Most of us survive the daily tasks we undertake solely because of the existence of coffee. When the workload of the day is too scary to think about when hearing the sound of the morning alarm, coffee is the true savior that pulls the hero out of us in times of doubt.
However, there have been debates on the healthiness of the magic drink, especially in regard to its effects on the stomach. If you need your cup of joe every day to get things done but it doesn’t agree with your gut, try these five easy changes to make a morning cup of coffee healthier and more gut-friendly.
Use single-blend beans
One way to ensure your coffee isn’t packing any unknown toxins and is providing the optimal amount of nutrients is drinking single-blend beans. Single-blend means you aren’t mixing beans from different farms, resulting in an unknown quality. Wet-processed single-blend beans also produce fewer toxins. Since coffee is the most heavily sprayed crop in the world, going organic is also a good way to ensure you’re getting the most from your cup.
Drink it with healthy fat
It’s a good idea to drink coffee with something substantial in your stomach. Opt for breakfast or snack that’s high in healthy fat to help slow the process of the caffeine from spiking your blood sugar.
Use almond milk
Since most coffees already contain inflammatory agents, it’s better to use almond milk to help lessen mucus inflammation in the body caused by cow’s milk. You can pick a plain, unsweetened milk to add the creaminess without any extra sugar.
Avoid artificial sweeteners
Instead of refined sugar or sugar substitutes, opt for stevia instead. Research shows that artificial sweeteners spur cravings, and are linked to an increased risk of obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Additionally, be wary of natural sweeteners like honey, as they still cause a spike in blood sugar.
Add cinnamon
Another great way to boost the healthiness of your coffee is by adding antioxidant cinnamon to the mix. Some health benefits of cinnamon include that it lowers blood glucose levels after a meal. In those with type 2 diabetes, cinnamon has been linked to lower serum glucose levels and an improved lipid profile.
Sources:
https://www.bustle.com/articles/133623-6-ways-you-can-make-your-morning-cup-of-coffee-healthier
https://www.cookinglight.com/syndication/coffee-healthy
