This post has been updated since its initial publish date to include more expert insight.
There’s nothing like starting your day off on the right foot with an energizing cup of coffee. In fact, not only will the caffeine give you the boost you need to take on the morning, but coffee also offers a whole range of health benefits, including the fact that it could help boost your metabolism and promote weight loss. Unfortunately, adding certain tasty ingredients, such as high-sugar creamer, can deter these benefits—but there’s one spice and sweetener option that health experts say could actually lead to faster weight loss (when you also have a balanced diet and consistently work out) when added to your coffee.
According to dietitians, adding cinnamon and monk fruit to your daily cup of joe can speed up your metabolism. To learn more, we spoke to Nataly Komova, a registered dietitian and fitness expert, Lisa Richards, a registered nutritionist and creator of The Candida Diet, and Dr. Ben Schuff, Director of Naturopathy & Nutrition at BIÂN. They told us all about the benefits of this sweet spice and sweetener. Read on for their insight!
1. Cinnamon
Next time you're reaching for sugar to sprinkle in your coffee for a little sweetness, go with cinnamon instead. While loading your morning beverage with sugar can lead to inflammation, blood sugar spikes, and weight gain, cinnamon boasts the opposite effect; health experts agree that this anti-inflammatory spice may help boost your metabolism.
"Cinnamon in coffee reduces inflammation and hyperglycemia and increases fat burning," Komova explains, noting that it can "help shed more calories and fight infections." All of these benefits work together to boost your metabolism. Plus, you won't have to sacrifice the flavor of your morning joe! "Cinnamon is a natural sweetener with a strong and fabulous flavor," she adds.
Dr. Schuff agrees that cinnamon is one of the best spices to maintain and boost your metabolic rate, partly thanks to the fact that it can help manage blood sugar levels. "Cinnamon is a versatile ingredient that has been used successfully as an adjunctive treatment of type 2 diabetes and metabolic disease by improving blood sugar management," he explains. And, cinnamon has been proven to improve memory and mood.
Overall, this inflammation-fighting spice is a fantastic addition to a range of recipes. Dr. Schuff suggests incorporating cinnamon into your daily diet to "help support metabolism, especially in those with metabolic risk factors determined by a doctor." And what better way to get your daily dose than in your cup of coffee?! Your taste buds and your body will thank you.
2. Monk Fruit
Another great alternative to sugar that is still healthy is a monk fruit sweetener, Richards explains. This product is also anti-inflammatory, making it great for your gut, a smoother metabolism, and digestion overall! "For those who must sweeten their coffee, I recommend using a low-fat dairy or plant-based option," Richards says.
"Monk fruit makes a great alternative to creamer and sugar for sweetening purposes as well," she adds, noting that it is naturally sweet and it is high in antioxidants. This, she says, means you are "not only avoiding inflammatory ingredients in processed creamers or sugar, but you are also giving your body anti-inflammatory nutrients." Sounds like a win-win!
The Bottom Line
So, there are plenty of healthy, natural sweetener alternatives. Experts agree that cinnamon or monk fruit are metabolism-boosting spices that can naturally sweeten your morning cup of coffee and help you shed some pounds in the process. Plus, cinammon and monk fruit provide other health benefits like fighting inflammation, improving memory, and boosting your mood.
