A Harvard University graduate doctor has revealed a way to enhance the health benefits of coffee by incorporating a specific sweet addition. Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist with a substantial following on Instagram (@doctor.sethi), frequently imparts his advice and knowledge to his 1.3 million followers.
Dr. Sethi, aged 42, has previously cautioned against excessive ibuprofen consumption due to its negative effects on gut health. Now, he offers guidance on how to make your morning coffee a healthier choice. In a recent video that has garnered over 119,000 views and 2,000 likes, Dr. Sethi highlighted the importance of adding a particular item to coffee to boost its health benefits.
The doctor emphasized three key additions to coffee that many people overlook. Firstly, he recommended sprinkling a pinch of cinnamon into your coffee to help regulate blood sugar levels and introduce potent antioxidants. Studies cited by Healthline have shown that cinnamon can effectively lower blood glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in diabetic individuals. Opting for Ceylon cinnamon over Cassia cinnamon can help mitigate potential side effects.
Additionally, Dr. Sethi proposed incorporating MCT (medium-chain triglycerides) oil into coffee. MCTs, present in foods like coconut oil, are known for their various health advantages. According to the doctor, MCT oil, derived from coconuts, provides sustained energy and supports brain health by offering a steady energy boost.
In contrast to longer-chain fatty acids, MCTs are metabolized in the liver, potentially serving as an immediate energy source or converting into ketones. These ketones can cross from the bloodstream to the brain, providing an alternative fuel source for the brain, which typically relies on glucose. This mechanism offers an alternative energy supply, as reported by Healthline.
Lastly, Dr. Sethi recommended incorporating dark chocolate powder into coffee. Dark chocolate, rich in polyphenols, complements coffee by nurturing beneficial gut bacteria. Research suggests that the polyphenols in dark chocolate can enhance the levels of beneficial gut bacteria like lactobacillus and bifidobacteria.
Dark chocolate contains bioactive organic compounds that function as antioxidants. These antioxidants may aid in reducing “bad” LDL cholesterol levels, protecting against cell damage, preventing arterial stiffness, managing blood glucose, and promoting brain health.
By incorporating these simple additions to coffee, individuals can elevate their morning beverage into a healthier and more beneficial choice for overall well-being.