Coffee is an iconic morning beverage with proven health benefits linked to mood, metabolism, lungs, liver and brain function. Unfortunately, adding too many additives or sweeteners may turn it into a less-than-healthy option; luckily there are multiple strategies available to you to keep your cup healthy!

Coffee enthusiasts frequently add milk, cream or sugar to their cup, yet not all creamers and sweeteners are created equal. Many contain added sugars and artificial flavors which increase calories, fat and carb intake – even low-fat creamers can contain added sugars to maintain flavor and texture similarity compared to their full-fat counterparts.

Attractively sweeten your coffee without reaching for artificial sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup for optimal health benefits, instead. These natural sweeteners feature more subdued and mild tastes that pair nicely with coffee beverages. Those looking for something with tropical notes could add coconut oil – made famous by Dave Asprey with his Bulletproof coffee — as this ingredient offers many health advantages including reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, improved digestion, and supporting cognitive functions.

Cinnamon, cocoa powder and turmeric are also excellent ingredients to add to coffee for flavor enhancement and health-related purposes. They provide immune support as well as inflammation prevention – popularly added to cafe-brewed “golden lattes”. Cinnamon can also improve blood sugar control while offering antidepressant effects – two highly valued additions!

Baking soda is another household staple that makes an excellent addition to coffee, helping neutralize acidic flavors while soothing stomach discomfort on-the-go. Lemon can add an aromatic twist by offering vitamin C-rich detoxification benefits and aiding with digestive issues.

Before purchasing new coffee additions, take care to read labels carefully to identify those without added sugar, artificial sweeteners, saturated fat or trans fats. It may also be wise to avoid products which have been hydrogenated as this process modifies their chemical structure and should be avoided for optimal nutrition.