Top 7 Healthiest Ways to Drink Coffee
According to a study from the University of Scranton, coffee is the number one source of antioxidants in the U.S. diet. And growing body of research suggests that drinking moderate cups per day can reduce your risk of many diseases such as type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and even prostate cancer. Thus, what are the healthiest ways to drink coffee?
1. Use filters
More and more research is pointing toward coffee raising the LDL cholesterol which is bad. But, it’s not the coffee per se, it’s how it’s prepared. In other words, always use filters will eliminate this risk! The vice dean for clinical investigation at a school of medicine in Baltimore, found that drinking an average of six cups of coffee a day was associated with increased total cholesterol and LDL, the harmful type of cholesterol. Nearly all of the rise in cholesterol was linked to unfiltered coffee.
2. Grind Coffee by yourself
Coffee beans have aromatic oils and they become rancid when exposed to moisture and oxygen like many foods. Grinding the grounds yourself, as opposed to purchasing those pre-ground bags, results in better taste and less break-down of nutrients which is much healthier.
3. Store the coffee beans in the air-tight environment
Store the beans in an air-tight glass or ceramic container. It’s important not to refrigerate or freeze your daily supply of coffee, because the moisture and oxygen will cause it to deteriorate.
4. Avoid the sugar
Sugar, mainly due to the high amount of fructose, can cause all sorts of serious diseases like obesity and diabetes. Without any sugar, you can still enjoy both flavor and health by using a little cinnamon or coconut oil. According to the National Institutes of Health, studies have shown cinnamon to have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antioxidant and cholesterol-lowering properties, and may even regulate glucose. Many people, like me, regard coconut oil as some kind of wonder substance. There’s even a trend to put butter in coffee — referred to as ‘Bullet-Proof Coffee’ — proponents claim that it does everything from increasing energy and mental clarity to helping one avoid the afternoon energy crash.
5. Avoid low-fat and artificial creamers
Eating the commercial low-fat and artificial creamers tend to be highly processed and full of unnatural, harmful ingredients. High fructose corn syrup and trans fats are likely suspects. I strongly recommend you avoid these things. Instead, you can consider adding some full-fat cream.
6. Add some cocoa
Cocoa is loaded with antioxidants and associated with all sorts of health benefits, including a reduced risk of heart disease. If you want some flavor and health in your coffee, try adding a little organic unsweetened cocoa to your cup.
7. No caffeine late in the day
As we all know that, caffeine is a stimulant. This is one of the main reasons we enjoy coffee so much, the caffeine gives us a lot of energy and helps us stay awake when we feel tired. But if we drink coffee late in the day, it can interfere with our sleep, which can cause many sorts of problems. If you must drink coffee late in the day, choose decaf instead, which has much less caffeine than coffee.
Related Article: Do You Really Know When to Drink Coffee
As long as you keep the above 7 healthiest ways to drink coffee in mind, you may be beneficial from drinking coffee.