Coffee is a popular beverage, but not everyone likes the bitterness of this caffeinated drink. If you want to give your daily cup of joe a flavor boost, try adding a bit of cinnamon, a tasty superfood.

Health benefits of cinnamon

Cinnamon won’t just make your coffee taste good, it will also offer some amazing benefits.

Cinnamon is an anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal

Cinnamon is often used in Chinese herbal medicine. The spice has a distinctive smell, and the flavor of cinnamon comes from cinnamaldehyde, a compound found in the bark of the tree.

Research suggests that cinnamaldehyde has antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Cinnamon can boost your gut health

Spices like cinnamon have prebiotic properties, meaning they can help good gut bacteria thrive. These bacteria help restore microbial balance in your gut.

Cinnamon also helps boost your digestive health and relieve digestive issues.

Cinnamon offers benefits for the elderly

Conditions like Alzheimer’s disease become more common as you age. These conditions are characterized by a progressive deterioration of brain cells. If you have Alzheimer’s, the accumulation of protein fragments in your brain impairs your thinking and memory.

According to animal studies, cinnamon contains two compounds that can help inhibit the build-up of these proteins.

Cinnamon can be used to manage blood pressure

Studies suggest that consuming cinnamon can cause a short-term reduction in blood pressure.

Cinnamon can lower blood sugar and Type-2 diabetes risk

Experts believe that cinnamon can help manage blood sugar through several mechanisms, including managing the amount of glucose that enters the bloodstream and mimicking insulin, the blood sugar management hormone.

Human trials are promising, and findings suggest that cinnamon may have a moderate effect on lowering fasting blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.

How to add cinnamon to your coffee

Coffee tastes bitter. If you want to make your morning cup of joe taste better without adding too much milk and sugar, reach for the cinnamon.

Before brewing, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on the coffee grounds. Even if you use only a little bit of cinnamon, your coffee will taste richer and less bitter. You won’t even need cream and sugar.

Cinnamon also contains essential nutrients like calcium, iron, manganese and vitamin K.

Coffee and cinnamon recipes

Here are some recipes to try if you want to add some cinnamon to your coffee.

Milky cinnamon coffee

This recipe combines cinnamon and a comforting, milky latte that’s perfect for cold weather.

Ingredients for 2 servings:

• 2 cups skimmed milk
• 2 espresso shots
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Cream and cinnamon to serve (Optional)

Preparation:

1. Put the milk, maple syrup, vanilla and cinnamon in a pan and gently heat through for about three to four minutes. Alternatively, you can use the steamed milk setting on your coffee machine.
2. Add the espresso to the pan and stir well.
3. Pour into cups or glasses and top with cream and extra cinnamon.

Notes:

• Add some nutmeg and ginger to make a festive Christmas coffee.
• If you prefer a different kind of milk, use other options such as almond, cashew or oat milk.
• If you don’t like milky coffee, stir some cinnamon into an Americano for an autumnal coffee.
• If you’re watching your sugar intake, don’t add maple syrup to the coffee.

Cinnamon mocha coffee

This recipe combines three flavorful ingredients: Coffee, cinnamon and cocoa. Instead of buying coffee at a cafe, make yourself a delicious cup of cinnamon mocha coffee.

Ingredients for 4 servings:

• 1 cup 2 percent milk
• 1/3 cup ground coffee (don’t use instant coffee granules)
• 2 to 3 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons baking cocoa
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• Whipped cream (optional)

Preparation:

1. In a coffeemaker basket, combine the coffee and ground cinnamon.
2. Prepare four cups of brewed coffee.
3. Combine the milk, sugar, cocoa and vanilla in a saucepan. Cook over medium to low heat for about five to seven minutes or until small bubbles appear on the sides of the pan, and stir occasionally. Don’t boil the mixture.
4. Pour the hot milk mixture into four coffee cups, then add the cinnamon-flavored coffee.
5. Garnish with cinnamon sticks and whipped cream before serving.

Homemade cinnamon iced coffee

This homemade cinnamon iced coffee recipe contains almond milk and is a sugar-free alternative to other sugary beverages you can find at a cafe.

Ingredients for 1 serving:

• 1/2 – 1 cup ice
• 1/2 cup coffee, cold
• 1/2 cup milk (use unsweetened almond milk or other kinds of milk if you prefer)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Preparation:

1. In a tall glass, combine the ice, coffee, milk and vanilla extract.
2. Stir with a long spoon.
3. Adjust to taste before serving.

Notes: 

• Freeze coffee in an ice cube tray if you prefer a more concentrated iced coffee.
• Don’t pour hot coffee over the ice because it will melt the ice immediately.
• For a more flavorful coffee, add cinnamon, nutmeg or more vanilla extract.
• To make a sweeter iced coffee, add a bit of maple syrup or agave.
• If you’re adding sugar or monk fruit, mix it with hot coffee to help dissolve.
• For coffee with a mocha flavor, whisk in one to two teaspoons of cocoa or cacao powder.

Make a more delicious cup of coffee by adding a bit of cinnamon.

Sources:

Health.com

BBCGoodFood.com

HungryHealthyHappy.com

TasteOfHome.com

IFoodReal.com