Coffee has long been linked to health and longevity, with new studies frequently published that explore its exciting health benefits. Today’s health-focused coffee drinkers are paying even more attention than ever, with alternative options such as decaf and functional mushroom coffee on the rise.
According to Kristin Kirkpatrick, MS, RDN, Dietitian at Clevland Clinic Department of Wellness and Preventative Medicine, simple health hacks can help you boost the healthfulness of your morning coffee even more. Kirkpatrick has seen many of her patients recently wanting to get “more bang for their nutritional buck” and searching for opportunities to get as many benefits and nutrients as possible.
For Kirkpatrick, adding extra nutrients to morning coffee seems like an easy delivery system (and one that people are more likely to stick with regularly). Consider her four expert-approved ways to increase your coffee’s health benefits, such as adding raw honey or olive oil.
Health benefits of coffee
“Coffee has well-documented benefits,” says Kirkpatrick. “Adding things into a simple black cup of coffee can help deliver other nutrients early in the day, and perhaps may provide nutrients that you would not have consumed otherwise. Additions may also help with satiety (fullness) as well. Further, experts believe that coffee may be the greatest delivery system of antioxidants worldwide, but this may be because more people consume coffee daily. In contrast, other high-nutrient-dense foods (think broccoli, for example) may not be consumed daily.”
Butter or olive oil
Kirkpatrick shares that adding butter or olive oil to your morning coffee could help those looking to maintain weight loss or lose weight. Often called “bulletproof coffee,” adding fats can increase satiety by slowing digestion, keeping you fuller for longer. Adding butter or olive oil to your coffee may also be helpful for “Those who participate in mindless snacking,” says Kirkpatrick.
Studies also suggest that extra virgin olive oil can have various heart-health benefits. Many people who add a touch of healthy fat to their morning coffee have more energy throughout the day and even experience mood-boosting effects.
Chicory root or cinnamon
Adding cinnamon to your coffee can provide antioxidant and blood sugar benefits while adding a flavorful and savory experience. Kirkpatrick says those who struggle with blood sugar control due to insulin resistance or Type 2 Diabetes may benefit from a dash of cinnamon in their cup of coffee to support glycemic control. Alternatively, chicory root also helps stabilize blood sugar levels and has the added benefit of impacting the gut microbiome and supporting healthy digestion.
Raw honey
If you prefer a bit of sweetness in your cup of coffee, Kirkpatrick recommends using raw honey as a natural sweetener. Natural, raw honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. However, Kirkpatrick urges coffee drinkers to remember that a little goes a long way when using raw honey in their coffee. If you use too much, you may consume far more sugar than you intended.
