Coffee

Health + Wellness Writer

September 29, 2020

Coffee….

That glorious beverage that ignites our mornings!

Is it healthy?  Should we avoid it?  In moderation? 

Coffee is a frequent topic in the Functional Medicine space.  So, on #NationalCoffeeDay, we thought we’d give you the ‘deets’ on this beloved brew!

Did you know that coffee beans are not actually beans at all?  The ‘bean’ is actually a seed in the heart of the coffee fruit.  

The best quality ‘beans’ are grown at higher elevations, where oxygen levels are reduced, and sunlight is scare – allowing for proper maturation of the plant and producing fruit about five years after being planted. 

About 1.5 BILLION cups of coffee are consumed every day.

Coffee is second largest commodity in the world.  Oil is first. 

Coffee is one (of many) great sources of antioxidants.  Antioxidants attach themselves to free radicals in your body, neutralize them, and aid in their exit!  As such, coffee intake (for moderate drinkers – 3-4 cups daily [can you say: ‘ZINGGG!’]) have been shown to reduce risks of:

  • Cardiovascular disease

  • Type II Diabetes

  • Cancer

  • Alzheimer’s + Parkinson’s Diseases

  • Cirrhosis

  • Gout

Coffee intake has also been shown to increase dopamine – the neurotransmitter that increases mental focus, pleasure, and motivation!

BUT, it’s important to note that not everyone reacts the same to coffee.  Did you know that your genes play a role in how coffee (any caffeine, actually) affect you?  Based upon your inherited CYP1A2 gene variant, you can either be a fast, moderate, or slow caffeine metabolizer.  Unfortunately, it is the slow metabolizers who experience the jitters, heart burn, and a speedy heart rate more than others.  In contrast, the fast metabolizers tend to experience the more optimal effects of caffeine – improved mood, better metabolism, reduced cancer risks, etc. 

Have you ever thought about how it works?  How that steaming cup o’ joe or smooth cold brew give you the jolt you need?  Basically, the caffeine in your brew connects with adenosine receptors – preventing the neurotransmitter making you drowsy. As an added benefit, the blockade of adenosine has also been linked to the reduction of pathways that produce inflammation in the body.  Here’s a quick clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmEEZbEkoYg

On the flip side, too much of a good thing can be a problem.  Dependence and excessive intake can cause anxiousness, the jitters, heart palps, heart burn, and more.

Also, its important to note that coffee plants + ‘beans’ are among the most highly sprayed + chemically treated crops in the world.  Harming our environment, coffee farmers, local groundwater, and those who reside nearby.  

In short, listen to your body, enjoy the perks, and #organic is best.  

Happy brewing!

#BeWell #NourishWell #PlantPowered #DitchThePesticides #ConsciousConsumer #Coffee 

Brandon Luce