What Each Ingredient Has To Offer?
Turmeric – Turmeric is well known to be beneficial as an anti-inflammatory. But it’s not very well absorbed on its own. Things that make those wonderful benefits more bio-available include added just a pinch of black pepper, taking it with some sort of fat, and applying heat to it for even a short amount of time.
Cinnamon – Cinnamon has been known to help with reducing inflammation. But it can also so more. It can improve insulin sensitivity, improve blood sugar levels, help fight bacterial/fungal infections, and help protect against cancer. IMPORTANT: not all cinnamons are created equal. The most beneficial cinnamon for your health is Ceylon cinnamon. Avoid the more toxic types of cinnamon like Cassia and Saigon.
Coffee – Coffee has been shown to have a variety of benefits. And not just waking you up in the morning. Coffee contains antioxidants and may be linked to reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes, supporting brain health, protecting your liver from damage, supporting heart health, reducing risk of some cancers, and increasing longevity. GRIZZEE: Ethically sourced and roasted to order coffee!
Chai Tea – Chai tea is an Indian tea full of aromatic spices including cinnamon, ginger, clove . . . It also contains black tea which is well known for its health benefits. Chai tea may help with heart health, digestion, controlling blood sugars, and reducing inflammation.
MCT Oil – MCT oil is a compound found in coconut oil and is becoming one of the newest health crazes. Is said to promote weight loss, manage blood sugars, reduce factors for heart disease, prevent lactate acid build up, help manage autism, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s. The fatty acids are antimicrobial, antifungal for fighting yeast and bacterial growth.
Cocoa Powder – Cocoa contains flavanols and polyphenols that are beneficial to your health. It can potentially help with blood flow, your mood, and act as an anti-inflammatory.
Which Sweetener Is Best?
Sugar is inflammatory, PERIOD. So, if this is a drink you plan on drinking regularly, I would recommend using a sugar alternative. Safe sugar alternatives include stevia, erythritol, monk fruit, and allulose.
If sugar alternatives are not your thing. Then opt for more natural sugars like date sugar, molasses, honey, coconut sugar. But again, these are still ultimately sugars that will spike your insulin and can be counterproductive in those who are suffering from health issues like diabetes.
Which Dairy Is Best?
Again, if this is a drink you’re going to enjoy regularly. I would shy away from dairy milk unless it’s organic grass fed. However, I’m also not truly a fan of store-bought nuts milks from the store because of the additives used to thicken them up. If I do use nut milk, I make my own with real nuts. My milk of choice is canned coconut milk like the one found here. I like that canned coconut stores well. Once opened, it can be put in the fridge for roughly 5 days. I use 2-3 tablespoons of the canned coconut, and then mix it with about a cup of water. You can tell if the canned coconut has gone bad if it starts getting more of a soapy taste or smell.
*Picture from Pixabay
Sources:
7 Science-Based Benefits of MCT Oil (healthline.com)
9 Health Benefits of Coffee, Based on Science (healthline.com)
How Chai Tea Can Improve Your Health (healthline.com)
10 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Cinnamon (healthline.com)
11 Health and Nutrition Benefits of Cocoa Powder (healthline.com)
Cocoa Powder: Health Benefits, Nutrients per Serving, Preparation Information, and More (webmd.com)
Anti-Inflammatory, Probiotic, Hot Cocoa Coffee
Ingredients
- 1 cup Milk (dairy, coconut, nut)
- 1 tablespoon Cocoa Powder
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon Turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1/16 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 tablespoon Sweetener Of Choice (stevia, maple syrup, honey)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Brewed Coffee (optional)
- 1 tea bag Chai Tea (optional)
- 1-3 teaspoons MCT Oil (optional)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan add your milk, cocoa powder, turmeric, black pepper, cinnamon. Heat on low to medium. Stir everything in as it's heats.
- In your coffee mug, add the tea bag, MCT oil, coffee, and sweetener.
- Once the saucepan is hot and simmering, pour it into your coffee cup. Give it a gentle stir and allow the tea bag roughly 5 minutes to steep before removing the tea bag and enjoying your beverage.
