Coffee and Your Health

Published on February 14, 2021

For all my coffee lovers out there, you probably don’t consider the health benefits in your morning cup of joe when you reach out to take that first sip. I am here to tell you that coffee (in moderation) has many beneficial health properties for those who can tolerate it. Let’s dive in a little deeper…

Coffee is rich in vitamin B2, magnesium, polyphenols (plant chemicals) and of course, caffeine. One 8-ounce cup of coffee contains 95 mg of caffeine which is enough to give you that little morning boost. Low doses of caffeine (50 – 300 mg) are proven to increase energy, concentration and alertness, but high doses can lead to insomnia, increased heart rate and anxiety. Research shows that moderate intake of coffee reduces the risk of developing several common chronic diseases. Decaffeinated coffee is good for those who are sensitive to caffeine as it offers similar health benefits as regular caffeinated coffee does.

Here are some of the benefits of coffee for our health...

1. Improved energy levels – as you drink coffee and it is digested and absorbed into your bloodstream, the caffeine travels to your brain and acts as a stimulant. Did you know that caffeine is actually the most commonly consumed psychoactive substance worldwide? After drinking a cup of coffee, we experience a temporary rise in energy levels and alertness which is one of the main reasons people drink their cup of coffee first thing in the morning.
2. Aids in fat burning – there are many studies that show that moderate caffeine consumption increases your fat burning rate and boosts your overall metabolism.
3. May lower your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes – studies show that coffee drinkers are at a lower risk of developing typing 2 diabetes than non-coffee drinkers. 
4. Protective against Dementia and Alzheimer’s – research shows that coffee drinkers have a much lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease which is the leading cause of dementia.
5. May lower your risk of certain types of cancer – coffee has been shown to be protective against colorectal and liver cancer. Research shows that people who drink coffee have up to a 40% lower risk of developing liver cancer and that people who drink 4-5 cups of coffee per day have a 15% lower risk of developing colorectal cancer.
6. Longer lifespan – you’ve probably never considered this benefit! Many studies indicate that coffee drinkers have a lower risk of death and this has to do with the health benefits that coffee offers to our bodies.
7. Boosts metabolism – the caffeine in coffee works to boost metabolism and may also help to relieve occasional constipation as it has a bit of a laxative effect.
8. Aids in weight loss – a slow metabolism is not ideal for weight loss and coffee has been proven to increase metabolic rate. Also, coffee as a stimulant can help you exercise for longer and boost your overall energy levels during the day. For these reasons, coffee can aid in caloric expenditure and weight loss.

When browsing for coffee at the grocery store, be sure to look for organic coffee beans. Conventional coffee is among the most heavily chemically treated foods in the world. Farming methods have evolved for mass production and the plants are sprayed with pesticides, herbicides, synthetic fertilizers, fungicides and insecticides. In the case of organic coffee, there are no chemicals or synthetic fertilizers used in the growing process. As an added bonus, organic coffee beans are richer in antioxidants and are better for your health.

Some organic coffee brands we love include...

• Kicking Horse Coffee
• Ethical Bean Coffee
• Four Sigmatic - some of their blends include functional mushrooms that help with immune support, brain function and more!
• 49th Parallel Coffee
• Commercial Drive Coffee Company
• Tiny Footprint Coffee

If you aren’t a big coffee drinker, I am not saying that you NEED to drink coffee to obtain these health benefits. But if you do enjoy a cup of coffee daily, there are many health benefits associated with your morning brew!

Enjoy what you've read? Read more about organic produce here.