What if your morning cup of coffee did far more than just clear the fog? This American gastroenterologist, highly followed on social media, has just shared his habit, as simple as it is effective: adding to his coffee three spices with powerful anti-inflammatory properties. A small revolution in your morning ritual, within everyone’s reach.
Why your morning coffee is a missed opportunity
If, like you, the day cannot start without your morning coffee, we understand, we too. Millions of French people drink coffee: short, long, light, black, with or without sugar, with or without milk… If each cup is different, it can in just a few seconds be “enhanced” and bring to your body remarkable active compounds. This is precisely what Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, a renowned gastroenterologist, advocates, who shared his morning habits with the American site Eating Well.
His conclusion is clear: spices contain antioxidants and natural anti-inflammatory substances that the vast majority of us forgo daily. And by incorporating these three spices specifically into your morning coffee, you can then enjoy all their benefits without constraint and without changing all your habits.
The 3 spices to add to your cup of coffee starting tomorrow morning
Cinnamon: the ally of glycemia and flavor
First spice recommended by the specialist, cinnamon is probably the most accessible and versatile. In terms of flavor, it naturally softens the bitterness of coffee, which also allows reducing or even eliminating the addition of sugar in your cup. Health-wise, its effects on glycemic regulation are well known. It helps stabilize blood sugar levels after meals, which avoids the famous mid-morning slump.
What is the recommended dose? No need to empty your cinnamon pot! A pinch suffices, about a quarter of a teaspoon, to enjoy the benefits of cinnamon without compromising the taste of coffee. You can add it directly into the cup or into the filter before infusion; it’s a super easy gesture to adopt.
Powdered ginger: the anti-fatigue booster
Second spice of the winning trio, powdered ginger has been a staple of Asian traditional medicine for centuries. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties make it a top ally to start the day well. But it also offers another often overlooked advantage: it stimulates digestive enzymes, which reduces bloating and gastric acidity that some may feel after drinking coffee on an empty stomach.
But beware, its aroma is powerful (even too intense for some palates). In that case, the gastroenterologist recommends starting with a very small amount and adjusting to your preferences. If you really can’t handle it, then opt for the third option.
Turmeric: the star anti-inflammatory of modern nutrition
This spice with a golden ochre color is probably the one whose anti-inflammatory virtues are the most recognized to date. Curcumin, its main active compound, has been the subject of numerous studies for its protective effects on the body, particularly on joints and the digestive system.
In coffee, turmeric adds a slight earthy and spicy note. To optimize absorption, the trick is to pair it with a pinch of black pepper. Indeed, the piperine contained in black pepper significantly multiplies the bioavailability of curcumin.
Spices in coffee: what concrete benefits can we expect?
Beyond the anti-inflammatory properties common to these three spices, their daily integration into your morning coffee can have other effects on your body. To begin with, a metabolism stimulated right after waking. The so-called “hot” spices (with ginger and black pepper at the forefront) have a slight thermogenic effect: they increase heat production and with it, energy expenditure. Added to caffeine, which has been known for years for its stimulating effect on metabolism, they form a truly energizing morning duo!
Another plus of adding spices to your coffee: reducing sugar. Cinnamon and ginger will naturally flavor your hot drink, making it less bitter, so there is no need to add sugar or sweeteners. For those who want to cut their sugar intake without sacrificing pleasure, it’s a remarkably effective trick.
Finally, we know that coffee is sometimes poorly tolerated on an empty stomach. It can cause acid reflux or digestive discomfort. For example, ginger in particular helps temper these effects by supporting the activity of digestive enzymes. It is a non-negligible benefit for sensitive stomachs who do not want to give up their morning coffee!
How to incorporate these spices without getting it wrong
Whatever spice you choose, the golden rule is the same: always start with small quantities. A pinch of cinnamon, half a pinch of ginger or turmeric, that’s more than enough to benefit from their effects without distorting your coffee. You can mix them together or alternate them according to your preferences (and what you have at home).
If you prepare your coffee in a filter machine or in a French press, the ideal trick is to add the spices directly into the grounds before infusion. That way, the aromas diffuse more harmoniously in your drink! If you drink an espresso, you can simply incorporate them into your cup after extraction.
Because sometimes, it only takes one gesture and a few seconds to transform a habit into a true well-being ritual.
