First, to warn you quickly, we do not in any way consider this delicious latte as a substitute for a well-balanced breakfast. We just suggest a simple, dreamy-creamy way to get a little more food out of your morning cup. Sounds good; Let’s start.
The Healthy Happy Life recipe requires only three basic ingredients: soy milk, espresso and ground cinnamon. And thanks to soy milk in particular, this is a protein-rich breakfast drink that will give you an extra dose of energy that black coffee could never have. “Soy milk is extremely high in protein,” says Melissa Bolona, RD, CNS, and CEO and founder of Beauty and the Broth. “A single cup of sugar-free soy milk contains about seven grams of protein.” By comparison, an egg contains about six grams of protein. “The protein in soy milk is also a vegetable protein that contains all nine essential amino acids. “This means that it is considered a ‘complete’ source of protein versus an ‘imperfect’, which is quite rare for plant protein sources,” adds Bolona.
Aside from soy milk, the other ingredients in this latte – espresso and cinnamon – are also great for your body, says Bolona. “Cinnamon has been shown to help fight infections and suppress inflammatory mediators,” he notes. “Cinnamon bark also contains the flavonoids procyanidins and catechins, both of which act as antioxidants and work to reduce free radical damage in the body. In addition, cinnamaldehyde, a component of cinnamon, is responsible for its mild antimicrobial action, “notes Bolona. “Cinnamon oil has also been shown to help treat certain fungal infections as well as prevent bad breath.”
Then, of course, there are the benefits of espresso, a concentrated form of coffee. “Coffee has many health benefits,” explains Bolona. In addition to providing you with caffeine, coffee is also a powerful antioxidant, as it contains chlorogenic acids, ferulic, caffeic and n-coumaric acid, notes Bolona. “Moderate coffee consumption has been associated with lower risks of heart disease and stroke,” suggests Bolona. “This effect could be partly explained by the competitive effect of caffeine on adenosine receptors, which leads to vasodilation and a slower heart rate.” In addition, coffee is a source of B vitamins that promote happiness, including vitamin B2 and riboflavin.
Of course, all the health benefits in the world would be in vain if this recipe was not delicious. But fortunately, this is a drink that boosts the energy and mood you will feel to make it over and over again.
See the full cinnamon soy latte recipe from Happy Healthy Life below.
Soy latte recipe with packaged cinnamon
Components
10 ounces of soy milk
1 shot of espresso
Coconut sugar, optional
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
1. Heat your milk until it is very hot. (Do not hesitate to use your microwave.)
2. Pour the hot milk into a blender. Turn on the blender at the lowest speed. Add cinnamon and coconut sugar to taste – a few teaspoons should do (you can also use maple syrup, agave or honey). Stir for one minute on low speed and then for thirty seconds on higher speed. Turn off the blender and let the froth sit there for at least a minute. This allows the foam to form on top.
Add espresso to the empty cup you used to heat the milk.
Slowly pour the milk over the espresso. Your milk may not fit all in the cup, as it has increased in “size” from the foam. You can pour the foam on top or pour it extra into a side cup and add it after a few sips. Sprinkle coconut sugar on top, if desired, to serve.
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