Many of us rely on a delicious cup of coffee to get our day started every morning. Luckily, not only does this popular beverage give us the energy boost we need to take on the day, but it can also offer a range of health benefits. And in some cases, adding the right ingredients to your cup could even take those benefits to the next level. If you haven’t considered spicing things up (literally), it may be time to add a bit of cinnamon to the mix.
While taking your coffee black is generally the best way to drink it for your overall health (because many popular ingredients out there can actually put your health at risk), cinnamon provides one fantastic alternative to your go-to sweetener. This tasty spice is packed with benefits. This is especially true when it comes to your heart. We spoke to registered dietitian Jesse Feder and health coach Joanna Wen to learn more; find all of their expert insight below.
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Cinnamon in coffee for heart health
With fall in full swing, cinnamon-flavored goodies are everywhere—so why not add your coffee to the list? And we're not talking about shelling out a small fortune for a Pumpkin Spice Latte every day (these can take a serious toll on your health). As it turns out, something as simple as sprinkling a bit of cinnamon in your mug every morning could do wonders for your heart health.
"Cinnamon goes great with coffee and has great heart health benefits," Feder tells us. He notes that this spice is "rich in antioxidants which are great for reducing inflammation throughout the body such as your blood vessels and heart."
Wen seconds this, adding that "Cinnamon is particularly rich in polyphenols, which are a type of antioxidant that has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including those that are specifically beneficial for heart health."
In addition to those heart-healthy antioxidants, cinnamon can even work to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of diabetes, which could be one risk factor of heart issues. Feder points out that this anti-inflammatory spice "can potentially lower your blood pressure which can put less stress on your heart," too.
The fact that cinnamon could help promote weight loss doesn't hurt, either. "Cinnamon can help suppress your appetite which can keep your weight under control which is very important for heart health," Feder points out.
Ultimately, of course, preventing heart disease is about more than just incorporating one spice into your diet. Keeping your heart in the best shape possible is about making smart choices every day and establishing healthy habits. However, spicing up your coffee with a bit of cinnamon's subtle sweetness definitely couldn't hurt.
