14 Ways to Boost Your Coffee With Vitamins

Medically Reviewed on 8/12/2022
14 Ways to Boost Your Coffee With Vitamins
One way to start your day with a boost is to add vitamins and antioxidants into your morning cup of coffee

Most of us need coffee to jumpstart our day. But while making coffee in the morning is something you may never forget to do, it can be easy to forget to take your daily vitamins.

So one way to start your day with a boost is to add vitamins and antioxidants to your morning cup of coffee. That way you get your caffeine fix along with other nutrients that will provide you with energy and enhance your health.

Here are 14 ways to add vitamins to your coffee.

14 ways to boost your coffee with vitamins

1. Cacao

Raw cacao powder is not only tasty but also nutritious. Cacao is the highest plant-based source of iron. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Studies have shown that cacao also has anti-depressive effects that can help regulate mood. 

You can add 1 tablespoon of raw cacao powder into your coffee for an extra boost of nutrients.

2. Maca

Maca powder is derived from the root of the plant and contains about 20 amino acids, including 8 of the 9 essential amino acids, as well as several trace vitamins such as vitamin B6. According to studies, maca root may boost libido and fertility in men and relieve menopausal symptoms. 

Taking about 1-3 tablespoons of maca a day is recommended. However, maca has an earthy flavor, so you may want to add less than that.

3. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is high in minerals and antioxidants and loaded with about 41 beneficial chemical compounds that can lower inflammation, reduce sugar levels, ease nausea, and boost your immune system.

You can brew your coffee with ½-1 teaspoon of cinnamon or simply stir it into your cup to take advantage of the health benefits.

4. Turmeric

Turmeric is rich in a phytochemical called curcumin, which is a potent antioxidant that helps lower inflammation and has been linked to a reduction in the severity of numerous health problems. Studies have shown that using curcumin in your coffee may benefit brain health by increasing the concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factors. Turmeric also has antiviral, antifungal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.

If you can stand the flavor, adding a pinch of black pepper along with turmeric can help improve curcumin absorption in the body.

5. Ginger

Ginger is a great way to spice up your morning coffee. Ginger contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds such as gingerol that can help ease pain and promote digestion. Studies have suggested that ginger can also help lower bad cholesterol levels.

Finely chopping or grating raw ginger and adding a teaspoon into your coffee will provide the greatest benefits and the richest flavor. 

6. Cardamom

If you want to add a unique flavor to your coffee, cardamom is an excellent option. Cardamom is used in Ayurvedic medicine for a wide range of ailments and is believed to enhance blood circulation and lower cholesterol levels. Cardamom is also rich in fiber and essential minerals.

You can sprinkle a pinch of cardamom in your cup of coffee or even add whole cardamom seeds into your coffee beans before grinding.

7. Mushrooms

Mushrooms can add a boost of antioxidants to your coffee. They are high in B vitamins including B1 (thiamine) and B5, as well as dietary fiber, which are all beneficial for brain health. Studies have shown that these vitamins increase nerve growth factors in the brain, preventing memory loss and improving cognitive function. 

You can try different mushroom powders to add to your coffee, such as Cordyceps or Reishi.

8. Collagen

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, and it is required for every cell to function. Adding a scoop of collagen to your coffee can help relieve joint discomfort, promote healthy bones, increase muscle mass, and combat wrinkles. In addition, collagen contains several beneficial amino acids and is naturally gluten-free.

9. Coconut milk

If you are lactose intolerant or eliminating dairy from your diet, coconut milk is an excellent coffee creamer substitute. Coconut milk is low in calories and high in medium-chain saturated fatty acids, which boost immunity and contain a healthy amount of iron, magnesium, and vitamins C, E, and B, all of which are beneficial for your health.

10. Grass-fed butter

Adding grass-fed butter to your coffee can help provide you with a variety of nutrients such as conjugated linoleic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, beta-carotene, antioxidants, and vitamins A, K, D, and E. These nutrients can help boost energy levels as well as curb your appetite.

11. Hazelnut oil

Hazelnut oil contains fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats such as oleic acid, which is easily absorbed by the body and helps lower cholesterol and regulate blood sugar.

Since hazelnut oil is potent, however, you may want to experiment with which amounts work well in your coffee.

12. Peppermint oil

Peppermint oil is rich in minerals and vitamins. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, peppermint oil can help relieve sore muscles and soothe stomach problems such as indigestion, heartburn, and nausea.

Similar to hazelnut oil, peppermint oil may be best in small amounts when added to a cup of coffee.

13. L-carnitine

L-carnitine is an essential component of your metabolism and is involved in the conversion of foods into energy. L-carnitine interacts with several of the substances in coffee, helping sustain the energy provided by the caffeine while preventing jitters.

According to studies, L-carnitine works best when taken in low doses. You can try dissolving some in your coffee in small amounts.

14. L-theanine

L-theanine is an amino acid found naturally in tea that boosts alpha brain waves. It works in tandem with caffeine and can reduce the negative effects of coffee, such as poor sleep quality and anxiety while increasing the favorable effects.

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Medically Reviewed on 8/12/2022
References
Image Source: iStock image

Consumers’ Perceptions of Coffee Health Benefits and Motives for Coffee Consumption and Purchasing: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6471209/

THE IMPACT OF MILK IN YOUR COFFEE – THE GOOD AND THE BAD: https://www.coffeescience.org/impact-milk-in-coffee-good-bad/

Simple ways to make your coffee healthier: https://thrive.kaiserpermanente.org/thrive-together/eat-healthy/simple-ways-make-your-coffee-healthier

Make Your Coffee Healthier: Best Sweeteners, Milks, Spices: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/make-your-coffee-healthier-5-tips/