarine with one tablespoon of coconut oil in your morning coffee for a flavorful dose of healthy fat that may also help boost your immune system. This oil may also help you feel fuller for a longer time, which may aid in weight control.
3) Honey: Like coconut oil, honey can boost the antioxidant levels of your coffee and help it remain fresher longer. One teaspoon of honey added to your coffee can have antibacterial properties as well and may help protect against cold and flu symptoms.
4) Cinnamon: One study found that adding half a teaspoon of cinnamon to coffee may boost a person’s ability to concentrate and improve their mood and physical endurance. It may also reduce blood sugar levels and obesity risk.
5) Stevia: Stevia is an herb that is found in the South American rainforest. It has zero calories, zero carbohydrates, and zero glycemic index value, which may help regulate your blood sugar levels and reduce your risk of type-2 diabetes. One teaspoon of stevia powder can be equivalent to one teaspoon of sugar, and can be used in any hot or cold beverage or food recipe.
6) Matcha green tea powder: One of the best things you can bring to your coffee is matcha green tea powder, the powdered form of organic green tea leaves. This tea contains high amounts of chlorophyll, which may help detoxify your body and enhance your metabolism, making it an excellent health supplement. Matcha powder also contains very high amounts of polyphenols, which may boost your immune system and help protect you from certain forms of cancer. Studies have shown that drinking matcha green tea daily can reflect positive health benefits in as little as one week of consistent use.
7) Vanilla powder or extract: Vanilla extract or powder are a simple way to make coffee healthier and fresher. Many people with diabetes and hypoglycemia have found relief from this disease when drinking vanilla-flavored coffee because it has a significantly lower glycemic index value than sugar. One teaspoon of vanilla powder or extract is also equal to one teaspoon of sugar in terms of sweetness and can be used in any coffee recipe.
8 ) Ginger: Ginger is a superfood and a natural remedy for a wide variety of ailments and medical conditions. It can improve digestion, boost your immune system, and help you manage the symptoms of cold and flu and soothe an upset stomach. There are many different ways to add ginger to your coffee, including grinding it and adding it to your coffee before brewing, adding grated or minced ginger to your coffee after brewing, and adding ginger chunks to your coffee grounds while preparing your coffee maker.
9) Cinnamon and ginger together: These spices are perfect flavors to blend together with your coffee. One study suggested that mixing these two spices with coffee can enhance its antioxidant levels by up to 40 percent. Doing so may combine their maximum health benefits and provide better antioxidant absorption and lower blood sugar levels in as little as two weeks.
10) Milk and honey: Combining these ingredients makes an excellent and healthy coffee drink. Milk contains healthy fats, as well as vitamins A and D that will boost your immune system and help your body absorb calcium properly. Honey contains antioxidants that may help reduce the risks of cancer and heart disease.
11) Hot chocolate: Drinking a cup of hot chocolate that has been made with dark chocolate can boost your health in many different ways. Dark chocolate contains a high amount of flavonoids and antioxidants that may help prevent certain forms of cancer, improve blood flow and heart health, and boost memory and brain function. Drinking dark chocolate hot chocolate will also make you feel full and reduce your cravings for coffee and other sugary drinks.
12) Apple cider vinegar: Drinking apple cider vinegar may be the only way you can enjoy your cup of coffee and lose weight at the same time. This vinegar has been shown to help reduce your blood sugar levels and inhibit your hunger, helping you feel full for a longer time and reducing your cravings for coffee and sugar.
13) Coconut milk: Coconut milk is rich in healthy saturated fats and may help boost the absorption of calcium in your body. It is also high in vitamins B1 and B3 and potassium. Coconut milk also makes a great substitute for dairy milk in coffee recipes.
14) Creamer: Switching your creamer to non-dairy creamer can help keep your coffee dairy-free and help you lose weight more easily over time. Non-dairy creamers are also lower in calories than dairy creamers and contain no cholesterol at all.
15) Blends and spices: Adding coconut oil, honey, vanilla, turmeric, and cocoa powder to your coffee may add up to its health benefits and freshness. Adding spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger to your coffee may also boost its taste and aroma and help reduce its bitterness.
In conclusion, there are many ways to make coffee healthier and fresher and increase its health benefits. The recipes listed above are just a few examples of how this can be done and are a great way to start!
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