Many people like to kick start their mornings with a hot brewing cup of coffee. However, while your morning coffee ritual can provide you with a much-needed boost of energy, it is important to ensure that your coffee habit is as healthy as possible.
Coffee has several benefits to offer but it should not be forgotten that coffee contains caffeine. According to a report by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), one cup of coffee contains around 80-100 milligrams of caffeine. Here are six ways to make your morning coffee ritual healthier.
1. Choose Good Quality Coffee
To make your coffee habit healthier, start by choosing good-quality, organic coffee beans. Organic coffee is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilisers, making it a healthier choice for you and the environment. Look for coffee that is labelled as "shade-grown" or "fair trade" to ensure that it is sustainably sourced.
2. Avoid Adding Sugar
While sugar can enhance the flavour of your coffee, it is good to avoid adding too much of it. Sugar is known to harm your health in every possible way. Excessive sugar consumption has been linked to a variety of health issues, including obesity and diabetes. So it is better to reduce its quantity or avoid adding it at all. Instead you can try adding other natural sweeteners like honey.
3. Use Nut Milk
Instead of adding dairy milk, which is usually high in fats, you can go for nut milk such as almond or cashew milk. These milks are low in calories and are saturated fats than dairy milk, making it a healthier option. Additionally, nut milk adds a creamy texture to your coffee without the need for added sugar or cream.
4. Limit Flavoured Syrups
Flavoured syrups can add a burst of flavour to your coffee, but they are often loaded with sugar and artificial ingredients. Instead of using flavoured syrups, try adding natural flavourings like cinnamon, vanilla extract, or cocoa powder to your coffee for a healthier alternative.
5. Watch Your Portions
It's easy to overindulge in coffee, especially when you're in a hurry. Try to limit yourself to one or two cups of coffee per day to avoid consuming too much caffeine. If you find that you need more than two cups to get through the day, consider cutting back gradually to reduce your dependence on caffeine.
Also read: Caffeine-Free And Good For Your Heart: Health Benefits Of Date Seed Coffee
6. Pair Your Coffee With Breakfast
Some people cannot tolerate coffee on an empty stomach as it might turn out to be acidic. So it is better to consume your first cup of coffee of the day along with a healthy breakfast platter.
7. Drink Water Before Coffee
Before reaching for your morning cup of coffee, try drinking a glass of water first. This can help hydrate your body and prepare your digestive system for the caffeine in coffee. Plus, staying hydrated can help reduce the risk of coffee-related dehydration.
In conclusion, making your morning coffee ritual healthier is easy with a few simple changes. Choose high-quality, organic coffee beans, avoid adding sugar, use nut milk instead of dairy milk, limit flavoured syrups, watch your portions, and drink water before coffee. By following these tips, you can enjoy your morning cup of coffee guilt-free and start your day off on the right foot.