Is Coffee Good Or Bad For You?
Is coffee good? or bad? or does it fall somewhere in between?
So many of you ask me about coffee so I thought it was time to write about it.
The simple answer is that well for me it is about Quality!
It is not as simple as putting it into the ‘bad box’ or ‘good box’ like so many health practitioners like to do.
I am not for restriction, limiting things that cause harm for sure, but there are often swaps instead of completely getting rid of something.
You just can’t compare instant freeze dried Nescafé Granules with Organic Freshly Roasted Coffee Beans. You can’t.
They are so different and this isn’t about being snobby, it’s about knowing what is going into your body which is essential in this modern day and coffee is so much more than caffeine to start your day.
Coffee should be a ritual, a moment for yourself, only drank once a day, slowly with food, with a fat.
Coffee is full of antioxidants and a medicinal plant that was once used to help with focus and meditation. We all know that feeling after coffee when we want to skip down the road and call our friends and feeling motivated.
When utilised properly it can be a wonderful medicine.
THE PROBLEMS
MOULD
Freeze dried coffee is usually pretty old with little nutrition left in it and has the potential for mould growth if not stored properly. The process it goes through can leave the coffee susceptible to moisture absorption which can encourage fungi growth and mycotoxins, the toxic substances produced by moulds. Mould toxicity is not really talked about but is linked with depression, headaches, skin conditions and neurological symptoms.
CAFFIENE
If the caffeine hit is too much for you take a break from coffee or switch to matcha or just caffeine free herbal teas, PITTA dominant dosha find coffee too heating and can aggravate their symptoms. Once healed or have less symptoms you will tolerate coffee again. I gave it up for a year, a long with following a pitta pacifying diet and know I tolerate it fine. If you are struggling with your mental health and anxiety then coffee can increase anxiety due to the way it constricts the blood vessels. This is what gives you the high feeling. One coffee is usually tolerated. (See advice below ‘HOW TO DRINK COFFEE’ about stabilising caffeine)
PESTICIDES
Choose Organic, because coffee is the most heavily sprayed crop in the world because its so mass produced and in high demand.
HOW TO DRINK COFFEE
From a scientific standpoint coffee needs to be drank with a fat, so full fat milk or cream (like traditionally). AFFOGATO ANYONE?
The milk proteins bind to caffeine molecules, slowing down the absorption rate of caffeine into your bloodstream, resulting in a less intense and more prolonged caffeine effect.
You can also add a pinch of cardamom which helps to balance the acidity and pitta (Ayurvedic dosha). & tastes amazing!
This is why in eastern countries like India and Africa like Morocco they drink coffee with cardamon or cinnamon.
Always choose freshly ground, check the date on the packet or grind yourself at home.
Find a local roastery where the beans have been roaster recently and stored well. You are also supporting a local business over a huge corporation.
Always after food, coffee stimulates your digestive juices so a great digestive after food, on an empty stomach however it can cause gut dysfunction.
Never before breakfast as cortisol is already high first thing in the morning to wake us up, so we need to wake up slowly, have breakfast then have a coffee mid morning.
Avoid after 2pm so it doesn’t affect your sleep. 2-6pm is also Vata time, so coffee at this time can cause anxiety and stress.
No more than 1-2 a day. one really is enough. and takes weeks away from caffeine especially during your luteal and menstrual phase.
We dive into deeply into topics like this in my women’s group programme THE ART OF WOMAN
We have workshops that teach you about Ancestral Nutrition, Ayurveda and understanding your Dosha and the diet most suited to you!
Ensuring clients are well informed with not just how to remove things but make changes that feel smooth and easier with swaps.
Join our growing community of women healing together!
Clear your symptoms, Heal your body, Awaken your Fertility and finally understand yourself.
Our transformative 4-month programme will take you from surviving to thriving — designed with guidance and community in mind so it is supportive and interactive.
You will leave the programme armed with the tools to become your own healer, preventing symptoms from returning. You will finally understand your symptoms and your body, feeling more connected, confident and in control.
Think, doing a course, but with likeminded sisters and the guidance of a practitioner offering you personalised advice to make sure you flow through it with ease. With mentoring and action steps so you see real results. *Most Clients see results in just 16 weeks!
Emma will be with you every step of the way.
Don’t wait! Start your healing journey today!
