Four Healthy Ways To Flavor Your Coffee Without Sugar
By Becky Parr
September 29 is #NationalCoffeeDay. For many of us, coffee is a staple in our diet. In fact, Americans consume an average of 3.2 cups of coffee a day!
While coffee has many health benefits, such as reducing risk of diabetes and Alzheimer’s, adding lots of cream and sugar to your coffee can negate some of those benefits and have a negative impact on your waistline.
Think coffee is too bitter on its own? Try one of these four ways to flavor your coffee without adding cream or sugar.
1. Vanilla extract. Try adding a few drops of vanilla extract as a sugar substitute. An average serving of vanilla syrup clocks in at 20 grams of sugar, while vanilla extract has none. So if you’re a vanilla latte aficionado try vanilla extract to get your fix.
2. Cinnamon. This common spice cabinet favorite has a whole host of health benefits including lowering blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Try adding a sprinkle to your coffee for a warm flavor.
3. Salt. Sounds ludicrous but adding a pinch of salt to your coffee can decrease the bitterness. Try it and be surprised!
4. Unsweetened cocoa powder. If you like chocolate, try adding a little unsweetened cocoa powder to your morning brew. It will take the bitterness out and take the taste to a whole new level.
References
Top 13 Evidence Based Health Benefits of Coffee
10 Proven Benefits of Cinnamon
Becky Parr is an orthopedic physical therapist, running enthusiast, and mother of 1 active toddler. She is a member of Coffman YMCA.
