Nothing beats starting your day right with an icy cup of iced coffee! Not only is this beverage delicious, it can help increase alertness and concentration throughout the day as well as reduce inflammation in your body while providing essential hydration – plus its packed full of antioxidants which protect against various diseases!

Iced coffee can be beneficial to health because it typically contains less sugar than its hot counterpart. Plus, without creamers or other added sweeteners that add unnecessary calories. For optimal results, choose an unsweetened option like almond milk as excessive sugar consumption has been linked with obesity, diabetes and other serious medical problems.

If you’re trying to limit calories, consider trying this low calorie iced coffee recipe which features coconut milk, maple syrup and spices such as cloves, nutmeg and cardamom. Enjoy blended or on the rocks; dairy-free with an option to switch it out with regular sugar or maple syrup as desired.

Protein can add another boost of nutrition to iced coffee. Try adding in some peanut butter, yogurt or protein powder as an option – they all offer fiber, healthy fats, vitamin E and calcium respectively – while protein powder increases satiety while also supporting lean muscle mass maintenance.

An iced coffee can provide you with an energy boost, making it ideal for exercise performance. Studies suggest that caffeine increases the rate at which muscles burn carbs as fuel and thus aiding exercise endurance.

Coffee has also been proven to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and lower blood pressure. Niacin and magnesium, two antioxidants known for their heart-protective benefits, can also be found in coffee. Furthermore, coffee may help lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels as well.

Next time you crave an iced coffee fix, make it yourself at home – it’s simple and cost-effective! For added freshness and taste, freeze some espresso into ice cubes that you can then drop into your drink when necessary to ensure an extra fresh taste! Or purchase pre-made versions made with whole milk without added sweeteners for even higher protein counts and lower calories than sweetened varieties.