Each day a person gets about three opportunities to up their nutrition in order to sustain them for that day and carry them through to the next. Make food into medicine by simply working healthy alternatives into your routine recipes. This way you don’t have to remember to choke down any pills, you can feel better from the start of your day.
Himalayan Salt
Yep, some people swear by just a pinch, it can help to absorb the anti oxygens the coffee bean has to offer and will leave you feeling less dehydrated after your warm brew.
Coconut Oil
If you’ve read about butter coffee, you will see people adding commercial MCT oils to it. Please skip that and go for coconut oil instead. This is another fatty brain food that is also anti-microbial without hurting the good cells. The best coconut oil is the least processed – organic and cold pressed. Get energy, better nutrition absorption, pain relief, weight loss and more.
Cardamom
This blessed spice is bursting with electrolytes, contains vitamin C, iron, fiber and other medicinal properties. It is amazing for all things digestive and is said to fight depression and cancer. The smell and taste are heavenly – you might not be able to go back to regular coffee after adding cardamom.
Cinnamon
Most North Americans use cassia which has high levels of coumarin, toxic to the liver. Ceylon cinnamon is shown to help with moods, weight loss, blood pressure, gut health, pain, oral health and more. It’s probably not used as much because it tastes much more subtle than typical store-bought cinnamon. Always get your organic spices in bulk from the health food store and transfer them in jars to preserve their taste.
Reishi Mushrooms
It takes awhile to notice, so please stick with it 3-5 times a week. I find buying the powder and adding it in is less expensive then buying Ganoderma coffee (Reishi-infused beans) or taking the supplements. In just one of my morning cups, I add between 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon. The fine powder does not stir well to be honest, however after doing this for a month, I find that I have less pain and a better immune system. Some people do find it to be bitter – it can be, but it has a taste that lends itself well to coffee. Reishi is wonderful for a struggling immune system.
Raw Cacao Powder
Raw cacao has minerals like magnesium and iron, flavonoids and antioxidants said to help prevent cancer and increase cardiovascular health. A little goes a long way. The jury’s still out on all the health hype – and so am I. But, chocolate cravings are real and to me, this powder beats a Hershey bar any day of the week.
Nutmeg/ Clove/ Ginger
Similar to cinnamon and cardamom, these are sweet spices loaded with medicinal properties. If they appeal to you in any way, explore some recipes and make your beverage your new medicine. If this is starting to sound sort of like Chai, well, it is similar!
Honorable Mentions:
Raw honey, maple syrup and coconut sugar are sweeteners that are less damaging than white refined sugar – but, I’m not sure that they qualify as superfoods for this purpose even though they do contain minerals and antioxidants. Regardless, ditching the cream, milk and sugar is always a good idea.
