Reduce inflammation, ward off hunger, and give a little extra support to your body, inside and out, by upping your coffee game! Alone, a cup of black coffee offers numerous health benefits from increased alertness to prevention against Alzheimer’s Disease. Paired with a few spices or fatty add-ins, your coffee can become a cup of mental, physical, and emotional support. Keep reading to learn more!
Boost your antioxidant intake and reduce inflammation
Coffee is a great source of antioxidants (the largest in the average American’s diet) and a natural anti-inflammatory. As an antioxidant, it boosts heart health and reduces the body’s risk of infection. As an anti-inflammatory, it calms inflamed muscles / joints, reduces redness in irritated skin, and constricts blood vessels to ward off headaches. If you believe a little is good and more of a good thing is better, try adding one or more of the spices listed below to your cup. Each of these spices can be added to the grounds before brewing or added directly to brewed coffee.
Cinnamon, the wonder spice, is rich in medicinal properties and antioxidants, supports heart health, helps balance blood sugar, has anti-inflammatory properties, and even helps your body fight bacterial and fungal infections. Cinnamon tends to pair well with sweeter coffees such as Central Americans and Africans. We do not recommend pairing cinnamon with a spicy coffee such as a Sumatran.
Unsweetened cocoa powder, similar to cinnamon is full of antioxidants, helps lower blood sugar levels, and works to balance cholesterol. It also enhances moods and improves cognitive functioning by increasing blood flow to the brain. Unsweetened cocoa powder tends to pair well with all coffees but may overpower the natural tones in delicate, well-balanced coffees such as Guatemala Antigua and Ethiopian Yirgacheffe.
Cardamon, which is commonly added to Turkish coffee, has numerous benefits from easing digestive issues and balancing blood pressure to helping prevent gum disease and improving bad breath. Cardamon pairs best with darker, heavier coffees such as espresso or Italian roast.
Cayenne pepper, while best known for relieving headaches and improving digestion, also increases circulation, boosts your metabolic rate, and reduces hunger. Cayenne pepper pairs best with dark, spicy coffees such as Indonesians. We recommend starting with just a few sprinkles of pepper to acclimate to the taste.
Nutmeg, a power anti-inflammatory known for relieving muscle and joint pain, also improves digestion, helps treat insomnia, and aids in alleviating depression. It’s also great for your skin. Nutmeg pairs best with coffees that have a slight spice to them and may overpower lighter, gentler brews.
Ginger, a powerful anti-inflammatory, is wonderful for easing muscle pain. It also helps lower cholesterol and improves digestion. Ginger pairs best with brighter full-city roasted coffees that have a touch of sweetness, such as a Salvadoran.
Turmeric, best known for its anti-inflammatory and pain alleviation properties, also improves digestion and liver function. Turmeric pairs best with coffees that have a slight spice and earthiness to them, such as a Sumatran.
Protein & healthy fats (it’s a good thing!)
Adding protein or a healthy fat to your coffee is a great way to support bone health and help you feel full. While some of the below suggestions may seem odd, we encourage you to give them all a try!
Collagen peptides are wonderful for the skin and joints! This protein-rich powder helps maintain hydration, keeps your muscles and joints healthy, and can help reverse alcohol-related liver damage. Collagen peptides should be added directly to your brewed coffee.
Butter, also known as bulletproof coffee when added to your daily brew, increases energy levels, improves brain function, and aids in weight loss. Butter can be added directly to your brewed coffee. To learn more about bulletproof coffee, check out our blog.
Eggs boost up the protein content of your coffee while reducing acidity, leaving you with a smooth, sweet, gentle cup. To learn more about brewing your coffee with eggs, click here.
Milk is a great source of protein, vitamin D, and other essential vitamins and minerals that support bone health. If you like to stay dairy-free, almond and other kinds of milk also contain protein.
Oils, such as coconut and almond oils are a wonderful way to add extra fat and flavor to your coffee. While adding fat to your cup may sound odd, the touch of extra fat will make you feel full and help curb your appetite. Oils should be added directly to your brewed coffee.
Sugar, and spice, and everything nice!
If you enjoy a sweet cup, check out our blog on 11 Natural, health-boosting coffee sweeteners.
For more information on how coffee can boost your health and / or help you achieve your healthy living goals, we encourage you to visit other blogs in our Wellness Series and Lifestyle section.
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