That morning cup of coffee is one of the most significant parts of many people‘s daily routines. Some people use caffeine for energy, while others rely on caffeine to get them through the morning. But did you know there are healthy ways to make coffee even healthier? (1)
It turns out that coffee can have some unhealthy consequences if you're not careful. Coffee can dehydrate you and disrupt your sleep if you drink too much at night.
Drinking coffee on an empty stomach can upset your stomach. But by making a few simple modifications, you can turn your cup of coffee into a healthy beverage. Here are eight healthy Hacks to drink coffee.
Don’t Drink Coffee Past Midday
Coffee is great, but drinking coffee past noon is not healthy.
If you're going to drink coffee, it should be consumed early in the day. The caffeine in coffee stimulates your brain and body, helping you stay alert throughout the day. But too much caffeine can cause headaches, jitteriness, irritability, and insomnia. (2)
Drinking coffee after noon causes your body to produce more cortisol, a stress hormone. Cortisol helps you feel alert, but it also makes you crave sugary foods and sweets. So when you drink coffee later in the day, you're actually giving yourself permission to eat junk food.
That's why it's important to limit your intake of caffeine to no more than two cups per day. And if you're having trouble limiting your caffeine consumption, try switching to decaf. Decaffeinated coffee doesn't contain any caffeine, so it won't give you a boost.
But if you still need some extra energy, consider adding a small amount of stevia to your morning cup of joe. Stevia is a natural sweetener made from the leaves of the stevia plant. It contains no calories and is safe for diabetics.
Stevia is also better for you than artificial sweeteners because it does not spike blood glucose levels. Plus, unlike many artificial sweeteners, stevia is calorie-free.
And don't worry about getting sick from drinking too much coffee. Caffeine is very safe, and most people who consume large amounts of caffeine experience only mild side effects. However, if you're sensitive to caffeine, you may want to avoid it altogether.
You can find out whether you're sensitive to caffeine by taking a simple quiz at www.caffeine.com. You'll learn what type of person you are, and you can determine whether you should avoid caffeine entirely or just limit your intake.
Add Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a spice derived from the bark of a tree native to Sri Lanka and India. It adds flavor and aroma to foods and drinks.
Cinnamon is great for weight loss because it helps boost metabolism, reduce cravings, and improve digestion. It also reduces cholesterol and blood pressure.
But cinnamon isn't just for food. You can use it to add flavor and aroma to coffee, tea, hot cocoa, and smoothies. And it's delicious sprinkled over oatmeal, pancakes, waffles, muffins, and baked goods. (3)
Use A Reusable Filter
Coffee filters are great for keeping coffee fresh and clean, but they're not reusable. They're made out of plastic and eventually end up in landfills.
Instead, use a reusable filter that keeps coffee tasting fresher longer. The trick is to keep your coffee hot enough to brew properly, but cool enough to prevent the coffee grounds from clumping together.
To achieve this balance, place your filter inside a glass jar filled with water. Then, place the jar in a pot of boiling water until the water reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (75 degrees Celsius). This process takes about five minutes.
Once the water is at the right temperature, remove the jar from the heat and let it sit for another minute. Now, pour the coffee through the filter and enjoy!
Read More: Mushroom Coffee Benefits And Side Effects
Add Some Healthy Fats To Your Coffee
To keep yourself healthy, add some healthy fats to your coffee. Try adding a tablespoon of coconut oil, avocado, or almond butter to your morning brew. These healthy fats help boost metabolism, reduce belly fat, and improve brain function.
If you're looking to lose weight, try adding a teaspoon of flaxseed meal to your coffee. Flaxseeds contain omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, protein, and antioxidants that may help lower cholesterol and prevent heart disease. (4)
And finally, if you're feeling extra adventurous, try adding a teaspoon or two of raw cacao powder to your cup of joe. Cacao contains flavonoids that may help fight inflammation and support cardiovascular health.
Be Picky About Your Sweeteners
When it comes to sweeteners, be picky. Don't use artificial sweeteners because they're not healthy. Instead, opt for natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, and stevia.
If you're looking for a healthier alternative, try coconut sugar, molasses, or raw cane sugar. They're all great options.
And when it comes to coffee, avoid adding sugar to your morning brew. Sugar makes coffee taste bitter and acidic. Instead, add some cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, or cocoa powder. These ingredients will give your coffee a sweeter flavor and make it more enjoyable.
Stevia is the best sweetener for coffee lovers who want to avoid artificial sugars. Stevia is 100% calorie-free and has zero carbs. Plus, it tastes amazing in coffee.
Go for organic coffee instead
Organic coffee beans are grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers. They're packed full of antioxidants and nutrients that help boost energy and fight fatigue. Organic coffee is great for your health and the environment.
While organic coffee may be slightly more expensive than conventional coffee, it's worth every penny. Organic coffee is healthier for you and the environment.
Drink Coffee In Moderation
Yes!! Coffee is a great way to wake up in the morning. But too much caffeine can cause headaches, anxiety, insomnia, and even high blood pressure.
According to the Mayo Clinic, adults should limit their daily intake of caffeine to 400 milligrams per day. If you drink three cups of coffee a day, then you'll have consumed 1200 mg of caffeine. That's almost triple what the recommended amount is.
The good news is that there are ways to cut down on how much caffeine you consume. For example, you can switch between caffeinated and decaffeinated drinks. You can also try switching out regular coffee with herbal tea. Herbal teas don't contain as much caffeine as coffee does.
Try drinking less caffeine by using these tricks:
- Switch from black coffee to green tea. Green tea doesn't contain as much caffeine.
- Add milk to your coffee. Milk adds creaminess and helps mask the bitterness of coffee.
- Use decaf coffee. Decaf coffee still has caffeine but less than regular coffee.
Hydrate
Coffee is a diuretic, which means it increases urination. This is why people often feel thirsty after drinking coffee. However, drinking water before and after coffee can help you stay hydrated throughout the day.
You can also keep an eye on your urine color. Dark yellow or orange pee indicates dehydration. Drink plenty of water to avoid this problem.
Drinking plenty of water will also prevent kidney stones. Kidney stones are painful and can lead to serious problems if left untreated. Drinking lots of water can help prevent them.
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