Coffee is a beloved morning ritual for many, but did you know that adding certain ingredients can transform your daily cup into a heart-healthy elixir? That’s right: while there are plenty of unhealthy coffee ingredients you’re better off avoiding, there are also a few helpful add-ins that can kick your cup of joe up a notch every morning and do wonders for your heart health over time.
To learn about some of the best things you can sprinkle into your cup of coffee for a healthier heart, we spoke to Lisa Andrews, MEd, RD, LD and Dr. John Lowe, MD from Restore Care. They told us that tasty ingredients like oat milk, almond milk, cinnamon, and even cocoa can give your heart a boost. Who knew?! Find all of their expert insight on the benefits of each below.
1. Oat Milk
Oat milk is not only a delicious plant-based alternative to cow's milk and unhealthy creamers, but Andrews tells us it's also a potent tool for lowering cholesterol and, in turn, promoting heart health. "It contains soluble fiber, which may aid in cholesterol reduction," she says. With 2 grams of fiber per serving, commercial oat milk provides a significant boost to your daily fiber intake, essential for heart health. Sign us up!
2. Almond milk
If oat milk isn't your thing, here's another non-dairy milk that could do some good for your heart. According to Lowe, almonds offer up heart-healthy monosaturated fats, fiber, and plant sterols that have been proven to bring down LDL cholesterol. "When you blend almonds with almond milk and add it to your coffee, you get a creamy texture with extra heart-healthy benefits," she tells us. Yum!
3. Cocoa
You may think you have to sacrifice chocolate-y coffee drinks if you want a healthier body. However, this isn't necessarily the case. In fact, Andrews tells us that adding some cocoa to your cup could be a great idea if you want to promote a healthier heart. "Cocoa is a source of antioxidants as well as fiber," she says. A tablespoon of cocoa packs 2 grams of dietary fiber, but its benefits extend beyond that. Research suggests that regular intake of cocoa in milk can lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and increase HDL (good) cholesterol levels. It's as simple as stirring in a spoonful of cocoa powder to your morning brew for a heart-healthy boost.
4. Cinnamon
Enhancing your coffee with a dash of cinnamon not only adds warmth and flavor but also delivers heart-protective benefits. Andrews explains, "Cinnamon contains antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and cholesterol." Studies using cinnamon extract have demonstrated positive results in reducing cholesterol levels. In addition, cinnamon extract has been shown to lower glucose, insulin, and cholesterol levels in individuals with elevated serum glucose, further highlighting its potential as a heart-healthy ingredient. Plus, it might even boost your metabolism. Wins all around!
The bottom line
There are many healthy habits you should follow for your heart, and it's important to remember that there's no miracle solution. However, incorporating these surprising ingredients into your daily coffee routine can be a simple yet effective way to support your heart health and improve cholesterol levels. So, next time you reach for your coffee mug, consider enhancing it with these heart-loving additions for a delicious and heart-healthy start to your day.
