Whether or not you're a caffeine addict like me , you can make your coffee work better for you with coffee additives .
In the words of Lorelai Gilmore , " Everything in my life has something to do with coffee . " It's the first thing I think about when I wake up , I fall asleep looking forward to having a cup the next morning , and I'd be lying if I said I didn't find a way to sneak in another cup ( or two ) somewhere''' during the day .
My love for the delicious drink started in college whenever I needed a pick - me - up after late night study sessions , and it's stuck with me through my post - grad life for every early morning meeting and midday slump . What can I say ? I'm loyal .
I'm not exactly proud of my caffeine dependency , but since I don't see my two to three cups a day going away anytime soon , I want to make the most out of them by adding in some extra nutrients when possible .
If you too are looking for ways to add a healthy boost to your morning drink , continue reading for easy mix - ins that will have you ditching your daily trip to Starbucks .
1. Collagen
We're often told that collagen is the must have ingredient to improve our hair , skin , and nails , but the benefits don't stop there .
Collagen is also an easy way to incorporate more protein into your diet .
According to Healthline , our bodies begin to slow the production of collagen as we age , so adding a scoop to your morning cup of joe can also help support important functions like tissue repair , immune response , cellular communication , and cellular migration . Plus , Jennifer Aniston adds it to her coffee every morning , and we all know she's #goals .
Collagen powder is tasteless and fully dissolvable , so you won't even notice it in your coffee , but if you prefer a more specialty - coffee drink , whisk in some flavored collagen creamer for added taste and froth .
2. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is already a pretty common coffee additive ( hello , PSL season ! ) , and for good reason .
Not only does it taste like fall , but it's also full of health benefits . According to The New York Times , cinnamon has anti microbial properties and is full of antioxidants .
A daily dose of the spice may also lower blood sugar , improve brain functioning , and aid in digestion . Sprinkle it on top for added benefits and taste .
3. Butter
Butter coffee , made famous by Bulletproof coffee , can have many benefits due to the healthy fats .
Dave Asprey , the founder of Bulletproof , recommends using grass - fed butter or ghee to get the most antioxidants and omega - 3s out of your coffee or a coconut or MCT oil ( if you avoid dairy ) .
These healthy fats also help keep energy levels stable , meaning you won't experience blood sugar spikes and ultimately that post - coffee crash that can come from sugary coffee drinks .
Add butter or coconut oil to freshly brewed coffee and mix with a blender or milk frother to create a delicious , creamy latte .
4. Adaptogens
While adaptogens have been all the rage in wellness trends , the use of adaptogens dates back to over 3,000 years ago and has been used in many cultures , including having roots in Ayurveda .
While there are many different types of adaptogens , there are about six common ones with different purposes .
Reishi mushrooms are calming and can help with sleep and stress , lion's mane helps with focus and productivity , chaga supports the immune system , cordyceps can improve stamina and endurance , and turkey tail mushrooms aid in gut health .
Research also suggests that ashwagandha can improve hormonal balance and has antibacterial properties . As with any change in diet or supplementation , make sure to talk to your doctor before consuming .
5. Cacao
You don't have to try hard to convince me to add more chocolate to my diet , but add in the health benefits , and I'm sold . Cacao dates back to early 1500 B.C.
when Mayans drank cacao for celebrations and ceremonies . According to Healthline , it's known to be rich in antioxidants that can reduce inflammation and improve brain function .
Also , did I mention it's delicious ? To upgrade your coffee , add a spoonful of cacao powder .
The taste of cacao is more bitter than chocolate ( because it doesn't contain the added sugar ) , so add your sweetener of choice for more of a mocha taste .
6. Turmeric
This popular spice has been used medicinally for over 4,500 years and is native to southern India and Indonesia .
Today , it is used all over the world for both flavor and health benefits , but did you know it's become a common way to ( literally ) spice up your coffee too ? According to Healthline , turmeric contains a compound called curcumin , which is known for its anti inflammatory and pain - relieving properties . It's also full of antioxidants .
Turmeric lattes ( made with turmeric and milk ) are also a great way to help cut down on your coffee intake while still enjoying a warm drink .
7. Cardamom
The spice cardamom comes from the dried , ground seeds of the cardamom plant and is a popular ingredient used in South Asian cooking and Scandinavian baking .
While its flavor is more like mint , its benefits are similar to those of cinnamon . It's high in antioxidants and can also aid in digestion .
Since it has a minty taste , it's the perfect spice if you're a fan of a peppermint latte around the the holidays , and bonus : Goodbye coffee breath !
8. Raw honey
We all know Kourtney Kardashian is a fan of the natural sweetener , and after learning more about its benefits , I can see why . It contains vitamins and minerals .
The bee product is high in antioxidants and contains a variety of nutrients .
My personal favorite benefit ( as someone who suffers from year round allergies ) is that raw honey may help seasonal allergies , especially if it's local .
9. Vanilla extract
Adding vanilla to your coffee may sound like an obvious suggestion , but we're not talking about your standard vanilla syrup .
Natural vanilla extract or vanilla bean ( make sure it's real , not imitation made from synthetic ingredients ) contains powerful antioxidants and may provide anti - inflammatory effects .
And , in addition to adding some flavor to your coffee , vanilla extract provides a dose of needed minerals to your diet in the form of magnesium and potassium .
Share