8 Ways to Make Your Coffee Super Healthy

8 Ways to Make Your Coffee Super Healthy

1. No Caffeine After 2 P.M.

Drinking coffee late in the day could be impairing your sleep quality. Avoiding coffee after 2-3 p.m. is probably a good idea. Caffeine is a stimulant, which is one of the main reasons coffee is so popular. It gives you a jolt of energy and helps you stay awake when you feel tired. However, if you drink coffee late in the day, it can interfere with your sleep. Poor sleep is associated with all sorts of health problems.

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2. Do Not Load Your Coffee With Sugar

Although coffee is healthy in itself, you can easily turn it into something harmful. The best way to do that is to put a whole bunch of sugar in it. Added sugar is arguably one of the worst ingredients in the modern diet. Sugar, mainly due to its high amount of fructose, is linked to all sorts of serious diseases like obesity and diabetes. If you can’t imagine living your life without a sweetener in your coffee, use a natural sweetener like stevia.

3. Choose a Quality Brand, Preferably Organic

The quality of coffee can vary greatly depending on the processing method and how the coffee beans were grown. Coffee beans tend to be sprayed with synthetic pesticides and other chemicals that were never intended for human consumption. However, the health effects of pesticides in food are controversial. There is currently limited evidence that they cause harm when found at low levels in produce. Nevertheless, if you are worried about the pesticide content of your coffee, consider buying organic coffee beans.

4. Avoid Drinking Too Much

While a moderate intake of coffee is healthy, drinking too much may reduce its overall benefits. Excessive caffeine intake may have various adverse side effects, although people’s sensitivity varies. In general, Health Canada recommends not exceeding 1.1 mg per pound (2.5 mg per kg) of body weight per day. Given that an average cup of coffee may contain around 95 mg of caffeine, this corresponds to about two cups of coffee per day for someone weighing 176 pounds (80 kg).

5. Add Some Cinnamon to Your Coffee

Cinnamon is a tasty spice that mixes particularly well with the flavor of coffee. Studies show that cinnamon can lower blood glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides in diabetics. If you need some flavor, try adding a dash of cinnamon. It’s surprisingly good. To lower the risk of potential adverse effects, opt for Ceylon cinnamon instead of the more common Cassia cinnamon, if possible.

6. Avoid Low-Fat and Artificial Creamers

Commercial low-fat and artificial creamers tend to be highly processed and may contain questionable ingredients. However, there is not much research on the health effects of non-dairy coffee creamers. Their contents vary by brand, and some may be healthier than others. Nevertheless, whole, natural foods are generally a better choice. Instead of a non-dairy creamer, consider adding some full-fat cream to your coffee, preferably from grass-fed cows.

7. Add Some Cocoa to Your Coffee

Cocoa is loaded with antioxidants and associated with all sorts of health benefits, including a reduced risk of heart disease. Try adding a dash of cocoa powder to your coffee for some added flavor. Caffè mocha, a chocolate-flavored version of caffè latte, is served in many coffeehouses. However, caffè mocha is usually sugar-sweetened. You can easily make your own at home and skip the added sugar.

8. Brew Your Coffee Using a Paper Filter

Brewed coffee contains cafestol, a diterpene that can raise cholesterol levels in the blood. However, reducing its levels is simple. Just use a paper filter. Brewing coffee with a paper filter effectively lowers the amounts of cafestol but lets the caffeine and beneficial antioxidants pass through.

Conclusion

Coffee is a popular beverage known for its stimulant effects. A high intake of coffee is linked to various health benefits. However, there are several ways you can improve these benefits even further. By avoiding added sugar, choosing a quality brand, and following the other tips mentioned above, you can make your cup of coffee even healthier.

FAQs

• Can I still enjoy coffee if I’m not a fan of the taste of pure coffee?
  Yes, you can experiment with different flavorings like cinnamon, cocoa, or vanilla to make your coffee more palatable.
• How much caffeine is too much?
  The amount of caffeine that is considered too much varies from person to person. However, a general rule of thumb is to limit your daily intake to 400-600 mg.
• Is it possible to make decaf coffee healthier?
  Yes, you can add healthy ingredients like cinnamon, cocoa, or natural sweeteners to your decaf coffee to improve its nutritional value.
• Can I use any type of creamer or milk in my coffee?
  No, not all creamers or milks are created equal. Look for natural, whole-food options like grass-fed cow’s milk or coconut creamer to get the most health benefits from your coffee.