How to Improve Your Morning Coffee.

Freelance contribution by Jane Sandwood

Coffee has a range of health benefits, including burning fat, improving concentration, reducing deterioration of the brain, providing essential nutrients and reducing the risk of type two diabetes. However, it can also become an unhealthy habit. Since coffee is such a versatile drink, the benefit you get from it depends on how it is consumed. Add the following ingredients to get the most energy from your morning brew.

Salt

When it comes to coffee, most people add milk and sugar to combat the bitterness. However, apart from the environmental costs and physical harm caused by the dairy industry, having spoonfuls of sugar each morning is not great for your health. When you most need energy, the sugar will cause you to crash. Long term consumption of sugar will leave you feeling generally more tired.

Instead, you should add salt to your coffee. The salt on your tongue will override reactions in the brain that make something taste bitter. A small pinch of salt will do far less damage to your overall health and won’t cause the energy crash that you get from sugar. This means the caffeine in your system will work more effectively and for a longer period of time.

Turmeric

The addition of turmeric in coffee has become a bit of a trend in recent years. Since 2016, increasing numbers of coffee shops have been offering turmeric lattes due to a rise in demand. Adding this spice to your coffee will provide your body with essential vitamins such as zinc, fiber and iron, which help provide mental clarity and focus.

Cinnamon and cumin have a similar effect, but consumers report that turmeric has the greatest effect on their energy levels. This simple addition is delicious and fragrant. It will provide that added boost you need without a crash occurring later in the day.

Coconut Milk

As mentioned above, the dairy industry should be avoided. Luckily, there are a number of vegan milk alternatives, which have additional health benefits. Coconut milk is an energy source which lasts for a long time. Research shows that drinking coconut milk improves endurance. This is because other energy sources, such as carbohydrates, get turned to glucose, which is stored as fat if not used immediately. Coconut milk, conversely, is sent straight to the muscles where it is burned as fuel.

Coffee should not be consumed too often or too late in the day, but can provide great energy benefits if used properly. Adding salt, turmeric and coconut milk can improve the taste of your coffee providing health benefits. Use these ingredients to get long lasting energy from your morning coffee.

Jane Sandwood is a professional freelance writer and editor with over  10 years’ experience across print and online. Jane has a particular interest in issues relating to health, fitness and nutrition.