Almost every coffee drinker has a preference for how they take their morning cup of joe—hot or iced, black or with cream, sugar or no sugar. Unfortunately, many of the ingredients we add can take a serious toll on our healthy due to their high sugar and calorie content. However, there is one spice you may want to consider that will not only make your coffee taste better, but has also been shown to give your heart health a boost: cinnamon.
To learn more about this healthy spice and why adding it to your coffee is such a great idea, we spoke to registered dietitian Juliana Tamayo, editor of Fitness Clone. She told us all about the benefits of cinnamon (and coffee!) for your heart.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is great for more than just making sweet treats delicious! As it turns out, this spice is loaded with health benefits that can do wonders for your heart health.
Benefits of cinnamon for heart health
When it comes to healthy spices that can give your coffee an upgrade, cinnamon is one of the best options out there. "It has anti-inflammatory properties and also contains some antioxidants," Tamayo tells us. In fact, she notes that "studies suggest that cinnamon can also reduce LDL and triglyceride levels, two types of cholesterol that often lead to obesity and heart disease," which means adding a bit of this tasty spice to your morning cup of joe can be a great way to boost heart health over time.
But the benefits don't stop there; some studies have even shown that "cinnamon can reduce high blood pressure, particularly when consumed regularly," Tamayo goes on. This benefit shouldn't be underestimated, as "high blood pressure is common in Americans, often after being diagnosed with diabetes or as part of a metabolic disease." Who knew such a tasty ingredient could protect your body from so much?!
Benefits of coffee for heart health
Ok, so we know that regularly eating cinnamon can lead to a healthier heart. But how does adding it to coffee, specifically, play a role in your heart health? Not only does it add some delicious flavor to your drink, but it also adds to the benefits already offered by this beverage. "Coffee has known properties to prevent heart disease in habitual coffee drinkers," Tamayo states. "In fact, individuals that drink 1-2 cups a day have shown a reduced risk for heart disease and diabetes." Wow! This is largely thanks to the antioxidants found in coffee, which Tamayo notes "can help reduce cell damage and protect your heart against tissue damage."
So, the bottom line is that combining these heart-healthy options every morning is a fantastic idea, as long as you stick to 1-2 cups and don't go overboard. "Because both coffee and cinnamon work to deter the risk of heart disease, it can be a good idea to add this spice to your morning cup," Tamayo concludes.
