"Add a Pinch to Your Coffee"... Harvard Doctor's Advice for Blood Sugar, Brain, and Gut Health [Kok! Health]

Harvard-Trained Doctor’s Health Tips
“Add Cinnamon, MCT Oil, and Dark Chocolate to Your Coffee”

Experts have suggested that adding cinnamon, MCT oil, and dark chocolate powder to your daily coffee can maximize its health benefits.

A study has shown that adding cinnamon, MCT oil, and dark chocolate powder to coffee can enhance its nutritional value. Getty Images

On October 2 (local time), the British media outlet Daily Mail quoted Dr. Saurabh Seti, a Harvard-trained gastroenterologist in the United States, as saying, "Adding cinnamon, MCT oil, and dark chocolate powder to coffee can enhance its nutritional value."

'Cinnamon' Prevents Blood Sugar Spikes and Offers Powerful Antioxidant Effects

Dr. Seti explained, "A pinch of cinnamon can prevent a sudden spike in blood sugar and add powerful antioxidant properties." Cinnamon is a spice made by drying and grinding the bark of the cassia tree and is rich in antioxidants.

Dr. Seti explained, "A pinch of cinnamon can prevent a sudden spike in blood sugar and add powerful antioxidant properties." Pixabay

Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals that damage cells in the body, thereby reducing oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is known to increase the risk of various diseases, including heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and diabetes. Dr. Seti stated that consuming antioxidant-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and cinnamon can help reduce these risks.

In particular, cinnamon has been found to be effective for people with diabetes. In a 40-day clinical trial with patients with type 2 diabetes, those who consumed 1 to 6 grams of cinnamon per day saw their fasting blood sugar levels decrease by 18% to 29%.

MCT Oil Extracted from Coconuts Supports Brain Health

Dr. Seti also said, "MCT oil extracted from coconuts provides steady energy and is beneficial for brain health." Pixabay

Dr. Seti also said, "MCT oil extracted from coconuts provides consistent energy and is beneficial for brain health." MCT oil refers to medium-chain triglycerides. Unlike regular fats, it is rapidly metabolized in the liver and used as fuel. Due to these effects, MCT oil has become popular in ketogenic diets (low-carb, high-fat diets) overseas.

Professor Rosemary Stanton of the University of New South Wales in Australia also stated in a column for the Australian nonprofit media outlet The Conversation that "MCT oil boosts metabolism more than other fats."

Dark Chocolate: Improves Gut Health and Strengthens Immunity

Dark chocolate powder, when enjoyed with coffee, can help improve gut health and strengthen immunity. Photo by Pixabay

Dark chocolate powder, when enjoyed with coffee, can help improve gut health and strengthen immunity. The polyphenols in dark chocolate act as powerful antioxidants, removing free radicals in the body and reducing inflammation.

Dr. Seti said, "Dark chocolate is rich in polyphenols, which help increase beneficial gut bacteria." He added, "In fact, research shows that the polyphenols in dark chocolate increase the levels of gut bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium."