Anti-Inflammatory Friday 3-14-2025

If you’re a coffee lover, you know that first sip in the morning is pure magic.✨

(I'm not a coffee drinker, but that's how my husband describes it.)

And what if I told you that your daily cup isn’t just fueling your energy—it’s also doing something pretty amazing for your gut?

Keep reading to learn about this new discovery. 

Anti-Inflammatory HEALTH TIP

Turns out, science has just given coffee drinkers another reason to celebrate! And no, I’m not talking about its ability to make you human before 8 AM. 

Recent research published in Nature Microbiology showed that coffee drinkers had higher levels of Lachnospiraceae asaccharolyticus—a good gut bacteria linked to better digestion and overall gut health.

The reason? Coffee is rich in plant compounds that act as prebiotics, meaning they help nourish and grow the good microbes in your gut.

And since a happy gut is a huge factor in reducing inflammation, balancing digestion, and even boosting mood, this is yet another reason to enjoy your coffee guilt-free!

How to Make the Most of This News:

1. Keep It Clean: While coffee itself has gut-friendly benefits, sugary creamers and artificial syrups can cancel out those perks. Stick to black coffee, or add a splash of unsweetened oat, almond, or coconut milk to keep it anti-inflammatory.

2. Pair It with Fiber: Coffee gets a gut-health gold star, but it works even better when paired with fiber-rich foods. Try having your morning cup with chia pudding, overnight oats, or a handful of walnuts to give your gut bacteria an extra boost!

So go ahead—sip, savor, and know that your coffee habit is doing more for you than just keeping your eyes open. ☕️✨

Anti-Inflammatory RECIPE

Fluffy Banana Pancakes with Walnuts

And speaking of coffee... These naturally sweet, fiber-rich banana pancakes are the perfect anti-inflammatory breakfast to pair with your morning cup! 

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana, mashed

• 1 cup oat flour (blend rolled oats if you don’t have oat flour)

• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds + 2.5 tbsp water (flax "egg")

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ cup unsweetened almond milk (or other plant-based milk)

• ¼ cup chopped walnuts

• Coconut oil or avocado oil for cooking

• Pure maple syrup, for drizzling

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, mix the ground flaxseeds with water and let sit for 5 minutes to form a flax "egg."

2. In a mixing bowl, mash the banana, then add the flax "egg," oat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, vanilla, and almond milk. Stir until smooth.

3. Fold in the chopped walnuts. Let the batter sit for a couple of minutes while the pan heats up.

4. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat and lightly coat it with coconut or avocado oil.

5. Pour small rounds of batter into the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes until bubbles appear on the surface, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes.

6. Serve warm with extra walnuts and a drizzle of pure maple syrup.