For this week, I want to introduce my intern, Claire. She is spending a few days with me this summer learning the ropes of retail dietetics.

Learn a little about why Claire recommends reaching for a cup of coffee each morning.

Do you find yourself reaching for a cup of coffee each morning?  Lose the guilt while going back for your second cup.  Coffee has been found to be high in antioxidants and other nutrients such as vitamins and minerals.  These nutrients have many health benefits such as reduced risk of cancer and type 2 diabetes, as well as a lowered risk of depression and Alzheimer’s disease.

However, for those that don’t drink coffee, there is no major reason to start.  All of these nutrients can be added to the diet through other foods.  Symptoms of anxiety and sleeping disorders can be amped up due to the caffeine in coffee. Because of this, it may be best to steer clear of the caffeinated beverage and get the antioxidants elsewhere.  Same goes for those with hard to control high blood pressure and pregnant women.

Coffee drinks such as caramel lattes and vanilla bean frappes may look delicious and pretty with all of their whipped cream and drizzled syrup but its best to avoid these drinks due to the large amount of sugar and fat in each cup.  To add a little extra flavor to a plain cup of Joe, try a low-fat cappuccino or latte or try adding low-fat cream and cinnamon to black coffee.

Type 2 Diabetes

Consumers of coffee, caffeinated or decaffeinated, have been found to have a lower risk for type 2 diabetes.  In fact, an increased consumption of coffee throughout the day showed a bigger decline in risk.  So take another drink from your mug knowing you’re lowering your type 2 diabetes risk.

Cancer

Caffeinated coffee has been linked to reducing the risk of cancer in general as well as several specific types of cancer.  These cancers include melanoma, leukemia, prostate cancer, liver cancer and others.  The connection between a lowered risk and coffee consumption and be associated with the antibiotics found in coffee.

Chocolate Almond Coffee

Serves 4: 1 cup per serving

Prep: 5 minutes

All you need

•½ cup unsweetened chocolate Almond milk

•½ cup ground coffee

•3 cups water

All you do

1. Pour the ½ cup of unsweetened almond milk into an empty coffee pot. Brew coffee.

2. When the brewing is finished, stir until mixed and enjoy.

Nutrition information per serving using Fairlife 2% chocolate milk: 17 calories; 0 g fat; 1.5 g carbohydrate; 1.5 g protein