Coffee, your source of energy –

The aroma in the air is the first to arrive, activating areas of the brain linked to the feeling of reward and pleasure. Point in terms of waking up the brain. Then, along with the sips, come substances capable of improving mood, focus, concentration and even performance in training. The caffeine in the drink stimulates the central nervous system, making us more alert, and also increases the presence of adrenaline in the bloodstream – which favors the breakdown of fat cells, which then start to act as fuel, giving impetus to the tasks of the body. day.

For those who can’t resist the good smell coming out of the coffee machine, studies have been exempting coffee from contraindications and demonstrating its health benefits for some time. A recent survey, carried out at the Faculty of Public Health of the University of São Paulo, for example, points out that balanced consumption even entails cardiovascular protection. The explanation, according to the scientists, lies in the high content of beneficial compounds in the grains, including chlorogenic acids, with antioxidant properties.

And how much, after all, would this moderate consumption be? “It depends on each person’s metabolism”, says nutritionist and researcher of therapeutic recipes, Aline Quissak, from Nutri Secrets, in Curitiba. “But in general, the recommendation is to drink three to four cups a day, at most, if possible distributed until the end of the afternoon, since for some people caffeine interferes with the quality of sleep if it is ingested closer to bedtime” , she ponders. Another care, recommends Quissak, is to postpone that cup that normally ends lunch for 15 minutes. “It’s just that coffee can disrupt the absorption of vitamins ingested in the meal”, explains the nutritionist.

If you prefer black coffee, go for it. But don’t pass up tasting some mixtures that can further increase the mood and well-being that the drink brings. It’s just not worth abusing sugar, remembering that the recommendation of the World Health Organization (WHO) is not to exceed 25 grams daily, which corresponds to five sachets of 5 grams or two tablespoons.

Coconut oil coffee

Here’s a good recipe for anyone who has to face a test or a work meeting that requires a lot of attention. The medium-chain triglycerides (TMC) in coconut oil carry caffeine more quickly to neurons. “A 150 ml cup with a teaspoon of oil is enough to increase focus and concentration”, suggests Aline Quissak. The mixture also gives a kick to the workout, but it is not advisable to exaggerate the dose. “Coconut oil in large quantities can trigger inflammatory processes in the body”, warns sports nutritionist Bruna Quaglio, from São Paulo.

Cinnamon coffee “Cinnamon is thermogenic, that is, it increases body temperature, facilitating fat burning. In addition, it is anti-inflammatory, has antioxidants and helps to eliminate gases”, lists Quaglio. The combination of coffee and cinnamon is ideal for half an hour before training, because the spice dilates the veins, which leaves the body more oxygenated, improving performance and reducing the perception of tiredness. For a cup of 80 ml, half a teaspoon of cinnamon is enough. Tip: as the caffeine in the drink remains in the body for a few hours, if physical activity is scheduled for the night, the sips can impair the sleep of people who are more sensitive to the substance.

coffee with chocolate

“This association is very valuable around 4 pm”, proposes Aline Quissak. She clarifies: “The high concentration of cocoa in the 70% chocolate decreases cortisol, the stress hormone, which peaks around this time. A cup of coffee with chocolate at that moment helps to maintain productivity and performance, balancing any reactions of agitation and anxiety related to caffeine consumption”.

Coffee with vegetable milk and turmeric

The formula of almond milk with turmeric, or saffron, was named golden milk – due to the tone of the spice. Combined with coffee, the double boosts the body’s anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial capacity. “It’s ideal for boosting immunity, especially in winter, with the flu on the prowl”, guides Quissak.

coffee with mint

In addition to giving a special touch of flavor to the drink, a mint leaf has the advantage of helping digestion, as it stimulates bile flow. Good choice for coffee after lunch.

best quality scent

When preparing blends with coffee, respect and value the main ingredient. After all, if it is not of good quality, it can spoil the choice of ingredients for different recipes. When in doubt, look for the quality seal of the Brazilian Association of the Coffee Industry (ABIC) on the packaging, which has been evaluating coffees for sale in Brazil for 45 years. ABIC checks all manufacturing stages, ensuring good practices from grain production to packaging closing. In this trajectory, it examines items such as purity, roasting and grinding, all to prevent the presence of any defective grain or excessive roasting from disturbing the taste of the Brazilian favorite drink.