More Than Just a Drink: Happy National Cappuccino Day!
Pumpkin-spice latte move over! With the coming of the cooler weather what better way is there to start your day than with a nice hot cup of coffee? More specifically, a traditional Italian blend of espresso, hot milk, and steamed milk foam enjoyed hot and frothy, often with a rich sweet alongside it.
Yes, the cappuccino is many people’s drink of choice for good reason, so much so that it has its very own day to celebrate it! Grab a cup of your favorite caffeinated beverage on November 8th for National Cappuccino Day.
Health Benefits of a Cup of Joe
These might not be cappuccino-specific, but it’s always good to remind yourself of the health benefits of your favorite morning drink, coffee!
- Improves Energy Levels: This isn’t just a bold marketing claim! Having a little caffeine in the morning can fire up your neurons, making you feel less tired. Studies have shown that coffee can improve multiple aspects of brain function including memory, mood, vigilance, energy levels, reaction times, and general mental function.
- Provides Essential Nutrients: While no doctor will tell you that your morning coffee should replace your vitamins, there are some nutrients in the coffee bean that can be beneficial over time. These include small amounts of Vitamins B2, B5, B3, and Magnesium and Potassium.
- Prevents Disease: Data has shown that individuals who drink coffee daily actually have a decreased risk for type 2 diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
- Great Source of Antioxidants: The Western Diet can lack many nutrients that the body needs for daily functioning. Studies have shown that those who follow the standard Western Diet actually receive more antioxidants from their coffee than they do from fruits and vegetables!
Cappuccino Flavored Everything
Not a coffee drinker? Not a problem! The cappuccino flavor can be enjoyed in many forms. Here are just a couple of ideas of how you can infuse some of that cappuccino flavor into delicious treats to celebrate:
- Cappuccino cheesecake – Make it as healthy or decadent as you want; just pick your favorite cheesecake recipe and add coffee.
- Coffee flavored ice cream – This is one you might want to buy in your local supermarket, but being the popular flavor it is, you’re sure to have lots of options to choose from.
- Cappuccino biscotti – The best-tasting dessert you’ll ever serve. You can buy it at the local market or try your hand at baking it from scratch.
- Cappuccino chocolate chip muffins – Doesn’t this just sound delicious! Make it a breakfast muffin or keep it as a treat throughout the day.
- Coffee flavored yogurt – You can buy coffee-flavored yogurt anywhere yogurt is sold, or you can add a little kick to your plain old vanilla!
Pro tip: all you need to do is add a teaspoon or so of your favorite instant coffee mix to any recipe for instant coffee-flavored success!
Whether you prefer to enjoy your cappuccino as a hot frothy morning beverage, or as a rich and delicious flavored treat, today is your day to celebrate, splurge and enjoy, not only the sweet flavors but also all the health benefits that come along with your cup of coffee!
Your Turn to Take Action: How will you celebrate National Cappuccino Day? Will you get a hot cup from your favorite coffee shop? Or will you be satisfied with a delicious coffee-flavored sweet? Let me know in the comments below.
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