Spice up your brew: Enhancing coffee’s health benefits naturally
On a cloudy, rainy day, we often want to "enhance" the taste of our coffee. There's no need to buy syrups, which often contain a lot of sugar. The best additions to this beverage are definitely in your kitchen. Yes, we're talking about spices. They make coffee tastier and healthier.
18 November 2024 10:16
Coffee is one of our favourite beverages. We often start our day with it because it provides energy and improves concentration. After drinking it, blood flow in the brain increases, making it easier to think and focus. It is also one of the richest sources of antioxidants in our daily diet. These substances help neutralize free radicals, reducing the risk of heart disease, cancer, and premature aging.
Coffee has many benefits
Studies show that not only black coffee but also coffee with milk or plant-based beverages have beneficial effects. However, at this time of year, the health benefits of drinking this beverage are as important as the immediate effects we quickly feel. On cold mornings, it's about making coffee even more warming. During the entire fall-winter season, strengthening immunity is also crucial. Support in dealing with stress is always welcome. Coffee also aids digestion. All of this is possible thanks to spices, which are far more advantageous than adding syrups. Here are five spices that can also be combined.
The best spices for coffee
Cinnamon. It has an intense, slightly sweet flavour. You can add it to black coffee or prepare a milk foam with it. This spice has warming properties and also helps lower blood sugar levels. It has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. Cinnamon, like coffee, improves concentration and memory and reduces fatigue and sleepiness. That's why coffee with cinnamon is sure to work in the morning.
Ginger. Its flavour is slightly sharp. You can use ground ginger or fresh ginger. This spice is known for its warming properties. It stimulates blood circulation, which helps keep you warm during cold days. Additionally, it acts as a natural anti-inflammatory and stimulates the production of gastric juices, improving digestion and reducing the feeling of heaviness after meals.
Nutmeg. While we associate it with meat dishes, it works well in coffee, too. Its spicy flavour blends well with both black and milky coffee. It stimulates the nervous system, improving concentration and memory. It also helps alleviate stress and tension. The spice facilitates digestion, reduces bloating, and prevents stomach problems.
Cardamom. Coffee with this addition has an oriental aroma. It's very popular in the Middle East in this version. You can use ground cardamom or brew coffee with the seeds for a more intense flavour. Such a beverage will support digestion and even help with heartburn or bloating. It also has antibacterial properties.
Cloves. Their spicy aroma gives coffee a deep flavour. Cloves have strong anti-inflammatory effects. They also have antibacterial properties that help fight infections and aid digestion. They pair well with cinnamon and cardamom.
