Nutritionists who believe that coffee shouldn’t be included in one’s daily diet are quite rare. But until recently, many nutritionists believed that having only one cup of coffee per day was ideal. Fortunately, after various high-profile publications that have specifically stated it is good to drink more, such as the US Department of Agriculture’s Dietary Guidelines for all Americans, many nutritionists have re-evaluated the way they look at coffee — phew!
So as more and more people become aware that coffee is not detrimental to health but is, in fact, beneficial, the question has changed from “Should I drink coffee?” to “How do I make my coffee drinking healthier?”.
Here are six simple yet effective tips for healthier coffee drinking:
Tip 1: Choose Organic
Healthier coffee drinking starts with choosing a healthier brand of coffee. Traditional coffee brands use a variety of pesticides while growing their coffee plants. It is inevitable that some traces of those pesticides can be found on the harvested coffee beans. In addition, avoid flavoured coffee. These coffee brands typically derive their added flavour from artificial flavourings. There is an increasing number of organic coffee brands out there today. Though more expensive than conventional brands, organic coffee brands use coffee that is meticulously grown without the use of pesticides and processed without adding artificial flavouring and other synthetic ingredients. To get even healthier, try Palinoia Coffee. We lab test our roasting process to ensure we get the highest amount of antioxidants while also maintaining a great taste.
Tip 2: Ditch the Sugar
Most people add sugar to their coffee because they find black coffee can be too bitter. It’s common knowledge that sugar is something to avoid when you’re trying to go on a healthy diet. It will take some getting used to but your palette will eventually adjust to the bitterness. If you really struggle with the bitterness, try using natural sweeteners such as cream or stevia.
Tip 3: Buy Whole Beans & Grind Them at Home
Most Australians buy granulated coffee since it’s easier to prepare. Unfortunately, no matter how well the manufacturer packages the coffee, there will always be a loss of flavour and nutrients each time the container is opened. Even if it only takes you five seconds to open the container and get the amount of coffee granules you need, the brief exposure to oxygen and moisture will still cause the flavour and nutrients to deteriorate. If you want your coffee to be as fresh and as nutritious as possible, it’s best to buy whole coffee beans instead of coffee granules. Then, you just grind some of the beans each time you want some coffee. It will require a little more effort but it is definitely worth it for the health benefits you get from good coffee.
Tip #4: Drink 3 to 5 Cups per Day
More coffee is better for one’s health. The USDA recommends up to 400 milligrams of caffeine each day. This translates to three to five cups of coffee per day depending on the size of each serving. Countless studies show that drinking at least three cups of coffee on a daily basis reduces the risks of developing a plethora of illnesses such as Type 2 Diabetes, Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, and even certain cancers.
Tip 5: Drink Coffee After a Meal or Snack
Most people start their day with a cup of coffee. It’s to help wake them up and get them ready for the day to come. This is actually not the best way to drink your coffee. Caffeine can suppress your appetite so a cup of coffee before breakfast can cause you to eat less than you should. Drinking coffee on an empty stomach can also lead to a sharp drop in blood sugar. This, in turn, can lead to sugar craving later in the day. So, if you can, drink your coffee after a meal, or, at the very least, along with a decent snack.
Tip #6: Take the Time to Enjoy It
Coffee tastes amazing so enjoy drinking it. Enjoying food actually triggers an influx of good hormones inside the body. Enjoying your coffee also helps alleviate stress and anxiety. Taking the time to enjoy your after-breakfast coffee can set you in a good mood for the rest of the day.
Coffee is one incredible beverage. For more useful tips on how to make the most out of your coffee, check us out at Palinoia Coffee. We are committed to making the best coffee in the world readily available to the people of Australia.