8 Ways to Make Coffee Healthy

Drinking coffee can sometimes be beneficial for your health. Caffeine can boost physical performance, enhance concentration, and may even aid in burning fat.

However, coffee can also have some unwanted side effects, especially when consumed in excessive amounts. Known risks include an increased heart rate, breathlessness, upset stomach, nausea, and trouble falling asleep.

If you want to enjoy your caffeine fix while keeping it healthy, read on! We'll share some tips on how you can make the most of every cup without any regrets.

The Best Tips for Enjoying Healthy Coffee

From improving brain health to supporting heart function, coffee can provide a long list of health benefits. To capitalize on these perks, keep the following tips in mind.

1. Choose Healthier Coffee

Not all coffees are created equal. Spend time researching to differentiate between them, especially in terms of health benefits.

For example, consider stocking up on mushroom coffee. Mushrooms can improve sleep, reduce stress, boost energy levels, soothe muscles, and support the immune system.

Look for a high-quality brand of coffee, preferably organic. Synthetic pesticides and other chemicals often used in growing coffee beans can put your health at risk. By choosing organic, you can have more peace of mind.

2. Pick the Right Brewing Method

There is much debate about the best way to brew coffee. For a healthier caffeine fix, a good option is one that uses a paper filter. Thus, when comparing French press vs pour-over, pour-over is the healthier choice.

Using pour-over as the brewing method of choice results in coffee with less cafestol—a compound that could negatively impact cholesterol levels—and fewer acidic components that can cause digestive discomfort.

3. Choose the Right Roast

Your choice of roast impacts the health benefits of coffee. Roasting beans creates a deeper flavor, but excessive heat exposure can break down health compounds like polyphenols and antioxidants.

If you want to enjoy coffee with higher antioxidants, opt for a light roast. Regardless of the roast, make sure that you do not exceed the recommended daily caffeine intake.

4. Switch to Natural Sweeteners

Many of us add sweeteners to our coffee. While it's fine to enjoy it black, those craving a sweeter flavor often use sugar. However, many commercial sugars contain a high amount of fructose. Limiting your fructose intake can promote better metabolic and blood sugar health.

For those with a sweet tooth, consider experimenting with natural sweeteners, such as honey or agave nectar, which can satisfy your cravings.

5. Ditch the Creamer

The creamer can be a culprit for health risks associated with your caffeine fix. Many commercial creamers are loaded with artificial, highly processed, and questionable ingredients.

Instead of an artificial creamer, consider adding full-fat cream from a grass-fed cow. It's a great source of calcium that can help strengthen and support your bones and also contains vitamin K, which is beneficial for bone health.

6. Add Coconut Oil

Adding coconut oil to your coffee is a popular choice for those following a low-carb and high-fat diet. It can help achieve ketosis, a state in which the body burns fat instead of glucose for fuel. Additionally, it contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are believed to improve energy levels, speed up metabolism, and help maintain healthy cholesterol levels already within the normal range.

While coconut oil can significantly alter the flavor and can be overwhelming, start with no more than one tablespoon to preserve the natural taste of your cup of joe.

7. Flavor it with Turmeric

For an unusual but delightful twist, consider adding turmeric to your coffee. Also known as the golden spice, turmeric will add a golden hue and give your coffee a unique flavor.

Turmeric is also known for its health benefits, such as joint and cardiovascular support. The primary beneficial component of turmeric, curcumin, can be difficult for the body to absorb. A quick fix is to add black pepper, which contains piperine, a compound that can improve turmeric absorption. If you prefer not to add these spices directly to your coffee, you can also include a combo supplement during breakfast.

8. Enjoy Coffee in Moderation

Lastly, it's best to enjoy coffee in moderation. According to the Food and Drug Administration, a healthy adult should limit caffeine intake to a maximum of 400 milligrams daily, which is equal to four to five cups of coffee. Exceeding this amount can trigger restlessness, feelings of anxiousness, nausea, and more.

Get a Healthy Start to Your Day

You can make coffee healthier by selecting the right roast, choosing the right ingredients, opting for a healthier brewing process, and enjoying the beverage in moderation.

Lydia Nash is a resident writer of Caffe Streets. She's passionate about brews and even took a barista course to experience it professionally. When she's not writing, you can find her in her garden talking to her daisies.