Ways to Make Your Coffee Healthy
By Sara Butler
A lot of people need their morning coffee to get them going each day. While there’s certainly nothing wrong with enjoying a nice cup of coffee in the morning, some of the habits surrounding coffee may not be the healthiest. But there’s a remedy for that. Here are a few ways you can take your coffee from sorta healthy to super healthy in a snap.
Watch the Clock
It’s healthy to enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning, but not necessarily in the afternoon. Coffee is a rich source of caffeine, a stimulant. Heck, it’s part of the reason coffee is so darn popular! But drinking coffee too late in the day can have a negative impact on the quality of your sleep. That’s why it’s best to avoid it after 2 p.m.
If you want some coffee after dinner or in the afternoon, then switch to decaf or have a cup of tea instead. It has a lot less caffeine than coffee, which will help you relax and go to sleep when your bedtime rolls around.
Forget the Sugar
The one problem with all the fancy coffee you can find these days is that it’s a sugar bomb. Black coffee is actually pretty good for you, but adding flavorings, creams, and excess sugar to coffee turns it into a bad idea. Too much sugar in your diet increases your risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity.
It’s best to try to develop a taste for black coffee or to naturally sweeten it with something such as stevia. You can also consider adding cinnamon for sweetness. Adding it to the coffee grounds before you brew will sweeten your coffee slightly.
Another alternative to sweetener is to add some cocoa to your coffee. Just a dash of cocoa powder can give you a hint of chocolate flavor without all the calories and fat in a mocha.
Forget the Creamers
Artificial and low-fat creamers are the stuff of nutritional nightmares. Commercial creamers are highly processed and can even have a few ingredients that are questionable. If you like to add cream to your coffee, it’s best to choose a natural creamer, such a full-fat creamer made with milk from grass-fed cows. That way, you’re getting a dose of important calcium to support strong bones right along with your morning cup.
There are so many ways to enjoy your coffee -- choose a healthier one!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Mansfield, Tex.