I’m often asked this question. My view is that it’s fine to have one cup of coffee per day, before noon, provided that the cup contains about five to six ounces (none of those giant-sized jolts of java, please).
Coffee’s health benefits may come from a substance called kahweol, a super-food with powerful antioxidant benefits. It’s the caffeine that’s controversial. If you metabolize caffeine slowly in the liver (this applies to people who are usually sensitive to medications) caffeine can have detrimental effects on the heart and blood pressure. If you metabolize caffeine quickly, you won’t have the same detrimental effect. However, caffeine does constrict blood flow to the brain and can affect sleep patterns if consumed later in the day.
Click here to learn more about the negative effects of too much caffeine.
Here’s one of my favorite morning brews which is really only 1/4 caffeinated. Adding coconut oil and ghee provides short- and medium-chain fatty acids to support gut health. It also makes the cappuccino creamy and creates some amazing foam. However, if you’re calorie conscious, simply eliminate the oils and you’ll reduce the calories by more than half:
Servings: 2
INGREDIENTS
1 pot Organic 1/2 caffeinated coffee (1/2 regular coffee and 1/2 decaffeinated coffee for brewing)
2 cups plain almond milk preferably unsweetened
8 drops pumpkin flavored liquid stevia (Sweet Leaf brand is my favorite)
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1-2 teaspoons ghee (optional)
cinnamon (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Using a coffeemaker of your choice, brew a pot of half-caffeinated coffee, using equal parts caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee. If you prefer, you may use only decaffeinated coffee.
- While coffee is brewing, heat 2 cups almond milk. If heating on stove top, watch closely; almond milk boils over quickly. If heating in the microwave, place in microwave-safe cup and heat for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Pour 2 cups coffee, warm milk, and all other ingredients in a blender and cover.
- Blend for 10 to 15 seconds, until froth begins to form.
- Divide between two large mugs and dust each mug with cinnamon as desired.
Check out my selection of delicious and healthy coffee recipes in The Brain Warrior’s Way Cookbook.
