Coffee is a beloved beverage enjoyed by countless people around the world for its rich flavor and caffeine kick. But there’s more to coffee than just a morning pick-me-up. It turns out that the addition of certain spices to your coffee can not only enhance its taste but also potentially boost your metabolism.
We spoke with Sheri Berger, RDN, CDCES, registered dietitian and nutrition consultant for Consumer Health Digest, and Lisa Richards, nutritionist and creator of the Candida Diet, to learn about two spices you can add to your coffee to boost your metabolism and make the most of your morning drink. Berger and Richards revealed that cinnamon and turmeric are the two spices you can incorporate into your coffee to enhance your metabolism and elevate your morning beverage.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon, celebrated for its warm and sweet flavor, is a versatile spice that has found its way into many coffee cups worldwide. Its aromatic and slightly spicy notes can elevate the taste of your morning brew. Beyond its culinary appeal, cinnamon is also believed to have a potential link to a faster metabolism.
Berger elaborates further and says, "Studies have shown that cinnamon is beneficial for increasing insulin sensitivity and improving blood sugar and cholesterol levels, which are key for weight loss and overall health."
Richards goes into detail and explains cinnamon's role when it comes to metabolism. "Cinnamon may help increase metabolism through several mechanisms. It can improve insulin sensitivity, allowing the body to regulate blood sugar levels more effectively. This, in turn, can reduce the likelihood of fat storage and promote the use of glucose for energy. Additionally, cinnamon may have a thermogenic effect, which means it can slightly raise your metabolic rate by increasing heat production in the body after consumption."
Turmeric
Turmeric, with its earthy and slightly peppery flavor, is a spice that has gained popularity for its unique taste and potential health benefits. While not a traditional coffee companion, some individuals have started incorporating turmeric into their coffee, creating a flavorful twist.
Turmeric contains an active compound called curcumin, which has been the subject of research due to its potential role in boosting metabolism and Berger adds to this by saying, "Turmeric contains a key compound, curcumin, that is linked to improved waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), and body weight according to several studies."
The Bottom Line
When it comes to adding these spices into your coffee, Berger recommends a few helpful tips in order to savor the flavors and maximize its benefits.
"Cinnamon can be added to brewed coffee or espresso beans before brewing to achieve the benefits and naturally sweet taste. When adding turmeric to coffee or espresso, be sure to add a dash of black pepper too since it is key to better absorption of curcumin. Some studies say adding black pepper with turmeric may boost curcumin absorption by over 2000%!"
