Coffee can be healthy!!

I located some interesting information in regards to coffee and health benefits.  There is a wealth of data that supports the health benefits of coffee and its antioxidants.  According to Mike Geary, certified nutrition specialist, personal trainer, and author there are some tricks that make coffee very healthy.

Coffee can be healthy if you don't use refined sugar or artificial sweetner.  It is suggested to use natural stevia, honey, or organic maple syrup to add sweetness to your coffee.  Drinking coffee black is noted as the healthiest way.  To gain the most benefit and added antioxidants try some cinnamon or cocoa powder(non-sweetened) added to your coffee.  I use one or both sometimes they taste great.

You should also avoid adding liquid or powdered creamers for these usually are made with corn syrup and hydrogenated oils (harmful trans fats).  Instead use a little bit of real full-fat cream, organic of course or coconut milk.  You can buy organic coconut milk in a can.  Shake the can well and place in a container to store in the refrigerator to use in your coffee.  Coconut milk is loaded with healthy fats to boost your immune system and metabolism.  

It is really important to try and buy organic coffee beans.  Conventional coffee is heavily treated with pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides.  I found this information very interesting and never thought about buying organic coffee beans.  I am sure going to try and find them after discovering this information.  The health risk associated with such chemicals is that pesticides act as xenoestrogens in the body disrupting hormone balance.  Chronic exposure to such pesticides can be a cause of stubborn abdominal fat.  It is therefore important to try and choose organic foods to include coffee as often as possible.

 I know organic foods can be more expensive however some are only a few cents difference and are better quality products as well as better for your health.  Walmart is carrying many organics and they are reasonably priced.  You can also buy eggs from a local farm where you know they are organic or cage free.  The same goes for produce especially with summer coming and the farm stands opening.  Try to locate a local stand that sells organic produce.  Another suggestion is to grow your own vegetables.  Gardening is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and grow your own vegetables to freeze or can.  It really isn't that hard and doesn't take a lot of land.  You can even grow some vegetables in large containers or boxes on your porch.  Give it a try you may be surprised with what you can  grow.  I am growing tomatoes, zucchini(Italian squash) and peppers.  I am sure I will add in a few others as I plant.  These three are really easy to grow especially if you are a first time gardener.

I will be adding a recipe for zucchini bread to the recipe section of the blog.  My family all really love zucchini bread even my grandchildren.  It is a great way to get children to eat this healthy vegetable.  Zucchini can be used in many recipes and is very good for you.  My sister freezes shredded zucchini to use in her baking.  Zucchini plants usually yield a lot and freezing them is a great way to have fresh bread during the winter months.  Peppers are another vegetable that freezes really well.