The Awesome Superpowers of Coffee!

By The Bioregulatory Medicine Institute

Ah, coffee! Did you know that many of us are uncertain about whether coffee is good or bad for our health due to the numerous conflicting studies we've encountered over the years? But guess what? Your daily cup of joe is doing way more than just helping you face the day. Scientists have been busy studying the superpowers of coffee, and thankfully, they have some good news for us coffee lovers!

Types of Coffee Beans

There are two main types of coffee beans used worldwide:

1. Arabica: Known for its smoother, more flavorful taste. It's more particular about growing conditions.

2. Robusta: Has a stronger, more bitter taste and is more resilient to growing conditions.

Arabica accounts for about 70% of global coffee production, while Robusta makes up the remainder.

Beneficial Compounds in Coffee

Coffee contains several bioactive compounds that contribute to its health benefits:

• Caffeine: Provides an energy boost and improves focus.

• Chlorogenic Acids: Act as antioxidants in the body.

• Trigonelline: Converts to vitamin B3 during roasting.

• Diterpenes: Have both positive and negative health effects.

• Melanoidins: Provide color and some health benefits.

  
  

Caffeine: More Than an Energy Booster

Caffeine, the most well-known compound in coffee, has several effects on the body:

1. Cognitive Function: It can improve focus, mood, and memory.

2. Metabolism: Caffeine may slightly increase metabolic rate.

3. Physical Performance: Many athletes use caffeine to enhance their performance.

4. Pain Relief: Caffeine can help alleviate certain types of headaches.

   
   

However, excessive caffeine intake can lead to side effects such as jitters, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.

The Roasting Process: The Maillard Reaction

Coffee roasting involves a process called the Maillard Reaction. This chemical reaction occurs between amino acids and sugars when the beans are heated, creating new flavor compounds.

Scientists have identified approximately 1000 volatile compounds in coffee. These compounds contribute to coffee's complex aroma and taste profile.

The Awesome Superpowers of Coffee

Research suggests that moderate coffee consumption may provide several health benefits:

1. Type 2 Diabetes: Regular coffee consumption may lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

2. Cardiovascular Health: Moderate coffee drinking might have protective effects on heart health.

3. Neurological Diseases: Coffee consumption is associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

4. Liver Health: Coffee appears to have protective effects against various liver diseases, including liver cancer.

5. Cancer Prevention: Some studies suggest coffee may help prevent certain types of cancer.

6. Mental Health: Coffee consumption is linked to lower rates of depression.

7. Antioxidant Properties: Coffee is a significant source of antioxidants in many people's diets.

8. Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Coffee contains compounds that may help reduce inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is associated with various health problems, so this anti-inflammatory effect could contribute to coffee's overall health benefits.

9. Gut Health and Microbiome: Recent studies suggest that coffee may positively affect gut health by influencing the gut microbiome. A healthy gut microbiome is associated with better overall health, improved digestion, and a stronger immune system.

10. Potential Kidney Stone Prevention: Some research indicates that coffee consumption might help prevent kidney stone formation, though more studies are needed to confirm this effect.

Recommended Consumption

Most studies suggest that 3-4 cups of coffee per day provide optimal health benefits. Here's a general guide to caffeine content:

• Regular 8 oz cup of coffee: 80-100 mg of caffeine

• Espresso shot: 60-80 mg of caffeine

  
  

Health authorities generally consider up to 400 mg of caffeine per day safe for most adults. Pregnant women are advised to limit intake to 200 mg or less per day.

The Importance of Organic and Mold-Free Coffee

 Not all coffee is created equal. There's growing awareness about the benefits of choosing organic and mold-free coffee. Organic coffee is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. Here's why it matters:

1. Health Benefits:

   • Fewer chemical residues in your cup

   • Higher levels of antioxidants in some cases

   • No genetically modified organisms (GMOs)

2. Environmental Impact:

   • Promotes biodiversity

   • Helps maintain soil health

   • Reduces water pollution from chemical runoff

3. Farmer Welfare:

   • Often associated with fair trade practices

   • Reduces farmers' exposure to harmful chemicals

   
   

The Mold Issue: Why It's Crucial

Coffee can be susceptible to mold growth, particularly during processing and storage. Here's why mold-free coffee is important:

1. Health Concerns:

   • Some molds produce mycotoxins, which can be harmful to health

   • Ochratoxin A, a common mycotoxin in coffee, is potentially carcinogenic

2. Quality and Taste:

   • Mold can negatively affect the flavor of coffee

   • High-quality, mold-free beans often produce a better-tasting cup

3. Long-term Health Effects:

   • Chronic exposure to mycotoxins may contribute to various health issues

   • Some people are particularly sensitive to mold and may experience more immediate symptoms

   
   

Ensuring Your Coffee is Organic and Mold-Free

1. Look for Certifications:

   • USDA Organic seal for organic coffee

   • Some brands offer specific mold-free certifications

2. Choose High-Altitude Coffee:

   • Coffee grown at higher altitudes is less susceptible to mold

3. Proper Storage:

   • Store coffee in a cool, dry place to prevent mold growth

4. Buy from Reputable Sources:

   • Research brands that prioritize quality control and testing

5. Consider Processing Methods:

   • Wet-processed (washed) coffees tend to have lower mold risk

   
   

Precautions

While coffee offers health benefits, it's not suitable for everyone all the time:

1. Sleep: Consuming coffee late in the day can disrupt sleep patterns.

2. Anxiety: Some people may experience increased anxiety with caffeine consumption. 

3. Pregnancy: Pregnant women should consult their doctor about safe coffee consumption.

4. Medication Interactions: Coffee can interact with certain medications such as thyroid medications like levothyroxine; pseudoephedrine which can increase jitters; Alzheimer’s medicine, like donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine; asthma medications such as like aminophylline or theophylline; osteoporosis medications such as risedronate or ibandronate; antidepressants like fluvoxamine, amitriptyline, escitalopram, and imipramine; antipsychotic medicines such as phenothiazine, clozapine, haloperidol, and olanzapine; blood pressure medications, like verapamil or propranolol; and melatonin since it’s meant to inhibit the effects of caffeine. 

Brewing Methods

The way coffee is brewed can affect its health impacts:

1. Filtered Coffee: Using a paper filter can remove compounds that may raise cholesterol.

2. Additives: Adding large amounts of cream and sugar can negate some health benefits.

3. Brewing Variety: Different brewing methods can extract different beneficial compounds.

Conclusion

Coffee is a complex beverage that offers more than just a morning energy boost. When consumed in moderation, it can provide various health benefits, from improving cognitive function to potentially reducing the risk of certain diseases.

However, individual responses to coffee can vary. If you have concerns about coffee consumption, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional.

Bioregulatory medicine is a total body (and mind) approach to health and healing that aims to help facilitate and restore natural human biological processes. It is a proven, safe, gentle, highly effective, drugless, and side-effect-free medical model designed to naturally support the body to regulate, adapt, regenerate, and self-heal. BRMI is a non-commercial 501(c)(3) foundation and will expand and flourish with your support. Our goal is to make bioregulatory medicine a household term.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for the direct care of a qualified health practitioner who oversees and provides unique and individualized care. The information provided here is to broaden our different perspectives and should not be construed as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.