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!