We all learn a little something from social media and thanks to the health and wellness creators who keep putting out valuable content, we are able to catch in the knowledge for free! In such an instance Nutritionist Cory Rodriguez with 3.1 million followers on his Instagram posted a video on how can you optimize your morning coffee based on your health. He has suggested a few additions to your morning coffee that can help you have a healthier life. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cory Rodriguez (@healthwithcory)]]>Coffee And CocoaHe suggests that if you add cocoa to your morning coffee, it helps your heart health. As per Harvard Health Publishing, cocoa reduces inflammation associated with heart disease. In a 2010 article published on the same mentions of a randomized trial that involved 42 older women and men at high risk for cardiovascular disease. This was conducted by Spanish researchers, who gave half the participants 40 grams of unsweetened cocoa powder in 16 ounces of skim milk every day, and half of them were given plain skim milk. After one month, the cocoa drinkers had lower levels of adhesion molecules, the proteins that cause white cells and other substances to stick the walls of the arteries. The study was published in November 2009 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Coffee And CollagenNext up, Rodriguez suggests that if you add collagen to your coffee, it helps you achieve a clearer skin. How does it work? As per a 2022 study published in the journal Dermatology Practical & Conceptual, it was found that both oral and topical collagen supplements improve skin moisture, elasticity, and hydration when orally administered. It also found that collagen reduces the wrinkling and roughness of the skin, the existing studies have not found any side effects. Coffee And CinnamonWhile Rodriguez suggests that cinnamon helps balance your blood sugar levels. Let us find out the truth in it. As per a 2019 study in the International Journal of Food Science, 3 to 6 grams of cinnamon consumption was found to affect certain blood parameters of individuals positively. The study also noted that cinnamon is claimed to be a natural insulin stimulant and the agents found in it serve as insulin to keep the blood sugar level stable. Coffee And Protein PowderIt is not unknown that protein powder helps gain muscle, this is what Rodriguez also points out when he says if you combine these two, you can help your muscle gain. In fact, Harvard Health Publishing too notes that people, especially older adults may benefit from eating one-and-a-half to two times as much protein as the RDA. It helps boost protein that helps in increasing strength and lean body mass. Coffee And Mushroom This might seem like an unusual combo, but if Rodriguez is to be trusted, this combo helps you achieve a better immune system. As per the UCLA Health, mushrooms can decrease the risk of cancer. Its lower sodium intake can also help with maintaining blood pressure. Furthermore, it contains macronutrients like selenium, vitamin D, and vitamin B6, which helps with your immune system as it prevents cell damage, boosts immune functions while reducing inflammation, and helps your body to form red blood cells, proteins and DNA, respectively. Coffee And RosemaryHe suggests adding rosemary to coffee will boost your brain health. As per the University of Florida, rosemary can increase cognitive function and mood. In fact, researchers from Northumbria University said that this key component of herb is detected in bloodstream as soon as a person breathes in its aroma. Consuming it can further boost brain power by keeping neurotransmitter associated with memory in good working order. Coffee And SaltMany coffee roasters also agree with Rodriguez here. When you add salt to your coffee, it can in fact help reduce the perceived bitterness of coffee. The sodium in salt suppresses the taste bug that registers bitterness, making the coffee taste less harsh. Coffee And L-theanine If you love coffee, but get jitters, Rodriguez suggests you add L-theanine, as it helps combat jitters. It is because it has the effect of reducing anxiety. As per a 2019 study published in journal Nutrients, when L-theanine was administered on participants of a study for four weeks, they showed a sign of improvement in their cognitive functions, verbal fluency, sleep, and stress-related symptoms, and self-rating depression scale. Coffee And BananasIt is not just Rodriguez, but many nutritionists in the past too have suggested that bananas help with workouts. They offer key nutrients which improve exercise performance such as potassium and carbohydrate. A banana along with morning coffee makes a great combo before you hit the gym.Note: These are just suggestions, before making any changes to your diet, please consult your doctor. It is also recommended to drink coffee without sugar for the most benefit.