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There is nothing quite like that morning cup of Joe. The liquid gold that awakes your senses and transforms you into being able to engage in small talk without flipping a switch. The moment when you take that first sip you rejoice inside, knowing that soon, the java will ignite within you, allowing you to adult in BEAST MODE. Luckily there are many benefits of coffee!
Coffee is just a magical treasure of the universe that sometimes I feel the need to get on my knees and worship: HAIL to THE ALMIGHTY ARABICA!
So first, let us remind ourselves of the benefits of coffee, shall we?
Benefits of Coffee
Antioxidants
Coffee has a BUTTLOAD of antioxidants. According to this article, coffee is likely to give you more antioxidants than veggies and fruits combined! But what is an antioxidant?
Antioxidants are chemicals that help stop or limit damage caused by free radicals. Your body uses antioxidants to balance free radicals. This keeps them from causing damage to other cells. Antioxidants can protect and reverse some of the damage. They also boost your immunity.
Excerpt from Family Doctor
Can Help Reduce Cellulite
Cellulite, cellulite, I hate you, I hate you with all my might!
So, apparently combining coffee grounds with coconut oil and massaging it into your problem areas helps tighten and moisturize skin, resulting in the improvement of cellulite. If only we could permanently scrub it away!
Great For Your Heart
Our hearts love coffee. It can improve your cardiovascular health, help prevent heart failure and more. But, remember too much coffee is harmful for your heart, so TAKE IT EASY, BRUH.
This article reminds us that many of the benefits of coffee may cause you to be tempted to drink more – but if you are someone who dumps loads of sugar and cream in your coffee, then the benefits aren’t as strong. This is because of the simple fact that you are doing more harm than good by consuming lots of hidden sugars found in many coffee drinks sold in stores and franchises!
Enhances Performance
You may not even need those pre-workout energy supplements because coffee really does give you the boost you need! It gives you more energy, helps your concentration, and can reduce muscle pain.
May Provide a Short-Term Memory Boost
Do you get up, walk into another room, and forget why you went into that room? Does your boss ask you to go submit your time sheet and you go back to your desk and completely forget what she asked you to do? Well, coffee just might help. Obviously it isn’t going to solve all your goldfish-like memory tendencies, but according to One Medical, this is one of the benefits of coffee that can help.
Could Help You Live Longer
According to John’s Hopkins Medical, Recent studies found that coffee drinkers are less likely to die from some of the top leading causes of death in women: coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease.
Obviously a lot of factors are involved in this one and this isn’t always the case. I mean, my grandma passed from one of those leading causes of death and she drank coffee like a HANGRY fish. But, if you are generally healthy, love life and want to tack on a potential few more years, go get crunk on some of that java juice.
Can Lower Risk of Depression
Now my black soul already has Depression, but let me tell you folks, coffee makes it SO much more tolerable. It helps a lot of the symptoms of Depression, such as sleepiness, lack of energy, and overall mood. Even if you don’t have depression, consider adding coffee into your diet and it may help lower your risk of developing it.
It Can Help Keep Your Eyes Healthy
My eyes aren’t too bad, but when I send my mom pictures or memes on her phone, she tends to respond frequently with common eye-problem people responses, such as “Oh, I didn’t see that part”, or “Wait, let me put my glasses on” and so, take this article from Good Housekeeping to heart, if you want to be able to read hilarious meme stashes when you’re older.
Researchers discovered a powerful antioxidant in coffee can help prevent vision loss, blindness, and glaucoma. The compound, chlorogenic acid, works by stemming retinal damage.
Good Housekeeping, 2017
Want even more reasons to drink coffee, and what other benefits it offers? Check out this article: 20 Health Benefits of Coffee (And How to Get the Maximum Benefits of it).
The Negative Effects of Coffee
What kind of person would I be if I didn’t mention the potential negative effects of coffee? Like everything, there are always a list of cons. If you want to learn more about those cons, check this page out to read a list on the potential negative side effects of coffee. But please note, that what how many things can you truly name off the top of your head that DON’T have potential negative consequences? Moderation is key, my brothas and sistas.
I am not going to list them here directly though, because WE DON’T NEED THAT KIND OF NEGATIVITY IN OUR COFFEE-LOVING LIVES, MMKAY? 🤣
With that being said, check out this video for a complete overview on why you SHOULD drink coffee and the benefits of coffee. Don’t be scared of the caffeine monster! (And again, I will emphasize….sugary, fattening coffee’s aren’t doing you any good!)
Coffee Recipes
Now, I am not a fan of sugary, high-calorie infused coffee recipes, because it almost makes the benefits of the coffee irrelevant if you are consuming it with loads of sugar and fat. So, instead I took 2 simple and affordable grocery store items and made a DRANK work DRANKIN.
Save your money!
Think about the money you’ll save too, if you try this. You can get a jug of black coffee and some sugar free creamer for about 8 bucks. That is almost the price of 1 Venti Starbucks drink.
My jug last a week and the creamer lasts even longer, so If you got one Starbucks drink every day, Monday-Friday, you’d spent about 40 bucks at Starbucks, compared to 8 dollars that this will cost you.
Sugar-Free Peppermint Mocha Iced Coffee
Consider my personal go-to choice, which is a light & sugar-free, peppermint mocha iced coffee recipe that is super simple, but amazingly good. I swear on my life that I am sipping this as we speak, and drink it almost daily.
All you do is add ice to a tall cup, (it is so much better with ice, trust me), fill it up generously with the iced coffee and for your first time, keep adding table spoons of the creamer until you find your ideal level of flavor! No need for milk, or any extra ingredients. It is that good! 💓
All you need is the following:
- Sugar Free Coffee Creamer (Any Flavor, but my personal favorite is the Sugar-Free Peppermint Mocha — O-M-G It gives me so much joy, I can’t even express the bliss I feel when this slides down my gullet.
Check out how guilt-free this is, even if you do like a lot of creamer:
- Plain Iced-Coffee – I usually get the Starbucks jugs at the grocery store, not the ones that are flavored (they have a lot of calories and sugar), but the Blonde Roast is my favorite and has almost no calories.
Any brand of plain coffee should have the same amount of extremely satisfying low calories, but just take a look at the following visual reminder of the guilt free slumber that this recipe provides for even the most health-conscious among us:
Now, no joke people, that simple, 2-ingredient iced coffee is exactly what I am drinking this very moment as I type this. It is PURE AMAZE BALLS.
Just give it a chance! 😍
Cinnamon Coconut Latte
This is a super yummy-looking latte that sounds and tastes as delicious as it looks. 🖤
This dairy-free, cinnamon coconut latte is a frothy, delicious, healthy and sugar-free alternative to those ‘foo foo’ coffee drinks.
The Real Food Dietitians, 2016
Iced Coffee isn’t everyone’s “cup of tea”, but this one is an irresistible blend of two of my favorite hot coffee combinations – cinnamon and coconut!
You can find a complete list of ingredients, step-by-step directions and photos to help you make this perfect morning pick-me-up, here: The Real Food Dietitians
The Ultimate Healthy Pumpkin Spice Latte
Pumpkin Spice lattes are extremely popular – (Now, why they are more popular than the legendary peppermint mocha’s is a mystery to me, but hey, I do like both). You can make a healthy version of this go-to holiday flavored drink anytime of the year by checking out the recipe here, or simply watching this awesome how-to video:
Healthy Starbucks Options
This isn’t a recipe but it is an alternative way for you to still go to the best coffee place ever without feeling obligated to order something unhealthy to get your quick, drive-thru friendly coffee fix.
Sometimes, we go to Starbucks and ignore and/or don’t realize how many calories we are sipping mindlessly. Sometimes you may even think that the coffee is making you feel awake, but really it is just the massive amounts of sugar that are giving you that rush. That rush is not the one you want – you want the coffee sprucing you up, not the sugar!
Sometimes you think you are drinking coffee, but in reality, only a small percentage of that cup actually has coffee in it which defeats the purpose of the benefits of coffee!
Check out this info-graphic I found here on Reddit.
Luckily, here is an article that features 11 things you can order at Starbucks that won’t eventually cause your belly to grow into a coffee table like most of the ones above.
Check it out here: 11 Healthy Starbucks Drinks That Taste Indulgent
Now for some fun coffee finds and coffee humor to add a little FUN to the YUM of this post. 😋
Coffee Memes
First of all, how true is this?!
Us crazy coffee Lovers LOVE to Party – the pants-off version of these coffee drinking parties isn’t appropriate for work, but before work, when you’re getting ready, IT IS A MUST. Boom Chicka Pow Pow.
We all know that classic opening line of “The Sound of Silence” – Luckily a cup of strong black coffee “disturbs” that irritable sound of silence by making us beautiful social butterflies after a mug or two.
Whoa, there is a mug for that too…..you can get it here: Mod Cloth
Decaf? DECAF? You’re kidding me right? Decaf life = ruff life. This dogs face says it all. HOW DARE YOU SUGGEST DECAF, TRASH!?
This one is also the straight-up truth. You wanna talk to me before I finish my coffee? Okay, okay, fine, but my response is going to be a complete SASS FEST, Karen.
No one likes pooping in those peek-a-boo public bathroom stalls that are commonly found in workplaces. But is giving up coffee worth it for that reason? Hell no, buddy. Just do it. Poop at work, ya might as well get paid for it, right? 💩
Too. Coffee. Much. Too much. Coff….Too Much coffee…Maybe?
Sweet Coffee Merch
Here are some great coffee finds for all my fellow readers out there who also gulp down this amazing and awakening liquid gold! ☕
1. Skinny Syrups Sampler Set
ZERO CALORIES. ZERO SUGAR. & NO CARBS. I am all about guilt-free caffeine, friends.
2. Coffee Gift Basket
I really adore this set because of the unique towels that come with it. Perfect items for the biggest coffee-lovers kitchen/cafe!
3. Coffee, Sarcasm & Lipstick Adult Coloring Book
Inspired by coffee, this #snarky adult coloring book offers you a fun and colorful way to spend your time while you wait for that go-go juice to officially kick in, so you can start your day as the bad-to-the-bone sass queen that you are. 😝
4. Prescription Mug (With Custom Name)
Personalize this “coffee prescription” mug, which will make it look like an official excuse to drink as much coffee as you want. Because, hey, doctors orders, right!?! More specifically, prescribed by Dr. “Cuppa Joe Brewer”. HA!
Danny Tanner would approve:
5. “Bring Me Coffee” Sock Gift Set
Use the bottom of your feet to ask for coffee. You’re likely too cranky to ask politely anyways, right? Instead, just stick your feet in the air, like you just don’t care! Wiggle your toes around like a helicopter until someone reads your soles (and your soul) that is yearning for and suggesting that you NEED THAT COFFEE NOW!
6. “Coffee Till Cocktails” Sweatshirt
Some of us have 2 modes in life. A.M = Coffee P.M = Cocktails. And that just reminded me of this throw-back Christina Milian song: AM to PM
7. Coffee Bean Friendship Necklace
For friends who mutually love coffee, this is a BREWtiful gift to give your espresso-loving bestie.
8. Starbucks Gift Card
This gift is always a hit, because the user gets to take a shot! (Adding Espresso shots to your Starbucks order will rock your world, promise).
9. Coffee Earrings
Let your lobes get in on the fun too. These also include some adorable heart coffee art on the design. Crystal approves, because with all this cuteness, these are just “too cute to be brew!” 😋
10. Coffee Crossbody Bag
Lots of coffee lovers are also stylin’ fashionistas and would pull off this unique, coffee drink shaped purse to fill with all their java money.
11. Java, Coffee, Espresso Socks
For lovers of all styles of coffee! This is an appropriate place to insert a rap I wrote about coffee:
Cold coffee, warm coffee, hot coffee, love it ALL!
My coffee, your coffee, drink coffee, have a BALL!
Espressos and lattes bring me so much JOY!
don’t play with coffee y’all, it ain’t a TOY!
Java this, Java, that, I just love the JOE!
Put these socks on my feet – stomp, stomp, GO!
12. Coffee Letter Bracelet
I am digging this set because it isn’t just a bracelet, displaying your undying love for coffee, but it also comes with some bonus stickers and notepad. I am all about those extras that tickle my fancy.
13. Coffee Jelly
Yeah, I know what you’re thinking – WTF is this? But process this for a second. Have you ever had chocolate covered espresso beans? They are good, right? Or coffee-flavored chocolate? PUT IN MY BELLY.
Some things just magically work well with one another, you just have to give it a whirl. I am actually thinking that this would be amazing on some toast in the morning to go along with my morning cup of real coffee. I have a feeling I would feel fancy AF eating this.
14. Donut Touch My Coffee – Mug
This mug was entirely too adorable not to include on this list. Why not drink your favorite liquid in this cutie patootie chunk of solid! I mean, who can say no to a beautifully designed mug covered in sprinkles and glitter? I know, I know, absolutely nobody. 💖
15. Coffee Flavored Lip Balm Set
When you’re not sipping your cappuccino, you can hydrate your lips with this cute lip balm set. It includes the following flavors:
- Roasted Hazelnut
- Cappuccino
- Vanilla Coffee
- Coffee Bean
16. Caffeine and Kindness Pin
Pin it on your purse, pin it on your hat, pin it on your jacket, or just pin it to Pinterest because it is WORTHY OF THAT LOVE. Underneath this pin, is a collection of other coffee-inspired pins from the same seller. Personally, the “Death Before Decaf” is my favorite.
17. Emergency Box Decor
This cheeky decor frame, filled with coffee beans is the perfect piece of art for those who would consider running out of coffee a complete, dead-serious emergency. I think all of us would be breaking the box if we ran out, right? Of course, this item is inspired by fire extinguisher boxes.
18. “Death before Decaf” Vanilla Latte Sugar Body Scrub
Scrub-a-dub-dub, smell like a latte in the tub!
19. Coffee Vs. Crack Sign
The importance of coffee and it’s benefits can be briefly (and a little bluntly) be emphasized by this hilarious display sign! Funny but true!
20 “I Love You more than Coffee” Pin
A way to show someone how much you love them, by comparing that love to the one love in your life that never breaks your heart: Coffee! Give this to someone you love “a latte!”, if they make you feel the same.
21. Cella’s Chocolate Cherry Flavored Coffee
Everyone has seen those little chocolate-covered cherry candies at the grocery store, often sold individually for a perfect sugary-fix, but have you tried it’s flavored coffee? YUM!
22. Coffee Bean Mug
Shaped like a coffee bean, and a heart for a handle. What else could possible “ESPRESSO” your love for coffee like this thing?!
23. WAKE THE HELL UP COFFEE
YES! This is the motivating message that I need on my coffee pods when I wake up in the morning.
Enjoy the Benefits of Coffee!
I wrote this post while I was buzzed on coffee the entire time, so a lot of caffeinated love was put into this post! 🤎
