SUGAR AND SPICE AND EVERYTHING NICE—FOR YOUR COFFEE!
By Lisa Frania, Guest Blogger
Rotten stomachs, acid reflux, and other digestive “issues” may be too much of a bummer for some consumers and prompt them to find another beverage option instead of a cup of coffee.
For these reasons, some people may not believe that coffee is actually good for you.
(Photo by @theguthealthmd on Instagram)
Besides being good for our brains and hearts, Well + Good reminds us that coffee is also good for our stomachs because coffee contains micronutrients that we get through plant-based foods. These micronutrients, polyphenols, feed the good bacteria in our guts.
If you need some inspiration to continue—or start—a morning coffee habit, Well + Good cites Will Bulsiewicz, M.D., a gastroenterologist and the author of Fiber Fueled, who claims, “Coffee itself isn’t the problem, but rather, it’s the garbage we add to it.”
So instead of adding the garbage like heavy cream, a bunch of sugar, flavorings, or other calorie-rich and unhealthy additives, Dr. Bulsiewicz suggests adding these three spices that can make that morning cup of coffee even more gut-healthy!
- Ginger
“Ginger reduces inflammation and also improves intestinal function,” according to Dr. Bulsiewicz. Ginger reduces gas and bloating and ultimately relieves digestive irritation and even nausea.
- Turmeric
Turmeric, a spice unfamiliar to most, is an herb related to ginger that also contributes to reducing inflammation in the stomach. “Turmeric . . . can help reduce inflammation [in the] intestines and improve intestinal barrier function,” which can protect against a weakened lining in the intestines.
- Cinnamon
Adding cinnamon offers a two-fold benefit for gut-healthy coffee. It’s a “natural way to sweeten up your coffee without using sugar and it sweetens up the nutritional density of your brew, too,” according to Well + Good.
Honestly, I just drink coffee simply for the taste of it. But now we all have reason to drink it for the health of it too! So make your taste buds AND guts happy and healthy and brew a cup today!
Follow Dr. Bulsiewicz on Instagram, @theguthealthmd
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