Ok... this is no secret, but I am addicted to coffee.
As a busy working healthcare professional, mom, and entrepreneur myself, I can’t imagine a day without coffee...
Changes are, as a busy working nurse or healthcare professional, it's a big part of your day too.
Which is why I am so excited to share this recipe for Maple Cinnamon Purity Coffee Gummies! But first, before I jump into that recipe, let me give you a little back story on how I came up with this idea!
Not long ago, I had the opportunity to learn about Purity Coffee. Which was pretty cool because to be honest, I had never really stopped to think about the quality of my coffee beans as I do with food choices.
I learned that the type of coffee, the quality of coffee, the amount we have, and what we put into it all makes a difference for our health and overall wellness!
So even if you don't drink coffee, this can be helpful information to know.
You’ll be glad to hear that there is science to support boosting your health with coffee. However, when it comes down to it, quality really does matter.
Choose a clean & healthy coffee.
A heaping spoonful of low-quality instant coffee, or the coffee you might buy at most gas stations or let's face it even at many hospitals, will likely use the cheapest, lowest quality coffee beans (usually selected based on price alone). These beans may contain a higher ratio of bean defects (such as insect damage, over-fermented, and oxidized) and higher levels of mold. Plus, the coffee could be stale. Many of the benefits of the coffee compounds will still be present, but so will toxins and chemicals that can create adverse health effects.
It is best to find a coffee that’s tested to be free of contaminants, like Purity Coffee.
Purity Coffee is the only coffee that is produced with health as the top consideration. Every step of the way, from organically grown plants to fresh, nitrogen-flushed bags, they make sure the coffee is pure and clean. Not only is Purity Coffee free of contaminants, but it is roasted to have the highest concentration of antioxidants and the lowest risk of carcinogenic compounds. You can be confident that your health is in good hands when you brew Purity Coffee at any temperature.
Six ways coffee can boost your health:
1. Antioxidants
The key ingredient is a group of antioxidants known as chlorogenic acids, or CGAs. These components protect you from damaging free radicals from oxidative stress. Free radicals are unstable molecules that just want to be stable. However, in order to do this, they need an extra electron and it WILL steal it from healthy cells. Leaving those unhealthy cells to become unstable, mutated and increase the risk for injury/illnesses. CGAs (antioxidants) eliminate these oxidizing molecules in the body because antioxidants just happen to have an extra electron that they are willing to give away. Therefore, it neutralizes the threats from free-radicals. That’s why they’re called "antioxidants."
Coffee is actually the richest source of antioxidants in the western diet (and PURITY is the richest source of antioxidants out of all coffees), more than even ‘super-foods’ like blueberries and kale.
2. Athletic Performance
Athletes who took in caffeine pre-exercise burned 15% more calories for three hours post-exercise than those who didn’t.
A little caffeine post-workout may have benefits too. Compared to consuming carbohydrates alone, a caffeine/carb combo was shown to increase muscle glycogen by 66% after intense exercise, allowing athletes to exercise harder and longer next time.
3. Type 2 Diabetes
This 2014 study showed that participants who increased their coffee consumption by more than 1 cup per day over a 4 year period had an 11% lower risk of type 2 diabetes in the subsequent 4 years compared with those who made no changes in their coffee consumption. Participants who decreased their coffee intake by more than 1 cup per day had a 17% higher risk for type 2 diabetes.
4. Liver Disease
This meta-analysis suggests a 40% reduced risk of liver cancer in coffee drinkers. Research also suggests that coffee consumption is associated with a lower risk of other liver conditions as well.
5. Heart Health
This recent study suggests a lower risk of atrial fibrillation among men who consume 1-3 cups of coffee per day. Atrial fibrillation is a condition characterized by rapid or irregular heartbeats that can put you at higher risk for high blood pressure and other heart-related complications.
6. Cancer
Coffee is valued for its high antioxidant value and phytochemicals, so it is no surprise that coffee has been linked to a lower risk for certain types of cancers. It also may promote longevity. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, "coffee drinkers may live longer than non-coffee drinkers, having a lower risk of dying from many cancers – as well as other chronic diseases." You can read more about the research on the AICR website here.
Drink it hot or pour yourself a nice glass of cold brew...
Because coffee acids are better extracted at high temperatures, cold brew can be up to 60% less acidic than hot brewed coffee. Many people love the smoother, sweeter flavor of cold brew. Since fewer acids are extracted than from a typical heated brewing process, it doesn’t have the same bitter bite to it that can be off-putting for some.
Although, there are times when we can't always be sitting down enjoying a nice cup of hot (or cold) coffee.
When you are busy working a long-shift, a cup of coffee might be needed, but not always realistic to grab.
That is why when I had the opportunity to join a Purity Coffee recipe contest, I knew I had the perfect idea for busy nurses (or any busy working professional that doesn't have a lot of time)...
Introducing my Maple Cinnamon
Purity Coffee Gummies!
These little gummies are a fun, tasty, and realistic way to add a bit of Purity Coffee to a long-busy shift.
And the best part... they are SUPER easy to make!
I am all about keeping it simple and keeping it real, so I kept the recipe as simple and easy to make as possible.
OH and these tasty little treats not only have a little caffeine, but they have some added protein, which can help you fight off hunger during a busy shift.
There are two version listed below, one of which is vegan.
If using the gelatin, that adds some of the protein plus collagen, which can have various health benefits to help with joint, bone health, and may help with healthy skin and hair. Some other research is showing it might help with gut health, blood sugar control over time, and might even help you sleep better.
But if you are vegan or simply prefer a plant-sourced option, then you will want to use the Agar Agar instead. It won't have that same amount of added protein or collagen, but since Agar Agar is derived from red algae it will give you a little extra fiber, which also can help with satiety on a busy shift. Not to mention it may also help with gut-health, strengthening bones, blood sugar control, and since it is high in iron it may help with preventing anemia as well (especially when consuming with some foods high in Vitamin C like a piece of fruit).
Either way is a win!
We an also see the cinnamon and pure maple syrup mixed in this recipe as well. Cinnamon has been used for a long time as a way to boost antioxidants, reduce inflammation, improve blood sugar control, fight bacterial and fungal infections, and more. While the pure maple syrup does add a little sugar, it also adds in some minerals and antioxidants that refined sugar does not. If wanting to have a lower-sugar option, you can reduce the amount shown in the recipe below. An unsweetened version of the soy milk or other unsweetened dairy-alternative can also reduce the amount of sugar overall.
Maple Cinnamon Purity Coffee Gummies Recipe
INGREDIENTS:
1 Cup Double Strength Purity Coffee (Simply brew a cup of coffee as you typically would, but add double the coffee grinds to 1 cup of water)
1 Cup Vanilla Soy Milk (You could swap this out for almond milk, coconut milk, or another milk of your choice; however, the protein content will vary with other types of milk)
3 tbsp 100% Pure Beef Grass-Fed Gelatin* (I used Vital Proteins)
3 tbsp Grade A Pure Maple Syrup
1 tbsp Ground Cinnamon
*VEGAN Alternative
Swap out the 3 tbsp Gelatin for 2 tsp of Agar Agar. The Agar Agar will not have any protein in it, so it will be less protein in the gummies, but they do add a little bit of fiber instead which is still an added benefit! The Agar Agar is a wonderful plant-based substitute for the Gelatin, although it does have a slightly different texture.
DIRECTIONS:
Add coffee, soy milk, gelatin (or Agar Agar), maple syrup, and ground cinnamon into a small saucepan. Heat up on medium-high heat, whisking all ingredients together for about 5 minutes and fully blended.
Use a dropper to place the mix into gummies molds OR pour the mixture into a large glass pan.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (less time required for the Agar Agar). Test one to make sure it's fully set before popping out of the mold. If using the large glass pan cut into small bite-sized pieces. This mix makes a good amount of gummies.
Enjoy!
Keep in mind the whole batch is about as much caffeine as you would find in 2 cups of coffee. So eating it all at once (especially if you are also consuming other sources of caffeine) is not recommended. You can find the nutrition facts below (for both the Gelatin Recipe and the Vegan Option) to get an idea of how much protein and sugar is for 1/4 of the recipe, which can vary number of gummies depending on the molds you use or how large you cut your gummies slices.
AND if you have never tried Purity Coffee before, then enjoy 20% off your order with my Coffee Council Coupon Code - KSARBURD20
References are linked.