Coffee contains many health-promoting antioxidants, but if it’s packed with sugar and creamer it could quickly lose all its beneficial qualities. Luckily there are ways you can make your morning cup healthier.

Start by ditching sweeteners. Sugary-flavored additives not only pack on extra calories, but they can also produce artificial energy and sap vital nutrients from your body, leading to weight gain and nutritional deficiencies over time.

If you need sweeteners in your coffee, choose natural products such as maple syrup or honey with lower glycemic index values to help manage blood sugar. This will keep blood pressure under control.

Substituting plant milks for dairy milk may be ideal if you have lactose intolerance or are following a vegan diet, as they contain lower fat and more vitamins and minerals than conventional dairy milk varieties.

Your choice of coffee can also have an impact. A dark roast will have lower acidity than lighter roasts and may be easier on your stomach. Furthermore, shopping from local coffee shops that support sustainable agriculture is an excellent way to support those who grow it!

Enhance the flavor without adding more sugar by sprinkling cinnamon or nutmeg onto your cup – these spices have been known to promote digestive health while simultaneously lowering blood sugar levels.

As caffeine may interfere with sleep, try not to have coffee after 2 PM; if you decide to have any later in the day, aim for making it as small a cup as possible.

Switch to paper filters and abandon plastic lids on your cups for an even healthier coffee experience. Paper filters reduce cafestol – a diterpene which raises cholesterol in the blood – while still allowing caffeine and beneficial antioxidants through. If brewing at home is not an option, try purchasing an organic fair trade latte from your local coffee shop instead of prepackaged varieties.

Finally, you can boost the health benefits of your cup by adding superfoods and nutritious add-ins. According to registered dietitian Kelsey Lloyd MS RD LDN “it’s best to stick with whole foods when flavoring your coffee,” For example if you prefer vanilla lattes opt for real vanilla extract rather than artificial flavors; or add cinnamon, nutmeg, or food-grade lavender before brewing to give a tasty and healthful boost; these ingredients contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals which may aid digestion while managing blood sugar, managing weight management improving mood improvement and fighting inflammation.