It only takes a pinch of cinnamon to turn a simple cup of coffee into a nutritional powerhouse, claims a leading gut doctor.
Dr Saurabh Sethi, a Harvard-trained gastroenterologist, listed it as one of three extras you can mix into a cup of joe to boost its health properties.
Speaking to his 1.3million followers on Instagram via his @doctor.sethi account, the 42-year-old medic explained that the spice — which is made from the dried and ground bark of cassia trees — is packed with antioxidants.
He said: ‘Most people are missing out on three simple additions to their coffee.
‘Just a pinch of cinnamon can help lower blood sugar spikes and add powerful antioxidants.’
Antioxidants are compounds which can neutralise harmful loose oxygen molecules called free radicals which can latch on to healthy cells in the body and cause a sort of cellular damage called oxidative stress.
Oxidative stress describes the harmful effects that the free radicals (unstable molecules) have on the body.
Free radicals are harmful oxygen cells that can cause tissue damage, and antioxidants are responsible for combatting their harmful cells.
The tissue damage can leave a person more vulnerable to diseases such as heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s and diabetes, among many other potential conditions.
Thankfully, by eating antioxidant-rich foods like fruits and vegetables — and cinnamon — it is possible to reduce oxidative stress and lessen our chances of developing life-limiting illnesses and conditions.
Also in the clip, which has racked up 119,000 views and more than 2,000 likes, Dr Sethi crowed about the benefits of MCT oil, explaining it also deserves a spot in your coffee mug.
He said: ‘It is derived from coconuts and it gives a steady energy boost, as well as supporting brain health.’
MCT oil — which stands for medium-chain triglycerides — is manufactured via extraction and purification from coconut oil or palm kernel oil.
In an article published in The Conversation, Dr Rosemary Stanton, a leading nutritionist based at the University of New South Wales, explained why MCT oil is regarded as a metabolism-booster.
She wrote: ‘Unlike most fats that are absorbed into the bloodstream, MCT oil is absorbed directly into the liver.
‘This means it can be used more rapidly for fuel than other fats.’
MCT oil can be bought for as little as £8 a bottle, and is flavourless — making it ideal for mixing into drinks or adding to salads as part of a dressing.
The final, but arguably most delicious addition in Dr Seth’s list, is dark chocolate powder.
He said: ‘Rich in polyphenols, it works with coffee to feed your good gut bacteria.
‘In fact, studies show that these polyphenols in chocolate can help increase the levels of beneficial gut bacteria like lactobacillus and bifidobacteria.’
Polyphenols are plant compounds which are abundant in berries, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and chocolate.
They are potent antioxidants, helping to combat the harmful effects of free radicals in the body.
Dr Sethi is always full of useful gut health tips.
Recently he explained why he sets a timer whenever he uses the bathroom.
