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Is There a Healthy Way to Drink Coffee?
Coffee has long been a necessity in our daily morning ritual, from awakening us and helping to focus our minds, all the way to improving exercise performance. Plus, its antioxidant benefits make it an invaluable part of daily health and fitness regimens.
However, how we drink our coffee can have a major effect on our health. Consuming too much added sugar, milk and cream may increase caloric intake and lead to higher risk for heart disease; improper stirring could cause acid reflux or generate unwanted foam; while slurping and spitting out can be unpleasant and gross experiences.
If you want to enjoy your coffee without its downsides, there is a healthy way to do it. Select beans from high altitude areas such as Ethiopia or Central and South America which contain more polyphenols – powerful antioxidants which provide coffee’s health benefits.
Next, ensure you brew it properly. Hot brewed coffee contains less acid than its iced or instant counterparts and requires less water to make. Cold brew coffee also boasts lower acid levels than its peers – perfect if you suffer from acid reflux or digestive issues!
One great alternative to reduce froth is adding some milk or cream. Not only will this keep the froth down, but it’s a good source of calcium as well! Just remember not to go overboard; one pump of creamer contains about one teaspoon of sugar per dose while one teaspoon equals two slices of white bread!
If you must add sugary sweeteners, choose natural ones instead of processed ones – there are numerous natural sweeteners out there which can help reduce calories and fat intake while studies have proven that those who drink unsweetened coffee live longer than those who don’t drink it!
Avoid overconsumption of caffeine each day to prevent heart rate and blood pressure increases and disrupted sleep patterns. Aim for one or two cups a day at most; avoid late-day consumption as that could interfere with restful restful slumber, leading to anxiety, stress and other potential complications.
Overall, experts agree that coffee isn’t inherently unhealthy for you, but excessive drinking could have adverse consequences. So be smart when drinking your cup of joe and reap all its health benefits – just remember to drink in moderation! And if any adverse side effects arise from drinking too much coffee, consult your physician as soon as possible; they can identify potential sleep or anxiety-related causes and suggest ways to manage symptoms effectively so you can get back on track quickly. Need help overcoming anxiety or managing daily stresses? BetterHelp counselors are here to assist – contact our team of counselors today so we can help you live your best life!