Early mornings can be a struggle and for some a hot cup of coffee is absolutely essential to help kickstart the day. Not only does the caffeine in coffee help to improve your altertness, mood and cognitive function, it also taste pretty great too which is added bonus.
One of the great things about coffee is it can be enjoyed in many different ways too, so you can tailor it to your preferences. Lattes, cappuccinos and espressos are among the most popular options, or you can simply drink it black without any additions. But if you don’t have a fancy coffee machine at home to make delicious cappuccinos and the like, there is an easy way to spice up your standard coffee with one added ingredient. According to coffee experts, adding cinnamon to coffee helps to enhance its flavour, bringing a depth and warmth that helps balance out its natural bitterness.
Cinnamon is sweet, woody and subtly spicy, so it complements the bitter flavour of coffee well and allows you to add a natural sweetness to your drink without the need for added sugars.
Presto Coffee explains: “For those that like sweet things and adding something extra to make their cup of coffee sweeter, cinnamon is a better alternative for you as it can also be used as sugar for your coffee.
“Cinnamon provides a sweet flavour that will give your mouth the best treat as it has a very good sweet flavour, and at the same time keeping you safe from all the calories and harmful effects that comes along with sugar.
“Another benefit for cinnamon is that it helps the entire body by lowering blood sugar rises after meals, boosting insulin sensitivity, and avoiding and soothing inflammation in tissues and joints.”
Not only does cinnamon bring a delicious sweetness to coffee, it can also help to give you a boost of energy that lasts throughout the day. The popular spice can help to regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, meaning you’re less likely to experience sugar spikes and crashes and so have more consistent energy as a result.
Blue Coffee Box says: “Adding cinnamon to your morning coffee can give you an extra energy boost when combined with caffeinated coffee.
“Cinnamon does two jobs — keeps blood sugar levels stable and it also stabilises your energy levels, preventing the sugar spike crash that happens too often.”
The amount you need to add to your coffee is down to personal preference, but it’s generally recommended you start with just a pinch and then gradually add more until you’ve adjusted the drink to your desired level of flavour.
Presto Coffee adds: “Add the cinnamon to your coffee before you start brewing it to make your own spiced coffee at home. Simply sprinkle a little of cinnamon on top of your ground coffee beans and brew as usual.
“Use ground cinnamon if you wish to include cinnamon for its health advantages as well as its flavour. Excessive use should be avoided. Per cup, a generous pinch or 1/4 teaspoon is ideal.”