Not Joe Bloggs, I mean Joe in a cup, also known as plain old coffee. The Joe reference derived from “a cup of jamoke” which was a common reference to coffee from the 1940s, it being a compound of java and mocha. But let’s stick to Joe for now.
Joe is to blame for the raised eyebrows in my direction when all and sundry in the health industry are going about business powered by a chamomile tea whilst I choose a double espresso and a shot of milk. It’s just not de rigeur in health circles to be a caffeine junkie.
Joe’s also to blame for the steady-price increases for property in areas I want to invest in. Gentrification is pretty much a word that now describes how many flat whites are ordered versus builder’s tea in the local cafe.
But Joe, all is forgiven. You can be good for me. Some studies say it reduces your risk of diabetes, heart disease, Parkinson’s disease and helps your body burn fat. One study by the American College of Sports Medicine found that having caffeine before exercise increased athletes’ endurance running and cycling performance by encouraging the body to convert stored fat into readily available energy. Plus, researchers at Tel Aviv University found that consuming coffee after lunch helped stabilise blood sugar levels mid-way through the day.
It’s not all good of course. Others claim it reduces your body’s ability to absorb vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and calcium, and can increase heart rate and feelings of anxiety.
However, if you are like me and refuse to give up your love affair with Joe no matter what, here’s how to make it healthier:
GO ORGANIC
Most coffee has been heavily sprayed with pesticides and fertilisers, which are potentially harmful to your health.
By going organic you maximise the number of antioxidants available in every cup of coffee you drink, as it is in a purer form. Plus, organic coffee is said to taste fuller and richer than chemical-laden varieties.
Making sure your coffee is both organic and fair trade will ensure your daily brew is beneficial for the environment and for the livelihood of all those people working on coffee plantations.
DITCH DAIRY
Across the pond in the US, almond milk lattes are leaving cow’s milk and soy versions for dust. If a latte every morning is your downfall make yours a healthier one with unsweetened almond milk. Almond milk is made from roasting or blanching the nut, mixing it with water, grinding it, and straining the pulp. It’s low fat, creamy and contains just 14 calories per 100ml compared to 50 in semi-skimmed cow’s milk.
ENJOY IT BLACK
Serve your coffee up straight and you’ll reduce your calorie intake significantly. The average coffee shop latte contains 400 calories – more than the average gym-goer burns during their workout. Plus, you’ll quickly learn to appreciate a really great tasting cup of Joe compared to instant granules.
GRIND YOUR BEANS
When coffee is processed heavily it doesn’t just lose its aroma and flavour, but the grinds are allowed to mix with the air, and the fragile antioxidants and vitamins in the coffee beans begin to spoil. Maximise the health-giving benefits of your coffee by pulsing the beans in a coffee grinder then brewing them in a percolator or through a filter. If you have any leftover grinds store them in an airtight pot and use within a few days.
ADD COCONUT OIL
It sounds odd but adding one teaspoon of unrefined coconut oil rather than milk is a new trend taking the US by storm. Coconut fat is a good source of energy, as the fat in coconut oil, although saturated, is made up of medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are easily absorbed by the body and converted to energy. Both coffee and coconut oil help to balance your blood sugar, reducing your body’s dependency on insulin. When insulin is low, your body is able to convert its own fat stores for energy. Plus, MCTs are known for suppressing appetite and boosting metabolism – it’s a win-win. However, make sure you mix the coffee and coconut oil properly in a blender, it won’t work otherwise.
SIP IT WITH CINNAMON
Make like a Mexican and drink your coffee with a pinch (or teaspoon) of cinnamon. If you like sugar in your coffee but want to cut down, cinnamon will satisfy your sweet tooth instead. Like coffee, cinnamon is a natural appetite suppressor, blood sugar regulator and craving buster, so they’re perfect partners.