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Java Talk Part 2: Three Ways to Make Your Average Cup of Coffee Extraordinary

10 min read time Jun 10, 2024

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Today, in this 2nd and final installment of our Java Talk article series, we discuss three ways to take your average cup of coffee and create something extraordinarily nourishing.

If you haven’t seen our Java Talk part one, please go here:

Java Talk Part 1: The Nourishing Benefits of Coffee

We know how much you look forward to your daily cup of java, but Z Natural Foods doesn’t want you to settle for something average.

We believe you can do much better.

When you add some simple ingredients to your coffee, you create a highly nourishing tonic drink that revitalizes you, provides long-lasting, feel-good energy, and balances out what some feel are negative aspects of coffee.

Let’s face it: going to your local “coffee house” can be expensive and produce a high chance of consuming ingredients you know will be counterproductive for your desired optimum performance results.

But before we discuss the value of adding the correct nourishing ingredients to your coffee, let’s first look at what you should not add and why.

While many studies suggest coffee drinkers live longer than non-coffee drinkers, some typical ingredients most people add to their cup of coffee may, in fact, prevent them from obtaining the full benefits of coffee’s nourishing compounds.

More research shows how adding conventional dairy to your coffee, tea, or cacao (like chocolate milk) may weaken flavinoid antioxidant capabilities. While more human studies are necessary, according to Oregon State University and the Linus Pauling Institute, preliminary studies suggest that the presence of milk protein binding to the flavinoids may be the reason for this issue.

Furthermore, the following was stated in a study examining the effects of adding milk to tea on its vascular benefits.

Black tea significantly improved FMD in humans compared with water, whereas the addition of milk completely blunted the effects of tea.
Of the various kinds of milk proteins, caseins accounted for these inhibiting effects of milk, probably by forming complexes with tea catechins.

Finally, the following was stated in a review discussing the Effect of simultaneous consumption of milk and coffee on chlorogenic acids' bioavailability in humans:

Subjects were subjected to consumption of water, instant coffee (609 mmol of CGA) (chlorogenic acids’) dissolved in water, and instant coffee dissolved in whole milk.
Urine was collected 24 hours after each treatment was consumed to analyze CGA and metabolites by HPLC/LC-MS.
The amount of CGA and metabolites recovered after consumption of combined coffee milk (40% ± 27%) was consistently lower in all subjects than in coffee alone (68% ± 20%).
Concluding, the simultaneous consumption of milk and coffee may impair the bioavailability of coffee CGA in humans.

Now, on to the fun stuff….

As mentioned above, it is all about the correct simple ingredients.

So, here are three primary categories of ingredients you can use to transform your coffee from something average to a highly nourishing tonic, creating long-lasting, balanced energy.

Please note that I said balanced energy. While caffeine does have its well-documented benefits, it would be misleading to say that it doesn’t come with some pitfalls.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) provides a beautiful perspective on coffee because while it sees its therapeutic value, it also understands its pitfalls.

According to TCM, coffee is considered therapeutic in small amounts and is warm, dry, bitter, and sweet. It stimulates the fire element (heart, triple burner, pericardium, and small intestines), stimulates liver energy, and is associated with Yang energy.

However, TCM makes it clear that it produces the wrong kind of energy in the liver, which may cause overstimulation and jitteriness. However, adding specific tonic herbs may help calm or modulate the adverse effects of caffeine.

1) Tonic herbs and mushrooms

Astragalus Extract Powder

Astragalus is a king in the world of tonic herbs, and it is essential to anyone who wants to take their health to the next level. Major or primary tonic herbs have been heavily used for thousands of years, considered prized in tonic herbalism, and support and nourish at least one of the three treasures based on TCM principles. Astragalus is a major Qi Tonic known as the “Great Protector of Qi” due to its ability to fortify what is known as protective Qi, which flows just under the skin and in the muscles.

Reishi Mushroom Extract Powder

Red Reishi is known as “The Mushroom of Immortality” and has a long and well-documented history in traditional Chinese medicine. Because of its ability to potentially support a healthy aging process via nourishing what Chinese medicine calls “The Three Treasures.” Red Reishi primarily comprises complex carbohydrates called water-soluble polysaccharides, triterpenoids, proteins, and amino acids. Reishi is highly revered for promoting the growth of wisdom.

Cordyceps Mushroom Extract Powder

Researched for its ability to support vitality and performance, strengthen the body and mind, and support a healthy stress response, this elite-level Jing tonic and superstar of the mushroom world is categorized as an actual adaptogen and revered by tonic herbalists worldwide. Sweet in flavor and warm in temperature, cordyceps is famous for nourishing both Yin and Yang, supporting the kidneys and lungs, supporting life capacity and life force reserves, and is considered a fantastic tonifier of QI.

Chaga Mushroom powder

From Maine to Siberia, this prized fantastic fungus found growing on birch trees has been traditionally “hunted” by mushroom enthusiasts in the dead of winter when the temperature has been below 40 degrees for several weeks (but Chaga truly thrives in brutal arctic weather). Chaga’s large black charcoal-like hard mass presents as a collection of mycelium called the sclerotium while the fruiting body is inside the tree. Chaga is revered for its traditional ability to preserve youthfulness, categorized as a Qi tonic, and considered a tremendous kidney and Shen tonic.

Lion’s Mane

While other medicinal mushrooms affect the mind and spirit in unique and profound ways, Hericium Erinaceus, aka Lion’s Mane, is considered the true nootropic of the fungi world. This robust traditional Chinese Medicine tonic is known and traditionally used in TCM to fortify the spleen and nourish the “five” internal organs (liver, lungs, spleen, heart, and kidneys); it also supports good digestion and general vigor.

Tongkat Ali

Many countries have a traditionally used herb for supporting sexual vigor, or as many locals call it, “energy,” which they tout as their local “Ginseng” (even though there is no actual relation to the ginseng family). For example, Maca root is known as Peruvian Ginseng, and Ashwagandha is known as Indian ginseng. Well, Tongkat Ali is no exception to that rule. Known as Malaysian Ginseng, Tongkat Ali has an impressive list of traditional uses. However, it is best known for its potential aphrodisiac properties and has been shown in human studies to support healthy testosterone levels in both men and women.

2) Collagen Powder

Collagen is a protein the body produces that supports the structure and function of hair, skin, nails, cartilage, bones, blood vessels, and connective tissue. It is the human body's most abundant protein, representing 35% of its dry weight.

It comprises 19 essential and nonessential amino acids and three chains wound into a tight helix, each 1400 amino acids long.

Collagen is primarily made up of the amino acids Glycine (33% of total collagen), hydroxyproline and proline (22% of total collagen), and glutamate (derived from its precursor glutamine and an essential precursor for proline).

While there are technically 28 types of collagen-based on molecular assembly, cell components added, and where the collagen is used in the body, there are five primary types.

What makes collagen so unique?

In simple terms, unlike all other protein sources that help build and sustain healthy muscle tissue(due to a more balanced and complete amino acid profile), collagen is an excellent source of the building blocks for functional material used to make connective tissue for our skin, hair, nails, bones, joints, and organs.

Collagen protein displays a low indispensable amino acid profile.
As a functional food, collagen is a source of physiologically active peptides and conditionally essential amino acids that have the potential to optimize health and address physiological needs posed by aging and exercise.
Collagen has a unique amino acid profile(high in glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline). These three amino acids comprise 50% of collagen, and the other 16 comprise 50%. Trytohane is the only essential amino acid missing.
While proline and glycine are considered non-essential amino acids, they are also considered conditionally essential during illness, stress, and trauma.
This powerful trio of amino acids is only found in collagen protein and nowhere else in the edible world. Therefore, the lack of essential amino acids is irrelevant because of collagen's function and purpose.

Ultimately, what most people consider to be collagen’s greatest pitfall of being an incomplete protein is, in fact, its most significant attribute and what makes collagen such an outstandingly unique food.

3) MCT Powder or Coconut Milk Powder

Fats constitute the most significant nutritional source of energy. Medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) are uniquely processed in the body, making them easier to digest and metabolize.

Medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) are more ketogenic than long-chain triglycerides (LCT)
Easily digested, MCTs give your body plenty of readily available energy.

In the past, MCTs were considered unhealthy due to their high saturated fat content. However, it has been proven that medium-chain triglycerides are unlike any other fat on Earth and have high nutritional value. So, why is MCT fat different?

MCTs are unique fat molecules; this makes their fat different from most fats we consume. While there is no nutritional difference between a well-made MCT oil and powder, It has been suggested that MCT powder has superior qualities to the oil regarding ease of use, texture, blending, and greater ability to tolerate (due to the fibrous carrier powder, allowing for slower digestion).

Most importantly, the powder allows for greater versatility and a creamier texture.

Also, suppose you are on the Paleo or ketogenic diet or prefer to burn ketone bodies for fuel rather than glucose because of the medium-chain triglycerides. In that case, our MCT oil powder is more ketogenic than normal long-chain triglycerides (LCT).

Unlike regular fatty acids, ketones can cross from the blood to the brain. This provides an alternative energy source for the brain, which ordinarily uses glucose for fuel—another fantastic benefit of MCTs and ketones.

Now that we have presented the three best categories of ingredients to create the perfect tonic coffee, here are our suggestions for using them.

First, based on what you learned from part one of this article series, starting with organic medium-roast coffee is the best choice to get the most bang for your buck regarding polyphenol levels without too much caffeine.

Next, depending on how advanced you are at this and how refined your palate is will determine how complex a drink you want to make.

So, we have created three levels of tonic coffee drinks for you.

Beginner-level tonic coffee

This level is about adding more nutrition to your coffee without overwhelming the flavor profile.

Six ounces of medium-roast organic coffee
One ounce of coconut cream or one tablespoon of MCT powder
One teaspoon of 100% organic cacao powder
2-3 tablespoons of collagen powder
A dash (yes, that is the scientific term) of vanilla extract and cinnamon powder

Either blend or put in a shaker bottle for 30 seconds and enjoy. However, this can all be mixed with a spoon.

Beginner-level tonic coffee #2

Six ounces of medium-roast organic coffee
One ounce of coconut cream or one tablespoon of MCT powder
One teaspoon of 100% organic cacao powder
2-3 tablespoons of collagen powder
A pinch of cayenne and cinnamon powders (you only need a tiny amount)

Intermediate-level tonic coffee

This level is for those ready to try their first tonic coffee experience without drastically changing the flavor profile of their coffee. Pure cacao's flavor profile goes beautifully with medicinal mushrooms.

Six ounces of medium-roast organic coffee
One ounce of coconut cream or one tablespoon of MCT powder
One teaspoon of 100% organic cacao powder
One teaspoon Reishi Mushroom (fruiting body) extract powder
One teaspoon of Lions Mane (fruiting body) extract powder

Intermediate-level tonic coffee #2

This recipe is identical to the above intermediate level with one change.

If you want to take it up a notch, put chunks of Chaga mushroom in boiling water for 20-30 minutes to create a Chaga tea (cool and store in refrigerator). This tea must be boiled (slow rolling boil for 30 minutes) because it is a hard and dense mushroom, and boiling it is the only way to truly get the benefits.

This tea will last for five days in the refrigerator, so make about 30 ounces to have enough for 6 ounces daily. You will use this tea as the water to make your coffee.

Because Chaga has a mild vanilla undertone, it will add a mild yet enjoyable flavor to your coffee. If you want to take this up one more notch, add three tablespoons of cacao nibs to the boil to balance the flavor profile and provide more nutrition to this tonic drink.

Advanced tonic coffee #1

This recipe is for those who are really looking for the benefits of a proper tonic coffee and are not bothered by an aggressive change in the flavor profile. In this recipe, you will find some of the most time-honored tonics in TCM, which nourish all three treasures. You should use the Chaga water as the base for your coffee.

Six ounces of medium-roast organic coffee
One ounce of coconut cream or one tablespoon of MCT powder
One teaspoon of 100% organic cacao powder
One teaspoon of Astragalus extract powder (Qi tonic)
One teaspoon Reishi Mushroom (fruiting body) extract powder (Shen tonic)
One teaspoon of Cordyceps mushroom (fruiting body) extract powder (Jing tonic)

Either blend or put in a shaker bottle for 30 seconds and enjoy. However, this can all be mixed with a spoon.

Advanced Tonic Coffee #2

Warning: The Tongkat Ali extract will give this tonic beverage a robust bitter kick. For some people, combining Tongkat with caffeine can be a bit much. Therefore, we suggest using dark roast decaffeinated coffee for this tonic drink.

Six ounces of medium-roast organic coffee
One ounce of coconut cream or one tablespoon of MCT powder
One teaspoon of 100% organic cacao powder
¼ teaspoon of Tongkat Ali extract powder
One teaspoon of gelatinized Maca root powder
One teaspoon of Reishi Mushroom (fruiting body) extract powder

For those who have never used the tonic ingredients in intermediate and advanced drinks, it is strongly advised to begin by adding one new ingredient at a time.

This method will help you better understand each ingredient's tonic effects. You may have also noticed that we suggest staying within 6 ounces of coffee. We apply TCM principles and believe six ounces is enough to keep within a tonic amount.

Finally, please remember that for convenience, Z Natural Foods has preblended formulas that you can either make as your tonic coffee or add to your cup of coffee.

These include our instant mushroom coffee, vitality creamer, and various collagen creamers, just to name a few. We recommend you keep a small bag at home, in the office, and in your backpack so you are always prepared to nourish yourselves no matter what life throws your way.

We hope you have enjoyed our two-part Java talk series and learned some new and fun information that you will apply to your daily programs. Until next time, we wish you excellent health.

Z Natural Foods

For more information about all of our Organic Teas and Coffees, go here:

Organic Teas and Coffees