The buzz about coffee tends to go back and forth…
Good for you or not good for you.
Regardless, there are massive amounts of coffee
being consumed every day around the world.
Please research the pros and cons of coffee and decide for yourself.
And, as in all things, moderate is important.
Sooooo… If you are a coffee drinker – or know one –
this is a great recipe for a “good-for-you” coffee…
or, in the VERY least, a “MUCH-better-for-you” coffee.
… A great alternative to sugars, fake creamers and such.
When I drink coffee, this is how I love to drink mine!
I just love the flavor! And I appreciate the benefits of the ingredients!
Before the recipe, let’s look at some of those benefits…
Coffee – When I speak about coffee, I refer to an organic (preferably fair-trade) coffee, free of chemicals and pesticides… oh, and the darker, the better.
A study published in the journal “Plant Foods for Human Nutrition” found the antioxidants in coffee decrease oxidative stress in the body and therefore reduce risk of diseases like cancer and reduce inflammation in the body.
Another study, published in the “Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism,” found coffee may help to prevent and treat diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels after meals.
In some research, coffee has been shown to be beneficial to those at risk for Type 2 Diabetes, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Prostate, Liver, Kidney, and Colorectal Cancers, Heart Rhythm Problems, Pulmonary Function, Stroke, and Gastrointestinal Flora. (credit)
Coconut Oil – A superfood with many benefits! A wonderful source of healthy fatty acids!
It can helps increase your energy, helping you burn more fat. It can help kill harmful pathogens, like bacteria, viruses, and fungi. (more here)
It can, also, have an appetite reducing effect. It has been known to help reduce seizures, improve blood cholesterol levels, and may lower your risk for heart disease.
It can protect hair, moisturize skin, and act as a sunscreen. (more info here)
It’s benefits go far beyond this post. There’s tons of information out there to google!
Grass-Fed Butter – Yum! Yum! Butter has gotten a bad rep for years!
But healthy, grass-fed butter is making a comeback and more people are learning about it!
It contains, similar to coconut oil, healthy, saturated fats which can support healthy cholesterol levels. It is loaded with Vitamin K2, which can help to keep calcium out of your arteries. It is, also, loaded with an anti-inflammatory fatty acid that could help lower the risk of heart disease and more. You can read more HERE or HERE or just google “benefits of grass-fed butter”.
I use Kerrygold brand because it seems to be more readily available where I live.
Cinnamon essential oil – In addition to smelling and tasting amazing, this powerful essential oil is among the “big hitters” of ancient spices and medicines. Cinnamon promotes circulation, helps to maintain a healthy immune system, promotes oral health, helps alleviate sore muscles and joints, and has been long used for its internal health benefits and as a natural flavoring.
Cardamom essential oil – I’ve long loved Cardamom in my teas but having the essential oil has been fabulous!
It has many historical uses (google it)! It supports the respiratory system, promotes healthy digestion and circulation, helps soothe, sore, achy joints, and promotes mental clarity. It has a warm and uplifting aroma.
So, as you can see, there are many possible benefits!
Now… for the recipe 🙂
Cinnamon Chai Coffee/Latte
3-4 cups hot water
3 Tablespoons organic coffee
2-3 Tablespoons of organic coconut oil
2-3 Tablespoons of grass-fed butter
1 drop therapeutic-grade Cinnamon essential oil
1-2 drops therapeutic-grade Cardamom essential oil
optional: 1/2-1 teaspoon vanilla
I steep my coffee for about 6 minutes in my French Press
then add all ingredients to my blender and blend!
And Viola! A creamy, frothy, cinnamon chai coffee (latte)!
Nom nom nom!
Enjoy!