MY WELLNESS CRUSADE SERIES
Episode 5: The controversy of coffee:
Coffee is one of those controversial topics in the health world! While it can offer some benefits, like improving focus and potentially reducing the risk of certain diseases, it can also have some negative effects.
People love coffee for a complex mix of reasons, both stimulating and comforting. Here’s a breakdown of the main factors:
They love it for:
Caffeine Kick: Coffee’s most popular ingredient, caffeine, is a stimulant. It blocks adenosine, a brain chemical that makes you feel sleepy, and increases alertness, focus, and energy levels.
This is a big reason why many people rely on coffee to jumpstart their mornings or beat afternoon slumps.
Taste and Aroma:
Many people simply enjoy the taste of coffee. And the flavour can vary greatly depending on the bean origin, roast level, and brewing method. From nutty and chocolatey to bright and citrusy, there’s a coffee out there to please almost any palate.
The rich aroma of fresh coffee is another enticing factor. Studies have shown that pleasant smells can elevate mood and create a sense of well-being.
abit and Ritual:
For many, coffee is an ingrained part of their daily routine. The act of brewing a cup, the warmth in your hands, and the familiar taste can be a comforting ritual that starts the day or signals a break.
Social Connection:
Coffee is a social beverage enjoyed with friends, colleagues, or family. It can spark conversations, fuel brainstorming sessions, or simply provide a moment of connection.
Some health benefits:
Studies have shown that moderate coffee consumption may have some heart-healthy benefits, such as:
· Reducing the risk of heart disease
· Lowering blood pressure
· Increasing “good” cholesterol (HDL) levels
· Reducing inflammation in the body
However, it’s important to note that excessive caffeine consumption can also have the opposite effect and increase blood pressure and stress levels. It’s also worth noting that coffee is often consumed with sugar and cream, which can negate any potential heart-healthy benefits. As with anything, moderation is key!
Coffee is often consumed with sugar and cream, which can negate any potential heart-healthy benefits.
Coffee prompts the adrenal glands to pump unnecessary levels of adrenaline into your bloodstream, causing a variety of compromises to your brain, liver, and kidneys.
Caffeine gives the adrenals a sense of fight or flight without our actual life circumstances being fight or flight. Now, fight or flight is a privilege we hold, an option for when we’re dealing with stress, loss, or confrontation. We release a complex blends of life-saving hormones from the adrenals. It’s for when we’re in a time of need and require the ability to think or act fast for survival. If you’re consuming caffeine all day long, you’re continually telling your body that there’s a crisis, prompting your adrenals to respond all day long. That can create a numbness. When a real crisis comes, we may not respond appropriately because we’re basically immune to the experience of adrenaline hitting the central nervous system. And the specific blend of adrenaline that fight or flight triggers can be highly toxic to the body because it’s highly acidic and corrosive to the nervous system and organs. (Source Medical Medium).
Coffee may also have both positive and negative effects on the skin;
Some of the potential benefits of coffee for the skin include:
Antioxidants that can protect against damage from free radicals
Possible anti-inflammatory properties that may help with conditions like acne
Some studies have suggested that coffee may even have some anti-aging properties, potentially reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
However, the potential downsides include:
Caffeine can dehydrate the skin, leading to dryness and premature aging
The acidity of coffee can irritate the skin and potentially cause breakouts.
Overloading the body with caffeine can potentially cause headaches and other withdrawal symptoms.
TIPS:
Other options to coffee:
-For the Caffeinated Boost:Green TEA is a good one It ALSO contains caffeine, though less than coffee.
-For the Warm Beverage Ritual:CHICORY COFFEE – CHAGA or ROASTED DANDELION TEA
