We are living in the revolution of the healthy cup of coffee. We are also living in a time when coffee has never been more unhealthy. People add creamers, whipped cream, artificial sweeteners, sugar, syrups, and more to their coffee without considering the consequences. Pumpkin spice lattes, for example, aren’t doing your waistline or gut bacteria any favors. The same goes for matcha lattes and Frappuccinos.
There are many studies that indicate drinking coffee has some health benefits, which you can learn about by clicking here. That doesn’t give people an excuse to knock back five to seven cups of coffee per day, but it does mean that what you put in your body matters. If coffee has several health benefits, why not build on them by sneaking some extra nutrients into your morning cup? Below, you’ll find several healthy ways to make your cup of coffee healthier than ever!
Add Coconut Oil
You don’t have to subscribe to the keto diet in order to add some coconut oil to your coffee. Believe it or not, coconut oil can be an excellent substitute for those artificially sweetened creamers. A tablespoon of coconut oil in your coffee helps to both sweeten your coffee and provide you with lots of monounsaturated fatty acids. These fatty acids may help improve cognitive function and heart health, but more research is still needed in these fields.
Bring On The Ashwagandha
Looking to add more adaptogens to your diet? Sprinkling some ashwagandha powder in your coffee may be the health hack you need in your life. Because ashwagandha has a powerful flavor, you may want to add some coconut oil or cinnamon powder to your coffee as well. Adaptogens were primarily used in Ayurvedic medicine, but they are becoming a popular health trend. Health experts say that adaptogens like ashwagandha work to help reduce stress, increase physical stamina, and combat feelings of anxiety.
Could It Be Cardamom?
Dubbed the “queen of spices,” cardamom has a rich, warm flavor profile and an even richer history in medicinal applications. Ancient civilizations used cardamom to fight everything from gum infections to tuberculosis. While adding some cardamom to your cup of coffee won’t be a DIY cure for anything, it may help your body fight off pathogens. A recent study confirmed that cardamom exhibits antimicrobial properties, fighting off bacteria like E. coli. It may also help freshen your breath, counteracting pesky coffee breath.
Add Some Cacao
We are referring to cacao powder, not cocoa powder. Cacao powder is unsweetened and pure cacao, which contains lots of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Nutritional studies suggest that including a significant amount of cacao in your diet may offer anti-inflammatory protection, in addition to protection against risk factors of cancer. Cacao also adds some fiber to your cup of coffee. Keep in mind that it does contain a small amount of caffeine, so it may intensify the buzz of your caffeine high.
Call On The Collagen
Health bloggers and health experts alike agree that a spoonful of collagen powder in your coffee can do wonders for your health. Collagen is a fibrous protein that exists in bodily tissues, bones, skin, muscles, and tendons. According to studies, collagen comprises one-third of total body protein, giving bodily tissues strength and elasticity. As people age, they produce less collagen, so adding a little scoop to your coffee may be a great starting place in your anti-aging plan. Supplementing with collagen may help you improve skin elasticity, enhancing skin hydration and reducing the early signs of aging.
Turn Up The Heat
No need to put that cup of coffee in the oven; rather, add a dash or two of cayenne pepper to your morning brew. Not only does it help wake up your taste buds, but it also gives your body an extra dose of nutrients. Cayenne has demonstrated an ability to soothe an upset stomach, improve circulatory function, and even reduce general pain. Some researchers say that it affects appetite and may accelerate metabolism. Recent research even found that cayenne may fight against heart disease and enhance the digestive process.
Baking Soda
Seems odd to add baking soda to your morning brew, doesn’t it? Well, if you look at it purely as a base, adding it to coffee can counteract the acidic effects. Baking soda is alkaline, so mixing a small amount into your coffee may help to neutralize coffee’s naturally occurring acids. This makes coffee a lot easier on your stomach, but drinking too much baking soda on a regular basis may have negative side effects. If coffee tends to bother your stomach, you can add a small amount here and there to give your stomach a helping hand.
Vincent Stevens is the senior content writer at Dherbs. As a fitness and health and wellness enthusiast, he enjoys covering a variety of topics, including the latest health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle trends. His goal is to inform people of different ways they can improve their overall health, which aligns with Dherbs’ core values. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Redlands, graduating summa cum laude. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.
