If you’re like many people, you drink coffee most days. Whether that’s to wake you up in the morning, for a boost in energy, or to provide a sense of comfort, drinking coffee has become a habit.
This habit presents a great opportunity – by adding extra goodness to your cuppa, you can add goodness to your diet on a daily basis. Here are 5 ways you can make your coffee not only taste great but provide you with plenty of nutrients!
- Cacao
That’s right, create your very own mocha – a favourite in many coffee shops due to the irresistible combination of coffee and chocolate. Add a smooth chocolatey indulgence to your regular coffee by simply mixing in two or three teaspoons of Cacao Powder.
This is no ordinary mocha, however! Your coffee will now provide you with a beneficial boost of iron, magnesium, copper, potassium, and fibre, not to mention loads of antioxidants – a pretty epic start to the day.
- Maca
Luckily, Maca powder has a deliciously mild, nutty flavour, making it an extremely versatile superfood. This means what it won’t do is ruin your coffee’s flavour, but what it certainly will do is add a whole lot of goodness to it!
Maca provides a plant-based source of vitamin B2, which contributes to a normal functioning immune system, helping you fight off any baddies. Traditionally used to enhance fertility, Maca may also help balance hormone levels.
- Create an iced coffee protein shake
Why not turn your wake-me-up cuppa into a creamy and scrumptious coffee protein shake?! This is simply a twist on a really easy protein shake – but with coffee as the star of the show.
Why is it great for you? Protein is found in pretty much every cell in your body. You’re a human therefore you need protein in your diet - it’s really that simple! Beyond aiding muscle growth and recovery, protein keeps your bones strong, metabolism healthy, and plays a critical role in oxygen transportation throughout the body.
Ingredients for one iced coffee protein shake:
- 1tsp Instant coffee
- 1 Banana
- 1-2 tbsp Funktional Foods Vanilla / Chocolate protein powder
- 400ml Almond milk
- 1 tbsp Agave (if you’ve got a sweet tooth)
- 1 handful of ice
Give this lot a whizz about in a blender.
- Cinnamon
Add a bit of festive flavour to your coffee! Cinnamon has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years and has high antioxidant activity. Cinnamon may also support heart health and your immune system. We recommend adding about half a teaspoon and if you can, make sure it’s Ceylon, which is higher quality and better for regular consumption!
- Turmeric
This may seem like an acquired taste, but coffee and turmeric make for quite a delicious pairing. It’s a fairly mild spice, with a smooth, earthy taste, so no need to worry about it overpowering or making your coffee bitter. Besides, turmeric has great anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Adding a teaspoon to your coffee could help prevent oxidative stress, reduce inflammation and fight off certain illnesses.
