How to Make Your Morning Coffee Brain Healthy
Coffee: a quick internet search could lead to a lot of confusion. Some suggest it should be avoided at all costs, while others suggest it's the go-to healthy drink. So, what's right? Well, current research is finding that coffee really does have its health benefits! However, if your daily coffee is filled with sugary syrups, and doused in whipped cream, it may be time to re-think your coffee order. So, what is the best way to get your morning coffee? Here's how you can make your morning coffee brain healthy:
- Skip the sugar
- Add cinnamon
- Peppermint oil
- Dark chocolate
Brain Healthy Ingredients to Add to Your Coffee
- Skip the sugar. Most of us consume way too much sugar. Research has shown that too much sugar can have a negative effect on brain health. If you were to pick up a vanilla latte from your typical coffee shop, be prepared to consume about 35 grams of sugar. To get a full understanding of that, it's recommended to consume no more than 25 grams of sugar per day! The absolute best way you could drink your coffee is black, but we realize that just may not be possible for some. Instead, try adding a small amount of stevia to your coffee, or even some pure maple syrup. Without all of that extra sugar, your brain and waistline will thank you. Find out what other foods you should try to avoid here: /blogs/brain-health-tips/what-your-brain-doesn-t-want-you-to-eat
- Add cinnamon. Studies have shown that just smelling cinnamon or chewing cinnamon flavored gum may boost cognitive function. Along with its brain health benefits, cinnamon can help soothe nausea and give your immune system a boost. Next time you make your morning coffee, simply add a dash of cinnamon to your mug. You'll be sure to start your day off the right way!
- Peppermint oil. Adding a dash of peppermint oil to your coffee is not only tasty but is also beneficial to brain health. Peppermint oil can provide a boost in energy, contributing to optimal brain health. While peppermint oil boosts mental activity, it also helps beyond brain health. Peppermint oil can help soothe a sour stomach, aid in digestion, and help to relieve stress. Next time you fix up your morning coffee, you can't go wrong adding a drop or two of peppermint oil.
- Dark chocolate. This is an indulgent one, but definitely has its benefits! Dark chocolate actually has a ton of brain health benefits. Dark chocolate can boost your spirits because it drives up dopamine (the feel-good chemical in your brain) levels. Dark chocolate also contains flavonoids, which are shown to improve blood flow to the brain. This is beneficial for your overall cognitive health. Dark chocolate is even shown to help relieve stress by slowing down the release of the stress hormone, cortisol. When you whip up your next coffee, add a small square of dark chocolate to the bottom of your mug. It'll be a tasty treat, with countless brain health benefits.
The next time you are tempted to get a large mocha with extra whip, stop, take a step back, and think about the above tips. It is possible to make your coffee healthy - both for your body and your brain! Now, we will leave you with a quote from a wise, unknown source, "Humanity runs on coffee."
