4 Tips for Making Your Coffee or Tea More Nutritious

Who doesn’t love their morning cup of coffee or tea.  There are so many health benefits to both — improves focus, revs up metabolism, increases antioxidants and boosts memory. But too much caffeine isn’t good for your health.   If you’re going to indulge in coffee or tea, might as well maximize the health benefits while you’re at it.  I’m all about piling on the good stuff and condensing my routine.  So by tweaking just a few things, you’ll be getting an upgraded version of your favorite brew!  Check out my four tips below to boost the nutrient profile of your cup. 

1.Add Spices

Please skip the sugar; add mega flavor to your cup with spices instead.  Spices contain fewer calories than sugar and will give you a few extra benefits. Cinnamon, for example, can help control blood sugar and just a 1/2 teaspoon per day can lower your bad cholesterol (or LDL).  Cloves on the other hand, help relax the lining of the GI tract, alleviate intestinal gas and stomach-ache.  Cloves have been used in Ayurvedic medicine for anti-fungal and antibacterial properties as well.   They also pack an antioxidant and omega-3 fatty acid punch. ( perf. for vegans!)

2. Add Lemon to Tea

This is a great way to maximize those amazing antioxidants in your daily tea-cup.   Brighten up your cup with a squeeze of lemon.  For example, adding lemon to your green tea brings out the antioxidant power of the brew’s catechins.

Helpful Tip:  Watch tea’s brew time to ensure you’re getting the full benefits from catechins, “tea’s antioxidants.”  Don’t over brew.  Most teas should only steep for three to five minutes. For white and green tea, make sure to steep in water that’s slightly below boiling.

3. Add Maca Powder

Maca is a root from the radish family.  It is grown in Peru and hailed as the “Peruvian ginseng.”  Maca is loaded with vitamins, minerals and amino acids.  It’s actually a great source of calcium.  What…but calcium is only found in dairy-not!  Also, maca is known for its amazing properties in balancing hormones and increasing libido.  It is extremely powerful in combating adrenal fatigue and increases energy.  Try 1 tsp maca powder in your morning coffee, as I do.  Wait until your coffee is close to room temperature before stirring in the maca powder for full potency. 

4. Add Coconut Oil

Sounds a little bizarre, right?  But go ahead and add some coconut oil goodness to your cuppa joe or favorite tea.  It may take a little bit of getting used to, but you’ll eventually love it.  Coconut oil has a special fat called medium chain triglycerides (MCTs). I’ve written about MCT oil.  Studies show that breaking down these types of healthy fats in the liver leads to efficient burning of body fat, especially abdominal fat.  Also, the intake of coconut oil can help your body fight viruses and bacteria.  And don’t forget, healthy fats in our diet help keep us full and satisfied longer.  That’s another great reason to add coconut oil to your mug!  Try 1 tbsp daily.  You can also make bulletproof coffee– it tastes Ah-maz-ing I promise you! 

A bonus tip: please ditch the store bought, overly processed, sugary, coffee creamers.  You can easily make your own creamer at home. Here are 49 delicious homemade coffee creamer recipes for you to try tomorrow morning!

Do you add anything extra to boost the nutrients of your coffee or tea?  If so, comment below!