Coffee can be the perfect way to perk up in the morning, but you don’t want to make yourself sick. With these six simple tips, you can ensure your coffee habit stays healthy and doesn’t weigh you down.
Use a French Press
French presses, also known as plunger pots, are simple devices: insert coarse ground coffee beans into a beaker, pour hot water over them and wait. The French press mechanism is very similar to that of an espresso machine, only without all those gadgets. Because of their simplicity and low cost, French presses are quite popular with coffee lovers. They’re also portable (you can take them on camping trips!) and have a charming vintage look about them – plus, they make great coffee! The main drawbacks to using a French press involve cleaning up afterward – these things are not dishwasher-safe!
Pour over coffee can be equally healthy. Here’s how to make pour over coffee at home.
Skip the sweeteners
We are familiar with artificial sweeteners like saccharin, sucralose, and aspartame. They’re generally harmless in small doses—but research suggests that they may up our risk of obesity and diabetes by affecting how we process glucose and other sugars. If you want to avoid them (as many do), don’t reach for an alternative sweetener; instead, add fruit to your coffee or opt for plain black coffee or unsweetened tea.
Limit milk or cream:
While reducing calories is an essential goal of any diet plan, it’s even more critical if you’re looking to lose weight fast. Limiting dairy products can help you achieve a slim waistline while boosting your heart health. Both calcium and vitamin D play a role in maintaining healthy bones, muscles, and teeth, so experts recommend consuming enough of these nutrients to maintain bone density.
Calcium also plays a role in regulating blood pressure levels throughout the body. The recommended daily intake for calcium is 1,300 milligrams per day for adults 19-50 years old. Still, women over 50 should aim for 1,000 milligrams per day since their bodies absorb less calcium than younger women do.
Add some cinnamon
Cinnamon has a lot of health benefits—it can help prevent diabetes, lower blood sugar levels, and improve cholesterol levels. Studies have also shown that it may help with weight loss by slowing digestion. To use cinnamon to boost your coffee’s health profile, sprinkle a little in your mug before adding any other ingredients. We recommend 1-2 teaspoons per cup of coffee. Feel free to add more if you want! If you want an even sweeter treat, stir in some cocoa powder before adding milk or cream.
Cook with it
Studies have shown that antioxidants in coffee may help lower the risks of certain cancers, such as liver and endometrial cancer. If you’re trying to shed pounds, coffee can play a part in your strategy—make sure it doesn’t hurt your diet.
Try adding instant coffee granules to pancakes and waffles instead of sugar or syrup. You won’t even notice a difference in taste, but you’ll be getting much-needed nutrients. Plus, since instant coffee granules dissolve instantly when added to hot water, they’re easier to use!
Sneak in chia seeds
Chia seeds are one of those super-foods that are worth buying in bulk. The tiny black seeds from Central America can be sprinkled on cereal, yogurt, salads, and even iced coffee. They’re also mixed into smoothies, baked goods, and even frozen desserts—they thicken up almost anything they come into contact with.
That’s because chia seeds (yes, they’re related to marijuana) contain omega-3 fatty acids and protein; a single ounce of these little guys contains 10 grams of dietary fiber and four grams of protein. In addition to being good for you, chia seeds add texture and flavor without adding fat or calories. Try sprinkling some ground chia seed into your morning cup to make your coffee more healthful. You won’t taste it, but you will reap its benefits.
Conclusion
The popularity of coffee has only continued to grow as more and more health benefits are discovered. If you’re looking to reap these benefits, consider mixing up your usual drink with one of these options. These 6 tips will help you enhance your coffee without sacrificing flavor:
- Use less sugar. Instead add some Cinnamon or Chia seeds.
- Choose low-fat milk or dairy alternatives.
- Drink your coffee black or with just a little cream.
- Avoid flavored coffees and syrups.
- Drink moderate amounts of coffee.
- Don’t add too much caffeine to your cup of joe
Happy brewing.
