Are you a coffee drinker? Is coffee the first thing you must have when you wake up in the mornings? Coffee is one of the most broadly consumed beverages in the world. Coffee has become so popular that scientists are looking at the trend-setting beverage. Let’s look at the health benefits that have been associated with coffee.
- Increase energy levels
- Lower risk of depression
- Promote weight management
- Support brain health
- Enhance athletic performance
- Promote against chronic disease
Most
don’t realize the importance of regularly cleaning our coffee maker,
for your health, and for your favorite cup of brew. Coffee buildup can
cause bitter tasting coffee, which is a sign of, bacterial growth,
yeast, mold, and mineral deposits to slow the functions of our coffee
maker.
If you have noticed bitter-tasting coffee,
longer than normal brew time, extra grounds in your cup, and a moldy
smell, chances are your coffee maker is long overdue for a cleaning.
Follow these easy and economical steps to clean your coffee maker and
start enjoying your coffee again.
Traditional Drip-Pot Coffee Maker
- Wash all removable parts with warm soapy water.
- Decalcify your appliance every month by using water and vinegar. Fill the reservoir with equal parts of water and vinegar.
- Add a filter to the brewing basket.
- Turn on the coffee maker to brew only to the half pot line.
- Turn off the coffee maker and let the remaining vinegar solution sit for 30-60 minutes to release any mineral deposits.
- Continue with the brewing and dispose of the brewed vinegar solutions.
- Repeat the process 2 more times with only water to rinse away any remaining vinegar.
Single Serve Coffee Maker
- Wash all removable parts with warm, soapy water. Use a toothbrush to clean any grounds around the pod holder.
- If reusable filters are used, gently brush the filter with vinegar and water.
- Replace the reservoir and fill it with equal parts of water and vinegar.
- Place a mug and set the coffee maker to brew at the largest (cup size) setting. Dispose of brewed vinegar.
- Brew half of the water and vinegar solution and let the remaining sit in the appliance for 1-2 hours.
- Continue with the brewing until all the vinegar is disposed of.
- Repeat steps 2 more times with only water to rinse away any remaining vinegar.
- Do
you have leftover coffee? No worries don’t throw it out. Try this
great coffee smoothie to make at break-time or any part of the day.
Coffee Smoothie Recipe
- 2/3 cup brewed coffee, cold
- ½ cup 1% milk
- ½ Tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 Tablespoon peanut butter, creamy, reduced fat
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 medium banana frozen
- 1 cup ice
Directions: Combine
all ingredients in a blender, blend until smooth. The amount of ice
will vary depending on desired consistency. Pour into a glass and serve
chilled.
Serving: 2 cups
