You know coffee can wake you up and boost your productivity, but did you know your daily cup can actually benefit your body? Experts say coffee drinkers are privy to a number of health perks, like reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and a few kinds of cancer. And here’s something to drink to: Evidence from more than 200 studies shows people who consume three to four cups of coffee daily (yes, you heard us right) tend to live longer than non-coffee drinkers.
But if you’re drinking it every day, why not up your coffee game to make your fave morning elixir even more beneficial to your body? Here are a few simple ways to boost what your morning brew can do for you.
1. Add some collagen. If you haven’t tried collagen peptides, now is a great time to integrate it as a supplement to your morning coffee ritual. Studies show that collagen, an amino acid-rich protein found naturally in the body, can restore moisture and firmness to the skin and even slow signs of aging by reducing wrinkles! On top of its benefits to the skin, there’s also clinical evidence that collagen consumption can help with joint pain and promote hair growth. Don’t be afraid to add collagen powder to your latte; the supplement is basically tasteless, so you won’t even notice you’re drinking it. Most powders, like Dr. Axe’s multi-collagen protein, come in both canisters and convenient to-go packs. And Kourtney Kardashian’s go-to brand, Vital Proteins, actually makes a Whole-30 approved, dairy-free collagen creamer to give your coffee that extra kick.
2. Make it gold. Have you heard of golden milk, the creamy, orange health drink that’s as delicious as it is amazing for your body? If you want to reap the brain-boosting, anti-inflammatory benefits of turmeric AND enjoy a jolt of caffeine in one fell swoop, you’re in luck! Golden coffee is based on the same premise as golden milk: Adding turmeric to your cup of joe comes with tons of benefits. Because turmeric is full of antioxidants, there’s evidence it can help your body fight infections, reduce the risk of certain cancers, help with chronic pain by decreasing inflammation in the body, and help streamline digestion. If you want to give turmeric a try, you can find lots of recipes with a quick Google search for “golden coffee.”
3. Take a trip to the tropics. If a winter vacation isn’t in the cards anytime soon, a few teaspoons of coconut oil blended with your coffee might be the next best thing. While its high saturated fat content might make it a once-a-week rather than three-times-daily indulgence, studies show that the type of fat in coconut oil can actually benefit the body in several ways. One study demonstrates that medium-chain triglycerides, a type of fat abundant in coconut oil, can help the body burn fat and increase calories. There’s also evidence that one of the fatty acids in coconut oil, lauric acid, is effective in helping the body fight off bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. And while there’s debate about how the fatty content of coconut oil is tied to cholesterol, research suggests the natural saturated fats in coconut oil raise the good kind of cholesterol (HDL) and lower the bad kind (LDL).
4. Go for a faux-mocha. If you’re a mocha fan, a superfood like raw cacao may be a healthier alternative to processed chocolate. The swap not only slashes the sugar and calorie content, but also offers plenty of health perks of its own, mostly thanks to a nutrient compound called flavanols, which are known to protect against a range of afflictions, from heart disease to cancer.
5. Sprinkle in some cinnamon. Cinnamon may be a fairly straightforward addition to coffee, but that doesn’t mean it’s not nutritious. Cinnamon can actually help control blood sugar by increasing the body’s sensitivity to insulin. Studies also show cinnamon can help lower cholesterol, which means a lower risk for heart disease. Pro tip: When you’re making your next drink, keep in mind that not all cinnamon is created equal. Ceylon cinnamon, which you can find on Amazon and in health food stores, is a little more expensive, but its health benefits significantly outweigh those of the more common Cassia cinnamon.
How do you take your coffee? Tell us your best recipe @BritandCo!
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