If you’re reading this, you most likely are a coffee lover like me! Since you probably drink a lot of coffee you might as well maximize the coffee health benefits. We have previously discussed the health benefits of drinking coffee. Now, let’s discuss making it an even healthier experience. Yes, there are ways to make drinking coffee even better for you!
These tips come from Dawn.com
Drink Coffee Right Before You Work Out
Coffee is know to boost your metabolism. From a previous post:
Coffee improves physical performance by increasing the amount of adrenaline in your bloodstream. So, your workouts or any physical activity is enhanced by drinking coffee. The best way to take advantage of this is to drink a strong cup about 30 minutes before working out. Sounds even more interesting, huh?
You read that right! Coffee makes your workout even more effective. Make sure you are not doing this if you work out late in the day and have trouble sleeping because of caffeine.
Minimize Calorie Rich Add Ons
The quickest way to negate coffee health benefits is to load up on calorie rich sweeteners, cream and other flavorings. From a previous post:
Another benefit of drinking black coffee is to maximize the fat burning benefits. The caffeine in Coffee stimulates the breakdown of fat cells in the body and makes fatty acids available for the body to use as energy. Studies have shown that adding cream and sugar can reduce the level of benefit to your body.
I slowly weaned myself from milk and sugar and now love the taste of black coffee! If you are having trouble getting used to the flavor of black coffee, using natural sweeteners like Stevia and fat free milk is the next best thing.
Don’t Forget To Drink Lots Of Water
Even though the Mayo Clinic reports that drinking coffee does not have a serious risk of dehydration, coffee does have a mild diuretic effect on your body. Therefore, we recommend drinking water during the day to counteract that effect. This is especially recommended if you are exercising and sweating.
Should Breakfast Come Before Your First Cup?
No need to worry about when you drink coffee. Before or after your first meal does not seem to cause any side effects such as upset stomach, unless you are caffeine sensitive.
Some Additives Like Cocoa And Cinnamon Can Increase The Coffee Health Benefits
Unlike calorie rich sugar and cream, cocoa and cinnamon are good for you! Both are rich in phytonutrients and have antibacterial properties. Cinnamon has antioxidants which act as an anti-inflammatory. It also has anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Cocoa also has anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Plus, they are both delicious in coffee!!
So, ultimately, how your consume your coffee is up to you. If you want to maximize the coffee health benefits, you may want to incorporate one or more of these suggestions.