Each morning you climb out of bed and brew a fresh pot of aromatic, life-giving coffee. The first sip gets your blood pumping and sharpens your mind for the day ahead. You’re not alone. About 64% of American adults consume coffee every day, for a total of about 400 million cups per day.
Dubbed ‘Satan’s drink’ for its effects on mental states when it was first introduced to Europe, coffee can boost alertness, attention, reaction time, and mood. With about 100 mg of caffeine in each cup of regular coffee, this always popular beverage gives so many of us the extra kick we need to hit the ground running each morning. But what if you could supplement your favorite beverage with ingredients that deliver even more of a boost for your body and brain? Keep reading to discover five ways to boost your good morning coffee.
Boost your good morning coffee with performance enhancers
Creatine is one of the most popular performance-enhancing supplements among athletes. It deserves a place with your good morning coffee for its capacity to boost athletic performance and brain function. Creatine is converted to creatine phosphate in the body, which helps make adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is the basic energy-carrying molecule in all living things, and it fuels everything from muscle contractions to brain activity. While creatine is found naturally in protein-rich foods like fish or meat, it is also widely available in supplement form as powders, drink mixes, energy bars, and tablets.
Citrulline is an amino acid popular among athletes, and it acts as a vasodilator, widening blood vessels so they can deliver more oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to your muscles and organs. Citrulline improves oxygen usage in your muscles, leading to improvements in both strength and endurance. Also known for its positive effects on blood pressure and erectile dysfunction, citrulline is an all-around winner as part of your morning routine.
Boost your good morning coffee with blood sugar stabilizers
Chromium is an essential trace element that helps the body to metabolize carbohydrates. Best known for its effects on blood sugar control, chromium boosts the effects of insulin and supports the pancreatic cells that produce it. Insulin resistance develops when cells are routinely exposed to high levels of insulin, but chromium may boost insulin sensitivity and lower your risk of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. When your blood sugar is stabilized, you will feel lighter and more energetic during the day.
Berberine is perhaps the most effective supplement for glucose control, and it is derived from the roots and stems of certain plants, such as goldenseal and European barberry. Berberine has been used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for centuries and is also known for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and immune-boosting properties. In addition, this potent natural supplement increases insulin sensitivity while it helps with the transport of sugar from your blood to your muscles. Berberine is safe to stack with your morning coffee and can even help you have a healthier gut microbiome.
Boost your good morning coffee with nootropics
Nootropics, also called ‘smart drugs,’ are defined as natural or synthetic substances that enhance mental skills. While caffeine is sometimes considered a nootropic, there are many supplements out there that promise to boost brain power and improve focus. L-theanine is perhaps the most popular supplement when it comes to stacking smart drugs with your coffee because it reduces jitters while amping up focus. This brain-boosting amino acid affects your levels of dopamine, serotonin, and GABA to produce a feeling of relaxed alertness. In addition, L-theanine is associated with a positive mental state known as the ‘alpha state,’ a feeling of being clear-headed and present often described by athletes and performers when they are ‘in the zone.’
Rhodiola rosea is another popular ingredient in many functional coffees, and this arctic plant is known for its positive effects on productivity, endurance, attention span, and memory. Thought to increase energy metabolites, ATP, and creatine phosphate in muscle and brain cells, Rhodiola is a potent fatigue fighter that gives you an energy boost without the crash that comes with other stimulants. A light dose with your good morning coffee will pick you up and keep you going for hours.
Boost your good morning coffee with antioxidants and superfoods
Goji berries, also known as Lycium barbarum, have been used medicinally in Asia for centuries. This potent superfood, rich in phytochemicals, is known for its positive effects on focus, athletic performance, mental acuity, and feelings of calm. As a source of beta-carotene, goji berries can support eye, bone, and skin health. In addition, the zeaxanthin in goji berries supports immune health and may help prevent macular degeneration. A small dose of this superfood with your good morning coffee will start your day off right.
Pyrroloquinoline quinone, or PQQ, is an antioxidant found in many fruits and vegetables that is even more effective at fighting free radicals than vitamin C. Thought to increase the number and activity of energy-producing mitochondria, PQQ boosts energy. This potent compound also increases blood flow to the cerebral cortex for positive effects on focus, attention, and memory, and it is often classified as a nootropic. PQQ can be found naturally in foods like spinach, kiwi, and soybeans, but it is also widely available as a supplement. Try it with your good morning coffee for a clean and reliable productivity boost.
Boost your good morning coffee with mushrooms
Mushroom coffee is a trending functional beverage, and it is made from a mix of ground mushrooms and coffee beans for a dark, nutty flavor. Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis) is a popular medicinal mushroom found in functional coffees, and it has a broad range of health benefits to the renal, cardiovascular, immunological, sexual, and respiratory systems. Long used traditionally for its capacity to increase energy, Cordyceps contains potent polysaccharides that scavenge free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. This popular fungus came into the limelight in 1993 when Chinese Olympic athletes taking Cordyceps broke several world records in competition. Cordyceps is a great addition to your morning routine if you want an extra dose of energy.
Lion’s Mane, also known as ‘monkey head mushroom,’ is the medicinal mushroom best known for its effects on mental focus. Long used by Buddhist monks for its capacity to heighten focus during meditation, this potent supplement also promotes healthy digestion and general strength. Thought to promote neurogenesis in certain brain regions, Lion’s Mane may even have positive effects on mood. This medicinal mushroom promises to help you focus through that long meeting or grueling shift when combined with your good morning coffee.
You can purchase top quality Cordyceps and Lion’s Mane from Real Mushrooms, a promising Canada-based supplement brand that creates its products using the nutrient-dense bodies of its mushrooms, and not mycelium grown on grains, as is the case with many other brands. Real Mushrooms’ supplements are 100% pure and organic, and the percentage of health-promoting beta-glucans is listed on each bottle.
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Boost your good morning coffee with Catalyst by Evolvere
If you are looking for a simple way to boost your good morning coffee in a lean, elegant package, then you may want to try Catalyst Coffee from United States-based company Evolvere. This tasty brew comes with ingredients to boost focus, stabilize blood sugar, reduce inflammation, and regulate metabolism. Each cup contains L-theanine, PQQ, goji berry, chromium, and a selection of other popular ingredients to help you start your day with health and vigor.
Try a light alternative to good morning coffee with VOKE
VOKE offers a promising coffee alternative for those of us who may want a gentle energy boost without caffeine jitters. Founded in 2014, VOKE offers a chewable superfood tablet with just 75 mg of green tea caffeine, guarana, organic acerola cherry, and red beetroot. While the acerola cherry in this convenient tablet gives you a healthy dose of vitamin C, the nitrates in beetroot increase blood flow to the brain. VOKE energy chewables can be taken in the late afternoon without disrupting your sleep at night. These superfood tablets are a great coffee alternative for those of us who may want a lighter boost or just a change of pace.
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The rise of functional coffee and the quest for the ideal energy boost
Once thought to be a niche product, functional coffee is rapidly gaining popularity as health-conscious consumers look for ways to get extra benefits from their morning brew. While some functional coffee products are made with everything from nootropics and antioxidants to medicinal mushrooms, you can give your morning routine an extra edge with some creative supplementation of your own. For example, you can boost your coffee with performance enhancers like creatine before your morning workout, or you can try a potent Lion’s Mane brew for heightened focus and even improved mood. With seemingly endless possibilities, your good morning coffee now has a whole new image and outlook. It’s time to look forward to waking up again.
Further reading:
Forbes: 6 Brands Dominating The Explosive Functional Beverages Market
Rolling Stone: RS Recommends: Can Mushroom Coffee Replace Your Morning Joe?
Cleveland Clinic: Mushroom Coffee: Should You Be Drinking It?
Breaking News
HealthXwire: New Covid Variant Symptoms
Disclaimer
Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.
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