Is Coffee Good For Me?
Coffee is one of the most popular beverages around the world. Many can't image starting the day without a cup of coffee. We socialize over coffee and enjoy a variety of specialty coffees like espresso, lattes, cappuccino and ice coffee.
We've all seen the headlines that say coffee is great one day, and the next day we should avoid it! I am often asked the question "Is coffee good for me?"
The answer to this question is that there is evidence to support both sides of the great coffee debate.
Let's look at the benefits and risks of drinking coffee, its effects on the mind and body, and whether coffee is going to help us have vibrant health.
We've all seen the headlines that say coffee is great one day, and the next day we should avoid it! I am often asked the question "Is coffee good for me?"
The answer to this question is that there is evidence to support both sides of the great coffee debate.
Let's look at the benefits and risks of drinking coffee, its effects on the mind and body, and whether coffee is going to help us have vibrant health.
Caffeine Metabolism
Coffee contains between 50-400 mg of the stimulant caffeine, averaging around 100 mg/cup.
Not all of us metabolize caffeine at the same speed. How fast we metabolize caffeine will impact how you’re affected by it.
About half of us are “slow” metabolizers of caffeine. We can get jitters, heart palpitations, and feel "wired" for up to 9 hours after having a coffee. This is me! The other half of us are "fast" metabolizers of caffeine. We get energy and increased alertness and are back to normal a few hours later and require more coffee to get that same effect. This is totally my Italian husband. (They say opposites attract!)
Not all of us metabolize caffeine at the same speed. How fast we metabolize caffeine will impact how you’re affected by it.
About half of us are “slow” metabolizers of caffeine. We can get jitters, heart palpitations, and feel "wired" for up to 9 hours after having a coffee. This is me! The other half of us are "fast" metabolizers of caffeine. We get energy and increased alertness and are back to normal a few hours later and require more coffee to get that same effect. This is totally my Italian husband. (They say opposites attract!)
Benefits of Drinking Coffee
The effects of coffee differs between individuals this is partly due to the metabolism but it also has to do with our body’s ability to become more tolerant to long-term caffeine use and our overall state of our health.
Here are some of the benefits of drinking coffee:
Great news! Many of the benefits of coffee apply to decaffeinated coffee as well.
Here are some of the benefits of drinking coffee:
- High in antioxidants and other nutrients
- Increases energy
- Supports brain function and improves memory and cognition
- Boosts metabolism
- Improves exercise performance
Great news! Many of the benefits of coffee apply to decaffeinated coffee as well.
The Risks of Drinking Coffee
While there are numerous benefits of drinking coffee, there are also health risks associated with coffee (caffeine) consumption.
Here are some of the risk of drinking coffee:
If we are going to drink coffee moderation is key. Consuming too much caffeine can overwhelm the central nervous system, over stimulate the body and cause extra stress on the adrenal glands. For those struggling with adrenal, hormonal or thyroid issues and those sensitive to caffeine it is best to find caffeine free alternatives.
Here are some of the risk of drinking coffee:
- Central nervous system stimulant
- Increases heart rate, blood pressure, respirations
- Stomach and intestinal irritation
- Stresses adrenal glands, increases adrenaline and cortisol
- Causes anxiety and irritability
- Increases insomnia
- Diuretic, promotes dehydration
- Caffeine addiction and withdrawal symptoms (headache, fatigue)
- Interferes with absorption of many vitamins and minerals (calcium and iron)
- Can cause weight gain when adding cream and sugar or pairing with sweet pastry
If we are going to drink coffee moderation is key. Consuming too much caffeine can overwhelm the central nervous system, over stimulate the body and cause extra stress on the adrenal glands. For those struggling with adrenal, hormonal or thyroid issues and those sensitive to caffeine it is best to find caffeine free alternatives.
My Simple Swaps to Reduce Caffeine
Here are some of my favourite swaps for caffeinated coffee:
Tip: Coffee is one of the most heavily sprayed crops. To avoid pesticides it is always best to choose organic coffee whenever possible.
- Organic Swiss water decaf coffee
- Chicory root coffee (Dandy Blend)
- Herbal teas
- Matcha green tea
Tip: Coffee is one of the most heavily sprayed crops. To avoid pesticides it is always best to choose organic coffee whenever possible.
Metabolism Boosting Spiced Latte
Recipe: Metabolism Boosting Spiced Latte
Serves 2
Ingredients:
Optional:
1 tbsp coconut oil or coconut cream
1/4 tsp cardamom
Instructions:
Add all ingredients to blender and blend until creamy.
Serve & enjoy!
Serves 2
Ingredients:
- 2 cups warmed non-dairy milk
- 2 medjool dates pitted
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp of raw cacao powder
- 1 tsp freshly grated ginger or 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Optional:
1 tbsp coconut oil or coconut cream
1/4 tsp cardamom
Instructions:
Add all ingredients to blender and blend until creamy.
Serve & enjoy!
Simple Wins:
Having my meals planned and written on a magnetic white board on my fridge not only keeps me organized but keeps my family happy and involved in prepping for the week. When I have my plan in place grocery shopping is quick and easy!
Simple Swaps Member: Wendy
Having my meals planned and written on a magnetic white board on my fridge not only keeps me organized but keeps my family happy and involved in prepping for the week. When I have my plan in place grocery shopping is quick and easy!
Simple Swaps Member: Wendy
Start With a Simple Swap
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Not too sure if you are ready to give up coffee yet? That's ok. Try the recipe above as an alternative and let me know what you think. It's all about making simple swaps to implement throughout our day.
Looking for more Simple Swap ideas? I created the Simple Swaps Guide to Meal Planning & Prepping to help give you some simple tips and tricks. This guide was created to offer my best suggestions to help you make small changes that will have a big impact on overall health. Click on the button below to access this free guide. |
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