Coffee has become a staple in many people’s daily routines, with some drinking several cups a day. If you want to spice up your coffee experience, consider adding turmeric or cinnamon to your brew. Not only do these spices enhance the flavor, but they also offer numerous health benefits.
Turmeric coffee
Turmeric coffee stands out with its vibrant color and subtle spice flavor. Making it is simple: just add a spoonful of turmeric to your freshly brewed coffee and stir well.
Turmeric is rich in antioxidants and has several health benefits, such as reducing inflammation, fighting viruses, lowering blood lipids, improving cholesterol levels, and even preventing cancer. It also has beauty benefits, like brightening the skin, moisturizing, anti-aging, and promoting wound healing.
Dark roast Arabica turmeric coffee
Some people experience joint pain when the weather turns rainy. Amber Sommer, a nutritionist at the Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Human Nutrition, suggests that those with inflammation issues can benefit from drinking dark roast Arabica coffee with added turmeric, as it provides the best anti-inflammatory effects.
She explains that the anti-inflammatory properties of coffee vary depending on the type of coffee beans and the roasting level. Robusta beans are a good choice for those who prefer light roast coffee, as their antioxidant content is twice that of light or medium roast Arabica. However, if you prefer dark roast coffee, opt for Arabica, which has higher antioxidant levels than dark roast Robusta.
Cinnamon coffee
Adding a dash of cinnamon powder to your coffee can enhance the flavor and aroma of the entire cup. Cinnamon is a popular spice used in various dishes, such as curries, desserts, and beverages. It not only adds flavor, but also offers several health benefits.
Both Chinese and Western medicine recognize the health benefits of cinnamon. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) believes cinnamon promotes blood circulation, dispels cold, alleviates pain, and boosts metabolism. Western studies have shown that cinnamon is good for cardiovascular health, can reduce the risk of heart disease, relieve gastrointestinal discomfort, help with weight loss, reduce inflammation, and lower blood sugar levels. Japanese experts have found that drinking cinnamon coffee can help improve hypertension, diabetes, hair loss, and wrinkles.
Japanese diabetes expert Makita Yoshiji shared a case in which a 43-year-old diabetic patient wanted to improve his condition without medication. Makita advised him to add 3 grams of cinnamon powder to his coffee daily while reducing his carbohydrate intake. After four months, the patient’s glycated hemoglobin level dropped from 9.9 percent to 5.6 percent, bringing it into the normal range.
According to Sato Yoshihiro, the vice director of Omotesando Skin Clinic in Japan, consuming cinnamon can help prevent hair loss because its compound “syringaresinol” aids in repairing and strengthening capillaries, thereby improving blood circulation in the scalp.
Conclusion
Adding turmeric or cinnamon to your daily coffee is an easy and delicious way to enhance your health. These spices offer a range of benefits, from reducing inflammation and improving cardiovascular health to preventing hair loss and promoting better skin. So, the next time you’re brewing your cup of joe, try these simple additions to boost both flavor and health.
Translated by Eva, edited by Amanda
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