All over the globe, different cultures have their particular way of making coffee, some using the powerful punch of spices to intensify the flavors. The usual suspects, however, tend to be warmer spices such as cinnamon or cardamom, but have you ever considered using something spicier? Adding a pinch or two of a spice can enhance the flavor of the coffee itself and add depth to your next cup of joe. You might be thinking, "Cayenne pepper…in coffee?" This is a combination most would have never dreamed up but is a popular drink among some coffee lovers.
Why Cayenne Pepper in Coffee?
Spicy coffee is not everyone’s cup of tea, but we’re here to tell you not to knock it until you try it. As strange as it sounds at first, cayenne pepper in coffee is quite good. Spice in coffee has a long tradition in Turkish and Mexican cultures, and spiced coffee is a common holiday treat for many people.
If you’re wary of adding cayenne pepper to your morning cup of coffee, you are not alone. We get it. It might seem like a bad choice to add to coffee, but we’re going to try to convince you otherwise. If you're looking for something different and exciting (and you can handle the heat) I highly recommend giving this a try.
Health Benefits of Coffee and Cayenne Pepper
Both coffee and cayenne pepper are known for their health benefits. Beyond the potential health benefits, the main reason for combining cayenne and coffee is for the taste.
Coffee's Perks
According to nutrition experts at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, the antioxidants and other active substances found in coffee may reduce inflammation and help decrease your odds of developing certain cancers and diseases. Black coffee is already a low-calorie, metabolism-boosting beverage. It’s rich in antioxidants and can enhance physical performance, making it a favorite among those looking to shed a few pounds.
Read also: Protein Coffee Smoothie Recipe
The Power of Cayenne
Cayenne pepper, on the other hand, is a good source of vitamins, most notably vitamin A, which is important for vision, reproduction, immune system health, and certain organ functions, according to Cleveland Clinic. Looking to add a little spice to your life - or your diet? Cayenne pepper may be just what the doctor ordered. This popular red pepper adds versatile flavor to your meals and is chock-full of health benefits to boot. Cayenne peppers are a great addition to a healthy diet.
Cayenne peppers are long, skinny peppers with a glossy, cherry-red hue. Officially known as Capsicum annum, these pungent peppers are members of the Solanaceae (nightshade) family, along with their distant cousins, potatoes, eggplants and tomatoes. Cayenne peppers are thought to have originated in South America, but their easygoing spice has made them a popular addition to cuisines around the world.
Nutritional Profile
Like most colorful produce, cayenne peppers are a good source of nutrients. In particular, they are rich in:
- Vitamin C.
- Vitamin A.
- Vitamin B6.
- Vitamin K.
If you can get your hands on fresh cayenne peppers, you’ll get a lot more vitamins. One fresh pepper has 72% of the recommended daily amount of vitamin C and 50% of vitamin A. The powdered form doesn’t contain quite as many vitamins as the fresh peppers do. Still, dried cayenne powder is a good source of vitamin A. In just one teaspoon, you’ll get 15% of your daily vitamin A. And vitamin A is an essential nutrient. It plays an important role in:
- Vision.
- Reproduction.
- Immune system health.
- Proper function of the heart, lungs, kidneys and other organs.
Capsaicin and Its Impact
Cayenne pepper’s power comes from capsaicin, the natural compound that gives it heat. The health benefits of cayenne peppers go well beyond their vitamin content. Many of their benefits come from capsaicin, the natural compound that gives all peppers their spicy kick.
Read also: Weight-Loss Trend: Coffee Loophole Diet
Capsaicin has been shown to help reduce systemic inflammation and support cardiovascular wellness. Capsaicin increases thermogenesis (your body’s natural heat production), which can help burn calories and support weight management.
Antioxidant Properties
Cayenne peppers are fantastic sources of antioxidants and other plant compounds that protect our cells and promote health. Antioxidants, along with related compounds like flavonoids and carotenoids, are compounds naturally found in plants. These compounds protect our cells against damage from harmful substances in the environment. They fight the processes that age our cells to help keep our cells young. A diet rich in antioxidants can help ward off diseases, including heart disease and certain types of cancers. And cayenne peppers are a particularly good source of these superstar compounds. In one study, researchers compared antioxidant levels in 20 different hot peppers. Cayenne peppers came out on top.
Heart Health
Cayenne peppers can protect heart health in several ways. There’s evidence, for instance, that capsaicin can protect against inflammation in your body. Inflammation plays a role in many different diseases, including heart disease. Cayenne peppers can keep blood vessels healthy and may help lower blood pressure. Researchers found that people who regularly ate chili peppers were 13% less likely to die than people who avoided spicy fare. The reason? Spice lovers had a lower risk of heart-related diseases like heart attacks and strokes. What’s more, researchers found that when people season their meals with cayenne pepper, they’re less likely to reach for the saltshaker. Salt isn’t so good for heart health, especially in people with high blood pressure. Increasing the amount of cayenne pepper you eat might help you cut back on salt.
Digestive Aid
Lots of people associate spicy foods with heartburn or an upset stomach. But for many people, spice can have the opposite effect. Cayenne pepper is really helpful for digestion. It increases gastric juices and enzyme production in the stomach, which helps us break down food. There’s also evidence that spicy foods like cayenne peppers can boost the good bacteria in your gut. The microbiome is a community of bacteria in your gut that are important for a healthy immune system. Capsaicin may help promote a healthy microbiome. Of course, spicy fare can trigger heartburn in some people. If cayenne pepper doesn’t agree with you, don’t force it. If your body doesn’t like it, you’ll know.
Weight Management
Cayenne peppers and other capsaicin-containing spicy foods may help with weight loss. Spicy foods can rev up the metabolism a bit, helping burn calories. It can also help you feel fuller after eating. The effect isn’t enough to overcome an unhealthy diet, but as part of a nutritious eating plan, spicy foods may suppress appetite and help with weight loss. What’s more, a spicy, flavorful diet tends to be more satisfying. And when you’re satisfied, you’re less likely to reach for not-so-healthy foods and snacks. People who use strong flavors and add a lot of spices like cayenne are often happier with their diets. People who enjoy these flavorful herbs and spices typically eat well overall.
Read also: The Truth About Baking Soda and Coffee for Weight Loss
Pain Relief and Congestion
Some evidence suggests that spicy peppers are good for an achy (or stuffy) head. When you’re stuffed up, spicy foods can help clear the congestion. And if your head is pounding, spicy chili or tacos may help. Cayenne peppers have also been shown to help relieve headaches. Capsaicin is also used in topical form to treat pain. Creams made from the potent spice can be rubbed on your skin to treat arthritis pain.
How to Add Cayenne Pepper to Your Coffee
If you're interested in giving this flavor combination a try, it is recommended to start with a small amount of ground cayenne pepper, as a little bit goes a long way. Be sure to start with only a dash or two. We recommend starting slowly with only a tiny dash of cayenne as your first exposure.
There are two ways to add cayenne pepper to your coffee - combining it with the coffee grounds before brewing or mixing it into the brewed coffee. It has an extremely potent flavor-at least quality cayenne does-and unless you're my Peruvian ex-girlfriend, it's generally used sparingly in dishes.
Simple Steps
- Add a pinch or two of cayenne pepper to the grounds before brewing.
- (Optional) Add the chocolate syrup to the coffee after it's brewed.
Spicy Mocha Recipe
We like this recipe as a showcase of how cayenne pepper can make coffee shine and take on a completely different characteristic. This recipe is basically a mocha with a spicy twist, but we like it.
Instructions
- Brew a cup of average-strength, medium-strength coffee. We're going to add a bunch of stuff to the coffee, so the details of the roast aren't too important.
- While the coffee is brewing, melt 1 ounce of semi-sweet chocolate chips. You can melt more if you're a chocolate fiend, but at least 1 ounce should be enough to hold its own in the flavor mix.
- We recommend adding milk to this coffee, even if you don't usually take your coffee with milk. It helps round out the flavor profile and provides a cooling effect that keeps the cayenne pepper in check.
- We prefer to skip the sugar since we're using chocolate, but you might want to add some anyway if you have a sweet tooth.
- Add the chocolate and stir until it is well-mixed.
- Now, carefully add a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper. If you're feeling bold, you can add more, but don't say we didn't warn you.
Creative Ways to Use Cayenne Pepper
Fresh or powdered, cayenne pepper is a super addition to your diet. One of the great things about cayenne is that, unlike a lot of spices, it seems to blend with every type of cuisine. It’s used in dishes from just about every country in the world. That makes it a great choice for spice novices who are just dipping their toe into the world of hot peppers. Wondering where to start? Grab a pinch and get creative. You can sprinkle a bit of the powdered spice into just about any food. Just experiment until you find the balance you like best. Once you’ve developed a taste for the punchy pepper, there are lots of creative ways to use it.
- Mexican hot chocolate: Stir powdered cayenne into hot cocoa for a sweet-and-spicy kick that will warm you up on the coldest of days.
- Boost your coffee: Sprinkle just a bit of the spice into your coffee for a kicky pick-me-up.
- Grab a pan: If you’re trying fresh cayenne peppers for the first time, sauteing is the most user-friendly way to prepare them. Chop them up, sauté them and add them to a stir fry.
- Go brave with raw peppers: Raw, fresh cayenne peppers pack the most punch. If you want to fully embrace their spicy power, try chopping them into small pieces and adding them to homemade salsa. They also make a great addition to meat marinades.
One word of warning: As your palate adjusts to cayenne peppers, you might find you like your foods hotter and hotter.
Black Coffee and Other Spices for Weight Loss
Black coffee is already a beloved morning ritual for many, offering a robust flavor and a caffeine boost to kickstart the day. But what if your daily cup could do more than just wake you up? By incorporating certain spices into your black coffee, you could potentially accelerate your weight loss journey.
Black coffee is already a low-calorie, metabolism-boosting beverage. It’s rich in antioxidants and can enhance physical performance, making it a favorite among those looking to shed a few pounds. However, by adding certain spices to your black coffee, you can amplify these benefits.
- Cinnamon: This sweet and warming spice is known for its ability to regulate blood sugar levels. Cinnamon helps slow the rate at which food empties from your stomach, leading to a longer-lasting feeling of fullness. This can prevent overeating and curb those pesky cravings that often derail weight loss efforts.
- Ginger: Spicy and aromatic, ginger has thermogenic properties, meaning it can increase the body's temperature and, consequently, your metabolism. A higher metabolism means you burn more calories, even while at rest. Ginger also aids in digestion and can help reduce bloating, making you feel lighter and more energized.
- Turmeric: A staple in Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric contains curcumin, a compound with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Chronic inflammation is often linked to obesity, so incorporating turmeric into your coffee can support your weight loss goals by reducing inflammation and promoting fat loss.
- Cardamom: This exotic spice, often found in chai, has digestive properties that can help speed up your metabolism. Cardamom is also a diuretic, helping your body eliminate excess water weight. Plus, its unique flavor adds a delightful twist to your regular cup of black coffee.
Tips for Incorporating Spices into Your Coffee
- Start Slow: If you’re new to spiced coffee, start with small amounts of spice and gradually increase the quantity as you get used to the flavor. A pinch of cinnamon or a dash of ginger can go a long way.
- Pre-Blend Spices: To save time, consider pre-blending your favorite spices in a jar. Add a spoonful to your coffee grounds before brewing, or sprinkle it directly into your cup.
- Experiment with Combinations: Don’t be afraid to mix and match spices to find your perfect blend. A combination of cinnamon and ginger, or turmeric and cardamom, can create a delicious and health-boosting coffee experience.
- Consider the Source: Opt for organic, ethically sourced spices and coffee to ensure you’re getting the highest quality products while supporting sustainable farming practices.
Spices vs. Traditional Add-Ins
Compared to traditional coffee add-ins like sugar, flavored syrups, or creamers, spices offer a much healthier alternative. While sugar and syrups add empty calories and can spike your blood sugar, leading to energy crashes and weight gain, spices enhance the flavor of your coffee without adding calories. They also provide additional health benefits, making them a smart choice for anyone looking to maintain or lose weight.