The smell of freshly brewed coffee is one of the best ways to awaken your senses in the morning. Many of us depend on that caffeine boost to set the mood for our day. While coffee has many great health benefits, research suggests it can potentially keep type 2 diabetes at bay, reduce the chance of developing Parkinson's disease, and reduce body fat.
According to the Harvard School of Public Health, drinking two to five cups of coffee a day is effective against depression, heart disease and even some forms of cancer.
Though always delicious, how you take your coffee can hugely impact the drink’s nutrition profile. Here, we look at five healthy ways to drink coffee.
#Bulletproof coffee
#Spike it with some fresh vitamins
Bulletproof coffee
Putting melted butter and coconut oil into coffee does not immediately scream delicious or healthy, for that matter.
Studies have found that MCT oil derived from coconut oil, most commonly added to black coffee, can drive the body into ketosis and trigger weight loss.
Others will opt for butter or ghee, which have similar effects. Bulletproof coffee also curbs appetite and is a great tool for those who are fasting.
Go with plant-based milks
Soy, almond or coconut lattes and cappuccinos have become increasingly popular as more people gravitate towards the plant-based lifestyle. Because of their lower fat content, it’s more difficult to get that delicious froth compared to their dairy counterpart. Many plant-based milk brands have barista blends of almond, oat, and coconut milks made especially for frothing.
Avoid the sugar trap
Frappuccinos of that beloved seasonal pumpkin spice latte have nutritional profiles that resemble desserts rather than coffee. If you have multiple coffees a day, limit yourself to just one of these (tall, not venti) and opt for black or white coffee for the rest of the day.
Spike it with some fresh vitamins
Ice coffee spritz with splashes of fruit juice has been this past summer’s breakout drink. Instead of milk, add freshly pressed apple or orange juice to your cold brew and top it off with soda water for a refreshing treat; stick with fresh juice to minimise added sugar.
Go decaf
Those who regularly drink more than two to five coffees a day may find that too much caffeine causes upset stomach, dizziness, anxiety and insomnia. If you love enjoying the delicious taste throughout the day, opt for decaf after 1 pm and drink plenty of water in between.
Also see: Raw eggs for pre-workout protein boost? Why you’re better off eating an omelette