Coffee has been a staple in many people’s morning routines for centuries. It’s the go-to drink for millions of people around the world, but have you ever heard of “functional coffee”? Functional coffee is not your ordinary cup of joe. It’s coffee infused with various ingredients that aim to provide health benefits beyond just caffeine. In this guide, we’ll delve into everything you need to know about functional coffee – how to make it, why it works, and what to expect from drinking it.
What is functional coffee?
Functional coffee is a type of coffee that is enhanced with additional ingredients to provide specific health benefits beyond just caffeine. These added ingredients can include things like MCT oil, collagen, Adaptogens, and various spices like cinnamon and turmeric.
The idea behind functional coffee is to create a beverage that not only gives you a boost of energy but also helps support overall health and wellness. By adding functional ingredients to your coffee, you can create a personalized drink that is tailored to your specific needs and goals.
Functional coffee is often used as a replacement for traditional pre-workout supplements or as a way to supplement a healthy diet with additional nutrients. It has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially among those who are looking for natural ways to support their health and wellness.
How to Make Functional Coffee
To make functional coffee, you need to start with high-quality coffee beans. Coffee beans that are grown and harvested sustainably and ethically tend to produce the best-tasting coffee. Additionally, these beans are usually roasted to perfection, which brings out the unique flavors and aromas of the coffee.
Next, you’ll need to select your functional add-ins. These can range from MCT oil, adaptogens, collagen, and more. MCT oil is a concentrated source of medium-chain triglycerides, which are easily digestible fats that provide quick energy to the body. Adaptogens are natural substances that help the body adapt to stress and improve overall well-being. Collagen is a protein that helps support healthy skin, hair, and nails.
When preparing functional coffee, it’s important to brew it using the right method. Some experts recommend using a French press or a pour-over coffee maker to get the best taste and consistency. It’s also important to brew your coffee using clean, filtered water. This ensures that your coffee isn’t contaminated with any unwanted minerals or impurities.
Why Functional Coffee Works
Functional coffee works because of the added health benefits that come from the functional add-ins. For example, MCT oil has been shown to improve cognitive function and increase energy levels. It can also help with weight loss by reducing appetite and promoting fat burning.
Adaptogens, on the other hand, have been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. They help the body adapt to stress and improve overall health and well-being. Some of the most popular adaptogens used in functional coffee include ashwagandha, maca, and reishi.
Collagen is another popular functional add-in that can help support healthy skin, hair, and nails. As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, which can lead to wrinkles, sagging skin, and brittle nails. Adding collagen to your coffee can help support the production of collagen in your body and keep you looking youthful.
What to Expect from Drinking Functional Coffee
Drinking functional coffee can lead to a wide range of health benefits, including improved mental clarity and focus, increased energy and alertness, enhanced physical performance, better digestion and gut health, and more. However, it’s important to keep in mind that these benefits may vary from person to person.
Some studies have shown that the caffeine and MCT oil combination found in functional coffee can help improve cognitive function and increase energy levels. A study published in the journal Nutrients found that MCT oil supplementation can improve cognitive function in people with mild cognitive impairment. Another study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that adding MCT oil to coffee can increase energy expenditure and fat burning.
Additionally, some functional add-ins may cause side effects in some people. For example, ashwagandha can cause drowsiness and should be avoided by people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. It’s important to do your research and talk to your doctor before adding any new supplements to your diet.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Functional Coffee
To get the most out of your functional coffee, start with small doses of add-ins and gradually increase as your body gets used to them. This can help prevent any potential side effects and ensure that you’re getting the maximum benefits.
Consistency is also key when it comes to functional coffee. Drinking it regularly can help you experience the full range of benefits, so make sure to incorporate it into your daily routine.
Finally, it’s important to adjust your add-ins based on your goals and needs. For example, if you’re looking to boost your energy levels, you may want to add more MCT oil to your coffee. If you’re looking to improve your skin health, collagen may be a better option.
Incorporating functional coffee into your daily routine can be a great way to improve your overall health and well-being. However, it’s important to remember that it’s not a magic cure-all and should be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise.
Expert’s Quotes:
We also reached out to some experts in the field of nutrition and functional medicine for their input on functional coffee. Here’s what they had to say:
“Functional coffee can be a great way to incorporate beneficial nutrients into your diet in a convenient and enjoyable way. However, it’s important to remember that it should be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and lifestyle, and not as a replacement for them.” – Chris Kresser, L.Ac, author of The Paleo Cure and founder of the Kresser Institute
“Collagen is an important protein that is essential for healthy skin, hair, and nails. Incorporating it into your coffee can be a convenient and delicious way to support your body’s natural collagen production and improve your overall health and appearance.” – Dr. Mark Hyman, M.D., author of The Pegan Diet and director of the Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine
“Medium-chain triglycerides are a unique type of fat that are metabolized differently than other types of fat in the body. Adding MCT oil to your coffee can help boost energy levels, improve cognitive function, and promote weight loss.” – Dr. Josh Axe, D.N.M., C.N.S., author of Keto Diet and founder of DrAxe.com
Customer feedback
Here are some reviews from individuals who have tried functional coffee:
“I started drinking functional coffee with MCT oil and collagen about six months ago and have noticed a huge improvement in my energy levels and mental clarity. I used to rely on multiple cups of coffee throughout the day to keep me going, but now I can get by with just one cup of functional coffee in the morning.” – Sarah, 32
“I was skeptical about adding collagen to my coffee, but after a few weeks of drinking it, I noticed a significant improvement in my skin health. My skin looks brighter and more radiant, and I’ve also noticed a decrease in fine lines and wrinkles.” – Emily, 45
“I started adding cinnamon to my coffee after reading about its blood sugar-regulating properties, and I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my glucose levels. My doctor even commented on how much better my A1C levels have been since starting to drink cinnamon-infused coffee.” – John, 58
Conclusion
Functional coffee is a great way to incorporate beneficial nutrients into your diet in a convenient and delicious way. Whether you’re looking to improve your energy levels, cognitive function, skin health, or overall well-being, there are a variety of add-ins that can help you achieve your goals.
However, it’s important to remember that functional coffee is not a magic cure-all and should be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and lifestyle. Start with small doses and gradually increase as your body gets used to the add-ins, and adjust your add-ins based on your specific goals and needs.
As with any dietary changes, it’s always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider before incorporating functional coffee into your routine, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or take medications.
So go ahead and give functional coffee a try – your body will thank you for it!
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