Healthy Ways To Boost Your Morning Coffee

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If you’re like me, then you can’t get your day started without a cup of coffee. If my boyfriend so much as attempts to have a real conversation with me before I’ve had my java, I give him a stare that I can only imagine makes him shake in his bones. My system simply isn’t firing on all cylinders. I can’t retain information. I don’t even have all my motor skills up and running yet. Coffee helps remove that morning fog from my brain. It seems to activate my muscles. And (sorry if TMI) it also helps things, um, get moving in the bathroom—as it does for many people. But did you know your coffee can do even more for you? If you’re already guzzling the stuff, you may as well put it to work. Here are little ways to boost your morning coffee.

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Try turmeric

This gorgeous gold spice has anti-inflammatory properties, which is one of the reasons the turmeric latte has become so popular. But you can sprinkle a little into your regular coffee, too.

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Sprinkle in cinnamon

If it’s cold and flu season, make sure to add some cinnamon to your morning java. High in antioxidants, it can boost your immunity, making a mug of cinnamon-infused coffee essential when riding the germ-filled bus or metro.

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Consider cacao

If the change of seasons has you down, don’t forget about good old-fashioned chocolate to cheer you up—cacao powder, to be exact. It’s an antidepressant and improves blood pressure and brain function.

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Add ginger

If it’s that time of the month, then you A) need coffee more than ever due to the brain fog and B) need ginger in your coffee because it can fight nausea and relieve cramps.

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Try mushroom powder

Don’t go putting portabellos in your joe, but try Cordyceps powder. It can boost energy, may have cancer-fighting properties, and is said to have anti-aging powers.

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Mix in maca

Maca powder, which comes from a root plant, has some surprising and fun benefits. It can boost energy as well as sex drive. Plus, it’s highly nutritious with plenty of amino acids.

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Heat up with cayenne powder

This will give you the jolt you need in the morning. Add some cayenne powder to your coffee. The hot stuff can improve circulation and may even relieve headaches.

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Bring in the butter

You’ve probably heard a bit about bulletproof coffee. The important ingredient here is grass-fed butter, which you can always add to your coffee. It changes the way your body utilizes fat, and can greatly improve brain function and energy levels.

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Drizzle in coconut oil

Coconut oil adds a nice richness to your coffee and has bacteria fighting properties. It also helps with brain function, and can improve cholesterol in some.

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Consume some collagen

If you haven’t heard about ingested collagen, it’s time you learn about it and add it to your coffee. The protein-rich stuff boosts connective tissue in your muscles and may hydrate the skin from within.

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Make oatmeal with coffee

Have you ever considered using hot coffee to cook those instant oats rather than hot water? Boom. Life. Changed. That’s caffeine and fiber, on the go.

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Add ashwagandha powder

This medicinal herb that’s also called Indian ginseng can be very effective at helping you fight stress.

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Try cardamom

This lovely spice may fight bacteria and prevent sickness from food-borne viruses. It’s good to have when traveling to new countries.

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Have ice cream with your coffee

If your period has you craving ice cream, consider putting an espresso over it. The coffee will counteract the sleepy effects of the melatonin-rich dairy.