Coffee Part III: More From Your Cup

What are some facts about coffee?

Let’s explore all the good stuff a quality cup of Joe can bring to you.

The health benefits of coffee have been researched extensively

Over 19,000 studies have been conducted on coffee and health, yet most of these findings have yet to reach the general public. New studies are being conducted each day, adding to the body of scientific evidence indicating that 3–5 cups of coffee per day can have an astonishingly wide range of health benefits.

Studies show that the benefits of coffee can reduce the risks of chronic diseases:

Coffee is a true superfood when it comes to health benefits

Studies show that coffee drinkers live longer overall and have a lower risk of premature death from any cause. Two large studies showed that drinking coffee was associated with a 20% lower risk of death in men and a 26% lower risk of death in women, over a period of 18–24 years.

If prevention of chronic illness isn’t enough of a reason to consider this superfood, here are some more benefits:

These benefits are mainly the result of high levels of antioxidants in well-preserved coffee. Both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee offer similar benefits to health due to their similar antioxidant levels.

More than 70% of antioxidants consumed by Americans are consumed in their coffee. "Americans get more of their antioxidants from coffee than any other dietary source. Nothing else comes close," says study leader Joe Vinson, Ph.D., a chemistry professor at The University of Scranton. This is partly due to antioxidant concentration, but also due to the frequency of consumption. Since only 1 in 10 Americans gets the needed fruits and vegetables, coffee can be an important source of antioxidants.

So, what is true about current coffee habits?

Despite the far-reaching benefits of this beverage, coffee selection in America is rarely based on making a healthy choice. In reality, we prioritize convenience and marketing to drive decision-making. Instant coffee or a quick drive-thru pick-me-up is unlikely to contain the same health benefits as other coffee sources. Since poor production practices can compromise the health attributes of coffee, being aware of the source of your coffee purchase can be a critical health choice. We encourage you to consciously choose your coffee and make it not just an enjoyable daily ritual, but one that further enhances your health.

There are many adverse effects and health risks associated with the toxins that are produced when growing, processing, storing and shipping coffee. These toxins include: Ochratoxin A, Acrylamide, and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), which appear from improper production and sorting of coffee beans and roasting practices. On the other hand, some people may have a negative effect from the actual caffeine and particular acids naturally found in coffee.

Possible adverse effects of drinking coffee

Caffeine - While naturally occurring and a key reason coffee is sought after, caffeine (from coffee or any other source) can increase nervousness, anxiety, jitters and restlessness. It can release the stress hormone cortisol, which can increase your blood pressure, heart rate and exacerbate anxiety.

Acids - The acidity of coffee can irritate the stomach and lining of the small intestine, particularly in people suffering from digestive issues such as ulcers, IBS, and Crohn’s disease. For some, the acidity in coffee beans can cause acid reflux or heartburn.

Why choose our coffee?

To maximize the benefits of drinking coffee, it is important to consume coffee that was brewed with care and health in mind. At Nutrition for Longevity, we offer an Organic Antioxidant Rich Coffee. This coffee is made with the finest and purest ingredients! Less that 1% of the world’s coffee beans meet the same rigorous standards for purity. When we drink coffee that was grown consciously, we are assured that we are avoiding the common toxins that basic coffee provides.

Work with Nutrition for Longevity to make healthy choices when it comes to food — sign up for one of our custom meal plans!