This Healthy Vegan Cinnamon Dolce Latte is a delicious caffeine-free copy-cat! It's frothy, creamy, has a coffee-like flavour and is perfectly spiced and sweetened with all-natural ingredients.

There's nothing like a warm, creamy latte on a chilly day. However, most specialty coffees are laden with high amounts of caffeine, high fructose corn syrups and artificial flavours. Not exactly a health-promoting combination. So, overindulging in these types of specialty drinks can be a recipe for hormone imbalances and hypoglycemia.

How Coffee Affects Hormones

Cortisol

Caffeine releases the "stress" hormone cortisol. While cortisol is necessary for day-to-day function and for us to feel awake, it can have an adverse effect if too much is continually being released. 

Cortisol naturally gets released in the morning and when we are exposed to light (specifically blue light). Exercise, movement and any type of stress also stimulate the release of cortisol. However, if we don't give our bodies a break, it can put our nervous systems into overdrive. And if left unchecked, can eventually lead to burnout and create a cascade of other hormone imbalances. 

Click here to learn more about stress, along with some simple and effective ways of reducing it.

Glucose

Now, you're probably wondering what on earth caffeine has to do with glucose - caffeine isn't a sugar!

Well, remember that cascade effect I was talking about? Caffeine stimulates the release of cortisol, then cortisol stimulates the release of glucose. When glucose is released into the bloodstream, it increases energy levels. Which is needed when we wake, when we're exercising, or in theory, if we needed to run from or fight off a predator.

However, when we're drinking a coffee at eight o'clock at night, just before winding down for bed, the last thing we need is an energy rush. Or for glucose to be released that isn't going to be burned. This can then cause insulin-related problems. Starting to see the pattern?

How Sugars Affect Hormones

Refined sugars and high fructose corn syrups are the worst of them all. They can very quickly raise blood sugar levels, and high blood sugar levels stimulate the release of certain hormones, like insulin. Then those hormones can either stimulate or inhibit the release of other hormones.

Every single part of the body is connected, making health a true balancing act.

What Makes This Cinnamon Dolce Latte Healthy

Caffeine-Free / Dandelion Root Coffee Substitute 

Thankfully, Dandy Blend is a delicious coffee substitute made from, of course, dandelion root (along with sugar beets, chicory and barely extracts). However, dandelion root is the real MVP in this game! It pretty much does the exact opposite of what we were just discussing.

Balances Hormones

Rather than increasing the release of hormones like coffee, dandelion stimulates the liver. This improves the body's ability to detoxify and eliminate excess hormones. Thus, having a hormone balancing effect.

Balances Blood Sugar Levels

Dandelion is also high in inulin, an indigestible carbohydrate. Don't worry, it's more beneficial than it sounds! Inulin is known to improve blood sugar control and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut.

Nutrient Dense

While good quality coffee is a good source of antioxidants, dandelion root offers a more extensive array of benefits. On top of everything else, dandelion root is remarkably nutrient-dense! This wild and abundant root touts as an excellent source of vitamin C, riboflavin, vitamin B6, choline, vitamin A, calcium, copper, manganese and iron. Need I say More?

No Corn Syrup or Refined Sugars

This delicious Vegan Cinnamon Dolce Latte is sweetened with good old coconut sugar! Coconuts are probably my most favourite food because they give you pretty much everything you need in one cute little package.

Unlike refined sugars, coconut sugar actually contains nutritional value! Surprisingly, it's a good source of minerals, including zinc, magnesium, calcium and copper. Coconut sugar is also a better option when it comes to blood sugar balance. Since other nutrients are intact, it takes longer to break down, causing a slower rise in blood sugar.

No Artificial Flavours

Artificial flavours and colours are linked to many adverse health effects such as hyperactivity, cancer and aggression (to name a few). This list is pretty darn extensive once you start digging.

Not to worry, you will only find real-food ingredients in this Healthy Cinnamon Dolce Latte! It's natural flavour comes from real cinnamon, coconut sugar and Dandy Blend.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is one of the most underrated superfoods. There are a plethora of health benefits packed into this yummy spice! Cinnamon has immune-supporting, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and blood sugar balancing properties. Plus, it's an excellent source of polyphenols, a powerful group of antioxidants that protect against heart disease and cancer.

How to Make A Healthy Vegan Cinnamon Dolce Latte

Making a homemade, healthified Cinnamon Dolce Latte is super simple! It might look like a lot of steps, but for a Sunday morning treat, it's actually quite quick and easy. 

Cinnamon Syrup

First, add the water, cinnamon and coconut sugar into a small saucepan.

Bring it all to a boil and then turn the heat down to low, stirring often. Continue to simmer over low heat for about two minutes or until the sugar is dissolved.

Caffeine-Free Cinnamon Dolce Latte

Now that you've made your cinnamon syrup, you can mix the rest of the latte ingredients right into the saucepan. 

Keeping it over medium-low heat, pour in the coconut milk and then stir in Dandy Blend. Continue to heat for another minute or two, stirring often.

Froth It Up

Once your latte is warmed to your desired temperature, you can zip it in a blender for about 30 seconds to make it nice and frothy!

Enjoy

Pour in your favourite mug, and enjoy!

More Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Homemade French Vanilla Cappuccino Mix
• DIY Pumpkin Spice
• Caffeine-Free Pumpkin Spice Latte
• Healthy Homemade Graham Crackers

If you've tried this Healthy Vegan Cinnamon Dolce Latte Recipe, let me know how it was by leaving a comment and/or a rating below! And make sure you're following along on, Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook for more wildly nutritious recipes!

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