This is a guest post by Derek Henry who is as serious about coffee as a heart attack, but far more amusing.
Confusion Over Coffee – Is it Healthy or Not?
The research is conflicting, but our love for it is not. Eight out of ten people have one thought only when they first wake up or get to work – where’s my coffee? There’s been lots of research on the benefits of late, with other data also suggesting that we should ease up on the java addiction. So who’s right? Should we care? Grab your coffee and let's discuss this important topic.
Where is the Love?
Whether an avid coffee drinker likes to admit it or not, the love for this black elixir comes from its ability to stimulate our body and mind. We simply have become accustomed to coffee giving us the energy and mental faculties we require each day to deal with our jobs, families, in-laws, and other ancillary duties as assigned.
The taste component has now been pimped out with all kinds of different profiles to choose from, but without the above mentioned qualities, how many would actually still consume it?
What are the Benefits?
There has been a legion of evidence recently coming in on how coffee may benefit your health. It's loaded with antioxidants (or was, before it was roasted), lowers risk of stroke, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, type 2 diabetes, and dementia. It even improves socials skills and depressive symptoms!! Perhaps that has to do more with your workplace coffee break, which can even improve the social skills of the accounting department.
What are the Consequences?
Since 250 million North Americans (8 out of 10 people) are drinking on average 3-5 cups a day, you would think the aforementioned benefits would nary be seen in the consequences. However, according to the top 10 causes of death in the USA by the CDC, we found that cancer (#2), stroke (#3), Alzheimer’s (#6), and diabetes (#7) are all included on the list.
At 750 million cups consumed a day, with the benefits it claims, it should AT LEAST not have any disease it lowers in the top 10. Like, c’mon man. Let’s be logical here. Not only does it have 4 out of 10, it also has two of the top three!
One thing we know about the very nature of coffee is that it's acidic, and is a stimulant. An acidic body facilitates disease and coffee has been linked to increased risk of arthritis, obesity, diabetes, depression, and anxiety (note diabetes and depression are noted in both benefit and consequences). It is also very dehydrating and reduces oxygen levels in the blood.
The other factor coffee drinkers are all too aware of is the fact that the adrenalin rush they get from coffee is from the adrenal glands. It’s also our source of “fight-or-flight” response, which enabled out ancestors to escape from that angry wooly mammoth. Caffeine is then constantly putting your body in this state, which is fairly useless when you are sitting at a desk. Perhaps the fact you have to fight over who buys the next coffee counts, and it becomes a self serving circle.
At any rate, your body's constant state of alert "caffeinism," leads to fatigue, anxiety, mood swings, sleep disturbance, irritability and depression.
Who’s Most at Risk?
Since it is highly acidic and fatigues the adrenals, people who eat and conduct a lifestyle that is overly acidic and stressful are more susceptible to the dangers of coffee. A highly acidic diet consists of grains, animal protein, alcohol, and anything processed. A highly acidic lifestyle would include smoking and anything that induces stress.
Sound familiar?
If you eat a highly alkaline diet (60% or more - fruits and vegetables primarily), and suffer from very little stress, a cup of coffee isn’t likely going to affect you as adversely.
Trouble is, 90% of people fall into the first category. Whoops.
A New Coffee Experience
Fortunately, there are options for you to have your cake and eat it too. If you have been told to cut out the coffee, by either your body or your doctor, or simply do not want to risk the potential side effects, you can now enjoy a healthier coffee. It has all the benefits you enjoy from coffee, but helps eliminate the side effects as well.
The healthier coffee I refer to contains an herb called Ganoderma (Reishi), which is infused into the coffee and does not adversely affect the taste or smell. It has a wide range of positive implications, but most notably helps provide energy and stamina and reduces the jitters and crashes caused by the caffeine. The herb also helps provide balance to your body, detoxifies, helps with elimination, and aids in sleep improvement. Simply Google “Ganoderma” and the condition you want assistance with and see if it can help you.
In my world it's not about taking away your vices, it's about helping you make informed choices to transition to a lifestyle that will leave you feeling better every day. A 1-5 cup/ day habit that can be turned healthier is a great and simple way to transition to a healthier lifestyle that could potentially result in less pain and suffering.
After all, it's all about enjoying life. Don’t let your favorite habit take the wind out of your sails. Allow it to enrich your life, and create the benefits you deserve.
Cheers!
Derek Henry is the Owner of The Silver Lining and Canadian Master Distributor of SereniGy Healthier Coffee, Tea, Water, Supplements, and Performance products. His passion and dedication to health is exhibited through his blog and his Facebook page,
Note: I wasn't paid or perked to post this article, but I have tried the Ganoderma-infused coffee that Derek wrote about and I can attest that it's just as tasty as your favorite brew.
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