Many coffee lovers are told to avoid adding unhealthy ingredients like sugar or artificial sweeteners to their brew. Drinks like pumpkin spice lattes or peppermint mochas may taste great, but they’re loaded with sugar, making them less healthy. Even sugar substitutes, like Splenda, can disrupt your gut’s good bacteria, so they aren’t a good alternative either.
Here’s some good news, though: You can actually make your coffee even healthier by adding the right ingredients. According to Parade, registered dietitians have several recommendations for what you can add to your coffee to boost its health benefits.
The Healthiest Ingredient To Add to Your Coffee
Jennifer House, a family-focused dietitian, suggests adding ashwagandha, an adaptogenic herb, to your coffee. Adaptogens are plants that help the body handle stress. Ashwagandha, in particular, is known for reducing anxiety and helping with better sleep. You can find it in powder or liquid form, making it easy to mix into your coffee. Taking one to six grams of ashwagandha daily can help your body manage stress better and support various systems like your nervous, immune, and cardiovascular systems. Parade explains that if you’re dealing with stress or anxiety, adding this herb to your coffee could really help.
Ashwagandha has an earthy flavor, which might not be for everyone. To make it taste better, you could add a sweet spice like cinnamon or nutmeg.
Other Healthy Coffee Additions
According to Parade, here are five more ways to make your coffee healthier:
- Cinnamon
Dietitians say cinnamon not only makes your coffee taste better but also brings health benefits. It’s rich in antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and fight stress in your body. Plus, cinnamon can help regulate blood sugar, which is great for people with insulin sensitivity or those who want steady energy levels. Serena Benali, a registered dietitian, recommends adding a pinch to your coffee, or even using a cinnamon stick as a stirrer. - Milk
As long as you aren’t allergic to lactose, adding milk is another healthy option. Milk provides protein, calcium, and vitamin D, which support bone health and muscle function. Parade points out that if you’re lactose intolerant or vegan, plant-based milk can still offer similar benefits, as many are fortified with essential vitamins. - Turmeric
If you like the taste of turmeric, adding it to your coffee can help fight inflammation and improve brain function. Sherie Nelson, a registered dietitian, suggests mixing one-fourth to half a teaspoon of turmeric into your coffee, along with a bit of black pepper to help your body absorb the benefits of turmeric better. - Ginger
Ginger is another great option for adding flavor without sugar. Ginger can help with digestion, reduce nausea, and fight inflammation. Nelson recommends either adding a pinch of ground ginger or brewing your coffee with fresh ginger slices. - Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
For those who love chocolate-flavored coffee, adding unsweetened cocoa powder is a healthier option compared to sugary syrups. Cocoa powder is full of flavonoids, antioxidants that can lower blood pressure and improve heart health. Nelson suggests stirring one teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa powder into your coffee for a chocolatey, heart-healthy boost.
As Parade highlights, adding the right ingredient to your coffee can make it even healthier without sacrificing taste.
Whether you want to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, or fight inflammation, you have plenty of healthy options to choose from. Just pick the one that suits your health goals and taste preferences!
Starting your day with a coffee that boosts your health is a great way to begin the morning.
Credit : Parade
https://parade.com/health/healthiest-ingredient-to-add-to-coffee-according-to-registered-dietitians