Cream and sugar are so 2015.
These days, a proper cup of joe includes a pinch or spoonful of health-conscious ingredients that take the place of old-school sweeteners. From cinnamon to cocoa powder, there’s a variety of healthy coffee add-ins that taste great, while also providing you with a flurry of health benefits.
So, ditch your dated brew and use these 9 healthy coffee add-ins to kick-start your day!
1. Unsweetened Cocoa
Chocolate lovers rejoice! Add a few spoonfuls of unsweetened cocoa powder in coffee to create the ultimate antioxidant concoction. Additionally, this make-it-yourself mocha contains small amounts of flavanols, an active compound that has shown to reduce blood pressure and fight inflammation.
To create the chocolatey masterpiece, add between 1 to 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to your coffee grounds before brewing. [1] [2]
2. Coconut Oil
For ketogenic dieters, adding coconut oil to your coffee is a great way to sneak in essential “good” fats. Coconut oil contains high amounts of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) – a fat compound that can help keep you in ketosis.
Even if you’re not in the keto crowd, drinking coffee with coconut oil has also shown to speed up metabolism and boost energy levels. Just stir in 1 to 2 teaspoons of coconut oil with your morning brew. But keep in mind – coconut oil is very high in calories. So, be sure not to overdo it! [3] [4]
3. Ghee
Another great way to add a fat-friendly boost to your coffee is by mixing in ghee. This butter substitute contains essential omega-3 acids and numerous fat-soluble vitamins (vitamin A, D, E and K). Ghee also contains significantly less lactose than butter, making it an excellent alternative for anyone with a dairy sensitivity.
Combine coconut oil and ghee together to create Bulletproof® coffee. Bulletproof coffee consists of 2 tablespoons of ghee (or unsalted butter), 1 to 2 tablespoons of MCT oil (or coconut oil) and 2 cups of coffee. [5]
4. Vanilla Extract
Looking for a splash of sweetness without artificial creamers? Stir in vanilla extract for a sugar-free flavor boost.
Vanilla extract contains vanillin, an organic compound that has been linked to mood enhancements and reduced inflammation. You can add a few drops of vanilla extract to your fresh brew or add a vanilla bean to your coffee grounds before brewing to infuse the flavors. [6] [7]
5. Collagen Protein Powder
For those seeking an age-defying cup of joe, collagen protein powder is the add-in for you! This popular powdered coffee add-in contains collagen peptides and protein, which can help improve joint health and keep your skin youthful.
There’re a variety of collagen protein supplements available at your local drugstore or vitamin shop. Collagen protein powder has little to no taste. In addition to the collagen powder, mix in one of the tastier healthy coffee add-ins, like coconut oil or vanilla extract for more flavor. [8] [9]
6. Turmeric
Spice up your morning with a cup of golden coffee! Turmeric, the main spice used to make curry, has several anti-inflammatory properties that support the body. Turmeric contains curcumin, an essential antioxidant that helps fight inflammation. Furthermore, turmeric can reduce anxiety and assist with muscle recovery.
Named after its vibrant yellow color, you can create a “golden latte” by combining coffee, turmeric, cinnamon, almond milk, fresh ginger and MCT oil. [10]
7. Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Mushrooms and coffee? While it may not seem like the most appetizing combo, the two ingredients create a steamy brain-boosting brew. Hericium Erinaceus is a medicinal and culinary mushroom known as lion’s mane because it resembles the mane of a lion as it blooms.
Lion’s mane may help improve cognitive functioning while also reducing anxiety and depression. The powdered form of lion’s mane can be stirred into your healthy cup of joe. Generally, lions mane is relatively flavorless. In order to give your lion’s mane-infused coffee more taste and health benefits, mix in a pinch of cocoa powder. [11]
8. Maca
Mix maca powder into your morning coffee for an array of health and wellness benefits. Lepidium Meyenii Walpers, better known as maca, is a Peruvian herb with an array of healing properties.
Studies have shown that maca could aid in preventing several debilitating diseases, including kidney disease, prostate cancer and osteoporosis. Just add a teaspoon of ground maca root to your coffee, or purchase the powder form and stir it in. [12]
9. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a flavorful add-in to your morning brew that offers a burst of flavor with several powerful health benefits. For instance, cinnamon has proven to help lower blood sugar levels while fighting inflammation.
Sprinkle in a pinch of cinnamon (no more than a teaspoon) to your morning brew. Try splashing in some vanilla extract for additional flavor and antioxidants properties. [13] [14]
Sources:
[1] www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27363823
[2] www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16794453
[3] www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12634436
[4] www.ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb
[5] www.pdfs.semanticscholar.org/1eb2
[6] www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PMC3660925
[7] www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21777577
[8] www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26362110
[9] www.gelatine.org/applications
[10] www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PMC5664031
[11] www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26244378
[12] www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PMC5037646
[13] www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16634838
[14] www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25629927
