Superfood Coffee
/We all have our sleepless nights, whether it be from children, or because you stayed up all night writing a paper that you procrastinated on for a month that is now due tomorrow.
For some of us, a cup of joe is our safe haven in the morning and the only thing that gets us through the day. But why not add some amazing ingredient that makes it even better for you?
I came up with this recipe from a mixture of other recipes and it's so good I had to share!
First, I'm going to list each ingredient and its benefits. Then at the end, I'll give you the recipe.
Turmeric
Turmeric is known for its non-steroidal anti-inflammatory properties to help fight off illness and heal injuries.
Ceylon or Saigon Cinnamon
Cinnamon is best for leveling blood sugar levels as well as aiding digestion. It also adds a great flavor to the coffee.
Ginger
Ginger is used for treating indigestion, can improve symptoms of nausea, and can relieve pain related to rheumatoid arthritis. Ginger is good as a tea additive for a pregnant woman who has morning sickness. Another great time to add ginger is for those who are hungover and feeling nauseous.
Maca
Maca is a cruciferous plant native to Peru and is wonderful for balancing hormones, enhance fertility and sex drive, and improving mood! Studies have also shown improved energy and stamina. It also contains Vitamin C, Copper, and Iron. I had hormone related issues and started adding this to my coffee and it has made a difference in balancing everything including my mood.
Cayenne
Cayenne is good to increase your metabolism, boost your immune system and helps clear congestion. I like it because it adds a spicy kick to the coffee and pairs well with the cinnamon.
Cacao
Cacao is an amazing superfood especially when it comes to sleepless nights. Not only is it chocolate, it contains flavanols and polyphenols. Flavanols have been linked to improved circulation and heart health. Also, when not sleeping well throughout the night (especially for those who have a newborn) consuming cocoa can actually counteract the cognitive impairment that lack of sleep can cause! Cocao is also known to improve cognition in young adults and protect elderly from cognitive decline. I use the Cocoavia brand because other cocoa brands have been found to have lead and cadmium levels that exceed safety standards. (www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/06/170629101648.htm).
Get CocoVia on amazon below!
Coconut Oil (non-hydrogenated)
Coconut oil is needed in order for our bodies to absorb the turmeric. You can also use black pepper, but I have chosen coconut oil for its other properties. Coconut oil actually has many amazing benefits. It can increase metabolism, suppress appetite, lower cholesterol, and can aid in memory retention!
So how can coconut oil increase metabolism and aid in weight loss if it’s a fat? Studies show that unlike other fats that are long chain fatty acids (LCFA) coconut oil, however, is a medium chain fatty acid (MCFA) with 47% lauric acid. Medium chain fatty acids are metabolized differently than the long chain. When ingested MCFA’s get absorbed easily in the GI tract without pancreatic enzymes to break them down. They then go to the liver and are immediately used as energy instead of stored as fat. Isn't that an awesome science fact for you! ha. https://www.foundmyfitness.com/ebook/Coconut_Oil_Report.pdf
Coffee
Studies have suggested that drinking coffee can decrease the risk of heart diseases, improve insulin sensitivity, and lower the risk of type 2 diabetes and Parkinson's disease. It also wakes you up and gives you energy, (duh) which is great for sleepless nights. (https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/healthy-drinks/other-healthy-beverage-options/)
Ingredients:
1 cup of coffee (or 1-2 shots of espresso)
Almond milk (or milk/half and half of your choice, I enjoy Almond milk with almond milk vanilla creamer, that way I dont have to add sugar)
1/2 teaspoon Vanilla extract (optional if you use Vanilla almond milk or vanilla milk creamer)
1 tbsp raw cacao powder (I use Cocoa Vida packets, read the section "Cacao" for why I do )
1 teaspoon Maca powder
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of ground ginger
pinch of cayenne pepper (I like to add a little extra to give it a spicy kick!)
1/4 teaspoon of coconut oil
Instructions
Mix all ingredients well, and enjoy!
P.S The best way to mix everything and it not get clumpy is to fill your cup half full, add everything, stir vigorously. Then fill it the rest of the way up!
