The Health-Conscious Guide to Your Next Cup o’ Joe
If you’re anything like me, coffee is your go-to staple in the morning and sometimes you’re in too much of a hurry to actually make it yourself. This is where things get tricky. With all of the options that we have at places like Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts, it can feel a bit overwhelming at times to make a decision that leaves you and your health happy. With that being said, I’ve compiled a list of things that are great alternatives to your standard cream and sugar, but still, leave your cup o’ joe tasting amazing
Soy Milk
Soy milk is honestly one of my favorite add-ins to my coffee, as it comes with a lot of health benefits. In fact, when researchers compared it to other alternative kinds of milk, soy milk came out on top because many others lack essential nutrients. To give you a better idea, soy can add a little more fiber and heart-healthy polyunsaturated fats in your diet, and can also provide a source of several vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B-12, calcium, and vitamin D.
Additionally, this milk also comes in a vanilla flavoring that can help add just the right amount of sweetness to your coffee. I’ve also found soy milk to be the closest flavor to milk products if you’re still a die-hard cream and coffee fanatic.
Almond Milk
Almond milk is one alternative I have used in my coffee a lot before I switched to soy milk. The only negative for me was I wasn’t too keen on the almond flavoring it added. However, if you really enjoy the taste of almonds this could be your next great coffee addition! Similar to soy milk, almond milk is packed with great health benefits that we typically aren’t aware of. For one, this is a great option for those trying to cut out some unwanted calories, as it typically only contains about 60 calories per 8 oz. In addition, it also contains vitamin D and vitamin E to keep your skin glowing and your bones strong.
Coconut Milk
Coconut milk ranks high on my list of favorite milk alternatives. Like others, this milk contains several health benefits that you might not originally have known. For instance, coconut milk is rich in antioxidants and helps to support a healthy immune system through the use of lauric acid. Additionally, coconut milk comes in a variety of flavors that can help give your coffee a little extra flair.
Agave Nectar
If you’re still not convinced that you want to switch your use of milk products, there are other ways to improve the health quality of your cup o’ joe. While this might not be an option at many of the standard coffee chains, it still really does the trick for those days you have time to make your cup at home. Agave nectar is one of my favorite ways to add extra sweetness to my midday cup instead of reaching for those processed sugar packets. However, the key here is to look for organic to avoid the negative effects of additives. In addition, agave nectar is a great alternative for those that are watching your GI (glycemic index). While this nectar is high in fructose levels, it does not have a strong effect on blood sugar levels.
Cinnamon
If you’re looking to back off of the use of any sort of sweetener but still find yourself looking for that little extra something in your coffee, cinnamon might be right for you! Chock full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, this spice packs
The Big Picture
While it may feel overwhelming at the amount of options you can have for healthy additions to your coffee, the important thing to always remember is that everyone’s body is different and you should always do your own research to see what option is most suitable for you. And like always, all healthy food and beverage choices have the ability to reap amazing benefits, but the key is moderation, as nothing is healthy if it’s in excess.
