How to make your morning coffee gut-friendly and brain-boosting? AIIMS doctor shares 5 simple steps to do so

What if your daily cup of coffee did more than just wake you up? Imagine sipping a mug that fuels your brain, powers your gut, and even fights inflammation—all before your first Zoom call. Dr Saurabh Sethi from AIIMS shared a playful yet genius way to turn your everyday brew into a supercharged wellness elixir, and it’s as simple as following five steps.

Step 1- Freshly brewed black coffee
Start with freshly brewed black coffee, loaded with antioxidants to kickstart your day. Coffee does more than wake you up. According to Healthline, it can boost energy by stimulating the central nervous system and reducing fatigue. Regular consumption may lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, support brain health, and protect against neurodegenerative diseases. It could aid weight management and protect the liver. Moderate intake may benefit heart health and even increase longevity.

Step 2- Splash of milk (optional)
Feeling adventurous? Add a splash of your favourite milk—soy, almond, or dairy if you’re not lactose-intolerant—for a creamy touch. According to WebMD, almond and soy milk are nutritious, plant-based alternatives for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan. Almond milk is low in calories, rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin E, supporting bones, heart, and brain health. Soy milk is packed with protein, vitamins B and A, omega-3s, and antioxidants, promoting muscle, nerve function, heart health, and bone strength. Both milks provide essential minerals and antioxidants that boost overall wellness and support long-term health.

Step 3- Cinnamon

Then, sprinkle in a pinch of cinnamon; it’s not just flavorful, it helps balance blood sugar and keep inflammation in check. According to Healthline, cinnamon is rich in polyphenol antioxidants with anti-inflammatory effects that may lower disease risk. It can improve heart health by reducing cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure, and may help lower fasting blood sugar. Its compound cinnamaldehyde also has antifungal, antibacterial, and potential antiviral properties.


Step 4- Cocoa Powder
Next comes a little cocoa powder, packed with polyphenols that nourish your gut bacteria and support brain health—a sweet health boost without the guilt. According to Healthline, cocoa powder, made by crushing cocoa beans and removing cocoa butter, is rich in polyphenols. It may help lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, boost brain function and mood, support weight management, improve type 2 diabetes symptoms, and potentially offer cancer-protective benefits.

Step 5- MCT Oil

Finally, top it off with a teaspoon of MCT oil for clean, steady energy that sharpens focus and even helps your beneficial microbes thrive. According to WebMD, MCT oil is a supplement made from medium-chain triglycerides, usually derived from coconut or palm kernel oil. Its smaller molecules are easier to digest and quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, providing fast energy. MCT oil can be purchased as 100% MCT or a blend with long-chain triglycerides.