Coffee lowers the risk of several diseases, boosts physical and mental health if consumed in low-to-moderate amount. However, too much coffee will have adverse effects.
In the times of unprecedent lockdown, it is essential we take better care of ourselves. Coffee is found in every kitchen and did you know it is packed with nutrients and antioxidants? Consuming low-to-moderate amount of coffee in a day will lower the risk of several serious heart diseases. It will help your mood and rise your energy levels. But do keep in mind that too much of it will reverse all the positive effects.
Here are five benefits of coffee that will help your mind ease a little while you are home
- Improves energy levels and brain function – Coffee will make you feel energetic. The caffeine is absorbed by the bloodstreams and reaches your brain improving its functions – memory, mood, vigilance, reaction time and mental health.
- Improves physical health – A cup of coffee half an hour before you exercise will boost your energy levels. It increases adrenaline levels in your blood and makes free down fatty acids available as fuel which prepares your body for physical exertion.
- May lower the risk of Type 2 diabetes – A major health problem worldwide. Studies observe that people who drink the most coffee have a 23–50% lower risk of getting this disease. One study showed a reduction as high as 67%. According to a large review of 18 studies in a total of 457,922 people, each daily cup of coffee was associated with a 7% reduced risk of Type 2 diabetes.
- May prevent Alzhemir’s disease and dementia – A condition that affects seniors and there is no known cure. However, there are several things one can do to prevent the disease from occurring in the first place – eating healthy, exercising and drinking coffee. Drinking coffee may be incredibly effective in preventing Alzhemir’s.
- Help you live longer – While coffee lowers the risk of several diseases, it makes sense that coffee could help you live longer. In two very large studies, drinking coffee was associated with a 20% reduced risk of death in men and a 26% decreased risk of death in women. This effect appears particularly strong in people with type 2 diabetes. In one 20-year study, individuals with diabetes who drank coffee had a 30% lower risk of death.
A cup of coffee will help you feel better about the current situation. Here are five coffee ideas that you must try at home.
#1 Dalgona coffee
In South Korea, whipped coffee is called as Dalgona Coffee. Frothy layer of coffee topped over chilled milk.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp instant coffee
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 cup chilled milk
Preparation
- Add instant coffee powder and sugar in a cup
- Add 2 tbsp water
- Beat the coffee and sugar vigorously until it is light and fluffy
- Fill a glass with crushed ice
- Pour milk on top
- Top the glass with whipped coffee
- Mix well and serve chilled
You can sprinkle your dalgona coffee with some Instant coffee powder, cocoa nibs or crumbled chocolate cookies.
#2 Instant Cold Cocoa Coffee
Especially as the summer approaches. A quick and easy recipe for instant coffee-flavoured cold cocoa. This could be your instant fix between meals.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chilled milk
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp Instant coffee
- ½ tsp cinnamon powder
Preparation
- In a mug add instant coffee, cocoa powder and cinnamon powder
- Add 2 tbsp of milk, use a fork to form a paste
- Gradually add the rest of the milk and keep mixing
You can sprinkle some cinnamon or cocoa powder as a topping. A little cinnamon give cocoa a nice gourmet zing. You can also use a cinnamon stick to stir.
#3 Cold brew coffee
It is not the same as iced coffee instead it is a bold flavoured concentrated coffee. While the recipe produces a great tasting cup of coffee, it takes about 12 hours, so you need to plan ahead.
Ingredients
- 1 cup coffee – coarsely grounded
- 4 cups water
Preparation
- Grind 1 cup of coffee beans coarsely
- In a large jar pour 4 cups water over the coarsely grounded coffee and stir thoroughly until the coffee is saturated
- Cover it with a lid and place it in the in the refrigerator
- Let it steep for 12 hours
- Filter the beans – this can be stored in the fridge for a week
- Serve with a couple of ice cubes and some milk if you like – this coffee as a lot of caffeine, diluting it with some milk and water would be a good idea
If you are in the mood for a hot cup of coffee just add hot water to it. Do not microwave or hit the brewed coffee.
#4 Spicy Coffee Latte
A cup of coffee with a spicy twist.
Ingredients
- 2 tsp instant expresso powder or instant coffee powder
- 2 tsp cocoa powder
- 1 ½ tsp sugar
- ½ tbsp ground cinnamon
- A pinch of ground nutmeg
- A pinch of ground clove
- 1 cup milk
Preparation
- In a mug stir together coffee powder, cocoa, sugar and spices
- Add 2 tbsp of milk to form a paste
- Heat the milk until its very hot
- Pour the milk into the mug and stir to blend with the paste
- Serve immediately
It tastes best while its hot.
#5 Starbucks Dolce Cinnamon Latte
Being locked down shouldn’t stop you from enjoying Starbucks. Its time to take the matter into your own hands!
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp instant espresso powder
- 4 tbsp espresso
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ tsp cinnamon powder
- ½ brown sugar
- ½ vanilla extract
- 1 pinch nutmeg
- Whipped cream
Preparation
- Stir espresso powder in hot water and set aside
- In a glass combine milk, cinnamon, brown sugar, vanilla and nutmeg and stir until combined
- Place in microwave and cook for 1 minute and 30 seconds – until the milk begins to froth up.
- Slowly pour the milk mixture into of espresso – set aside earlier
- Top with whipped cream and sprinkle some cinnamon
Enjoy!
