From washing windows to organizing bedroom closets, for many spring cleaning is underway! While you’re busily dusting every corner of your house, have you thought about cleaning your coffee cup? I’m not talking about placing it in the dishwasher, but what I am talking about is pouring out your unhealthy coffee. We often hear about eating clean, but drinking clean is just as important for your health. We know that water is the cleanest choice of drinks, but let’s be honest, we enjoy the flavor that hits our tastebuds when we sip our favorite coffee drinks. How can you keep the flavor and keep it healthy? Well, it’s possible to have the best of both worlds in your coffee cup every morning!
Coffee is packed with more than just flavor
Mmmm! The aroma of coffee brewing in the morning is enough to get most people excited about starting their day. Whether you wait in line at your favorite coffee shop or fill your favorite mug at home, a cup of coffee is an essential part of the day for many Americans.
According to a survey released by the National Coffee Association (yes, it really does exist), 7 out of 10 Americans drink coffee every week, 62 percent drink it every day, and the average American drinks a little over three cups a day!
Undoubtedly, drinking coffee gives you an energy boost, but it has other benefits that can help you live a longer, healthier life.
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According to studies, drinking coffee can lower your risk for diabetes, heart disease, Parkinson’s, kidney disease, and liver problems.
With all of coffee’s superpowers, you may be thinking that there’s nothing left to do but to drink up. Before you pour up another cup of your favorite Joe, let’s talk about how what you’re adding to your coffee can make or break your health.
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Creamers, sugars, and syrups oh my!
A double shot of this and two extra packets of that is what many coffee drinkers add to their cups each day.
From pumpkin spice to butter pecan, the flavors of creamers and syrups are endless. However, those sweet additions can come at an unhealthy price.
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If you didn’t know, some of your favorite restaurants have the unhealthiest coffee drinks. Some of the most popular coffee drinks have up to 1200 calories and 170 grams of sugar! While brewing your coffee at home may spare your pockets some expense, what you add to your cup could weigh heavily on your health.
Unlike milk or half-and-half, most store-bought creamers are not dairy products. Most creamers are made from water, loads of sugar, and palm oil, which could negatively affect your cholesterol.
Creamers can also contain additives like carrageenan and artificial flavoring to alter the taste and texture. Just adding 3 tablespoons of creamer, without table sugar, can add 15 grams of sugar to your daily intake with each cup. Coffee syrups are another artificially flavored, sugary option that coffee drinkers love. Just 4 pumps of syrup amount to 23 grams of sugar!
Consuming sugar in healthy quantities doesn’t pose a risk to your health. However, Americans are consuming twice as much.
According to the American Heart Association, Americans eat 77 grams of sugar on average which is far more than the recommended amounts of 36 and 25 grams for men and women respectively. A diet high in sugar increases your risk for obesity, diabetes, and other comorbidities.
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Clean up your coffee cup with natural flavors
Don’t toss out your coffee cup just yet! You can still enjoy the flavor and benefits of your favorite morning brew by adding natural flavors. Natural flavors don’t muddle the benefits of coffee with sugar and extra calories. If you like savory flavors, try adding cinnamon or cardamom. Both of these spices have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant powers. Recent studies have shown that a compound in cardamom can be used to fight triple-negative breast cancer, which is mostly diagnosed in Black women.
If spice is not your thing, try adding cocoa powder. Cocoa powder has been shown to lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and improve brain function. Adding mint can give your coffee a refreshing taste while providing you with relief from digestive problems and bad coffee breath. Rather than using coffee syrups, try adding pure vanilla, almond, or hazelnut extract for a boost of flavor without all of the unhealthy additives and calories.
Whether you want to shed some pounds or lower your risks for health conditions, drinking clean can make a positive impact on your health. Start your day by filling your coffee cup with ingredients that your body loves and soon – you’ll love them, too!
Dr. Candace McMillon-Dantley is on a mission to inspire and educate women to health. She is the creator of The Doc Knows, a health and wellness site for women and author of “Woman, Take Off Your Cape”. When she’s not health writing, she is health motivating and educating through presentations on healthy nutrition, self-care, and conditions of the body. Her experiences as a business owner, chiropractor, wife and mom of two resonate with all women. Connect with Dr. Candace on Instagram @drcandace.
