For some, it’s their lifeline, and for some, it’s just another hot beverage, quite replaceable with tea. However, coffee is the most consumed psychoactive drug in the world. As a potent stimulant, it has the ability to alter brain chemistry and bring about sharp shifts in mood by inducing dopamine within 15 minutes of its consumption (1). Besides that, roasted coffee has over 1000 bioactive compounds which are anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antioxidant (2).
In short, coffee is already quite healthy. But can we make it healthier? The answer is yes, you definitely can. Adding spices and herbs to coffee offsets its bitter taste while synergizing with its health profile.
Here, we present a short list of ingredients that you can add to your coffee to kickstart your day on a healthier note:
- Cinnamon
Basic recipe: ½ hot water+ 1 tsp coffee powder+ ¼ tsp cinnamon powder+ ½ cup almond milk (optional)
Taste: Sweet, woody, citrusy
Health benefits: Anti-inflammatory, prebiotic, kickstarts BMR, relieves acidity, lowers blood sugar
Best for: People suffering from acidity
2. Ghee; grass-fed butter; coconut oil (MCT coffee)
Basic recipe: 1 cup brewed coffee+ 2 tbsp grass-fed butter/ghee/MCT oil/coconut oil
Taste: Latte-like; add plant-based milk for a creamier finish
Health benefits: Improves satiety, increases focus and cognition, lowers bad cholesterol, reduces sugar cravings, good for healthy heart
Best for: Replacement to heavy-carb breakfasts, keto diet breakfasts, pre-workout beverage, women with PCOS, people with depression
Not for: people with liver cirrhosis/diabetes, calorie-conscious weight-watchers
3. Orange juice; ice cubes, cinnamon
Basic recipe: 1 cup brewed coffee + 2 tbsp orange juice + ½ tsp cinnamon powder+ ice cubes
Taste: Sweet and tangy
Health benefits: Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, purifies blood, detoxification of the gut, boosts immunity
Pro tip: For hot & spicy coffee, add crushed cloves; for iced latte, garnish with orange zest
Best for: pre-run drink, pitta-dosh people (acid reflux/indigestion), cooling drink for summers
4. Crushed ginger
Basic recipe: 1 cup hot water + 2 tbsp coffee powder + 1 tbsp grated ginger
Taste: Peppery
Health benefits: Reduces pain and swelling in joints, boosts immunity, reduces body fat, improves brain function
Best for: Osteoarthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, pregnant and menstruating women, people who hate the taste of black coffee
5. Raw cacao powder
Basic recipe: 1 cup hot brewed coffee + ½ cup coconut milk/almond milk+ 1.5tbsp raw cacao powder
Taste: Chocolaty
Health benefits: Rich in magnesium, antioxidants, dietary fibre; lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol enhances mood and alleviates depression, boosts skin health and hair growth
Best for: People who enjoy a heavy breakfast; people living in low-sunlight areas/ vitamin D deficiency, women prone to PMS
Pro tip: Add crushed cardamom for a dessert-like feel; blend together the listed ingredients with cacao nibs for a creamier consistency
6. Turmeric
Basic recipe: 1 cup brewed hot coffee + 4 tbsp nondairy milk + 1 tsp turmeric
Taste: Depends on added spices; can range from sweet to peppery
Health benefits: Aids in liver detoxification, anti-inflammatory, boosts immunity, increases cognitive awareness, may help treat depression
Best for: Arthritis, people recovering from a disease, chronic ailments, balancing hormones, bringing regularity to monthly cycle, people with dyspepsia/stomach ulcers
Pro tip(s): Add ground black pepper for increased absorption of turmeric
Add coconut oil and blend for a frothy, latte-like texture
