What to Add into Your Coffee For Increased Health Benefits

Many people prefer to start their day with a cup or maybe even a pot of hot coffee. The early morning hours aren't the only times that people reach for a cuppa Joe. They also turn to iced coffee during the day or hot coffee late at night when trying to finish a project. While coffee alone has many proven health benefits, there are some additions that can give you an added health boost. Read on to learn about seven healthy additions to try in your next cup of java.

1. Cardamom

Cardamom is a common addition to coffee brewed in the Middle East. Its flavor is similar to that of ginger. Add a pinch or two of ground cardamom to your prepared hot coffee. If you grind your own whole coffee beans, you can add a couple of whole cardamom seeds to the grinder and blend it all together. Cardamom is used in Ayurvedic medicine. It contains compounds that promote better circulation. It also contains fiber and essential minerals. The fiber helps with constipation. Two tablespoons of cardamom has 36 calories.

2. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is an excellent add-in to your coffee. Consider tossing a whole cinnamon stick into your coffee pot before brewing. The hot coffee will dissolve the aromatic and flavor compounds in the cinnamon. As one of the most potent antioxidants of any spice, cinnamon lowers inflammation and helps balance blood sugar and triglyceride levels. Cinnamon also helps with consistent metabolism and fat burning. It contains manganese, iron, and calcium.

3. Vanilla Extract

Pure vanilla extract adds flavor without sugar or fat. You can add the liquid extract to your brewed coffee. If you grind your own coffee beans, add a vanilla bean to the grinder after you process the beans. The longer the vanilla bean stays in the grounds, the stronger the vanilla flavor. You can reuse the vanilla bean a few times. Vanilla is known to calm upset stomachs, improve mental performance, and provide a boost in mood.

4. Coconut Milk

The intense dark flavor of Kona coffee pairs well with the light and natural sweetness of coconut milk. If you're following a keto or paleo style diet, coconut milk fits into these plans. You could pair the coconut milk with a drop of vanilla extract to create a cafe experience at home. Coconut milk contains lauric acid, which the body uses to make antiviral and antimicrobial compounds. It also contains vitamins C, E, and B, which promote bone health, heart health, and good kidney function.

5. Ginger

Ginger is a potent spice. You can add a slice of ginger root to your brewed coffee. Another option is to sprinkle a little powdered ginger into your coffee grounds. Ginger calms an upset stomach. For people who get gastrointestinal distress from coffee, adding ginger could relieve those symptoms. Ginger also helps with gas and bloating, sore throats and stuffy noses. Ginger reduces inflammation, which could reduce arthritis pain.

6. Peppermint Oil

Peppermint extract or oil adds a festive winter flavor to your morning brew. Only add a drop. Its potent flavor could be overwhelming if you use too much. Peppermint oil contains calcium, magnesium, iron, and vitamins A and C. It has anti-inflammatory effects that reduce nausea and relieve sore muscles. Using peppermint oil can also help fight bad breath if you can't brush your teeth right after finishing your coffee.

7. Cocoa Powder

If you love the taste of dark chocolate but can't have all the sugar, add cocoa powder to your coffee. The combination of these rich flavors creates a mocha. Add one teaspoon of ground cocoa powder to your coffee cup before brewing or pouring your coffee into it. If you grind your own coffee beans, you can get whole cocoa beans and grind them together. The compounds in cocoa lower blood pressure and improve circulation.

Each of these additions to your coffee is a healthy way to break the monotony of the same coffee every day. Don't be afraid to use your kitchen tools, including your immersion mixer or blender, when you're trying new additions to your coffee. All of these simple ideas are easy to try and won't add too much time to your morning coffee prep routine.