Coffee- The Facts

Caffea Arabica contains an array of constituents, and each and everyone one of them plays a different role in how our body responds. This week, we’re going to give you the good, the bad, and the very delicious- everything you need to know about the nectar of the Gods, Coffee.

A few years ago, I was travelling around Central America, and was lucky enough to get to visit some coffee plantations in Panama and Costa Rica, and test out some of the finest drips in the world. Their growing conditions and climate is perfect for growing and harvesting the perfect bean. I’m now super bias (I tried to smuggle some of the coffee fruits back but lost them) and where I can will choose a roast from either one of those countries, or Colombia. I’m never let down.

*This article focuses on Arabica coffee only.

A cup of good quality black coffee contains:

• Caffeine

• Antioxidents- chlorogenic acid, melanoidins

• Diterpenes- cafestol and kahweol (lost in filtered coffee- this is a good thing!)

• Soluble Fibre

• Minerals- magnesium, chromium, potassium, manganese

• Vitamins B2 and B3

The facts- Plain and simple!

Stimulation

The caffeine in coffee is what’s responsible for the buzz that we get. It activates an enzyme in our bodies called activated protein kinase (AMPK), which plays a role in regulating cellular energy. This is great if you need a bit of mental clarity, or want to kick your workout up a notch- but be aware that there’s a fine line between the right amount and too much.

A note on stimulation from caffeine- your body will not know the difference between the release of stress hormones from exercise, being anxious, a fright, or caffeine. If you’re already an overstimulated person, and you have a coffee to try and make yourself ‘wake up’- don’t. What you need in this case is nourishment, and you’ll most likely end up even more exhausted if you sip on some brew.

Digestion

When we consume coffee, it sends blood away from our gastro-intestinal tract and away to our extremities. Because of this, it is not a good idea to have coffee before meals, because we need to let our body focus on digesting. After a meal, however, coffee can be helpful for assisting the way our body utilizes and responds to glucose (insulin response). This means your body will utilize energy from food much more efficiently. Studies show that this is most effective after lunch. This is not only due to caffeine, but some studies have also hypothesized that it could be due to the magnesium, chromium and vitamin B3 that coffee contains.

As note on digestion- in the case of reflux and heartburn, coffee is not appropriate. See a qualified health professional if you are unsure.

Antioxidant Activity

We know that coffee contains a vast array of antioxidants, but did you know that the bean has a unique anti-ageing power? (Just check out the Mediterranean’s!) In a study done on 4780 nurses, the consumption of coffee showed to lengthen our telomeres (the arms on our DNA cells). Telomeres shorten with age, but daily consumption of good quality brew can actually extend the arms- how cool is that? There is something else that you can do to lengthen your telomeres, although it’s not as delicious- exercise!

Coffee has also been shown to delay the onset of dementia and alzheimers, and studies also show that over 50’s who consumed coffee are less likely to suffer from depression!

Quality is Key

As mentioned above, coffee contains chemical compounds called diterpenes. The ones found in coffee, cafeol and kahweol, have been shown to increase chances of certain cancers- HOWEVER, once filtered, these compounds are removed. This is why coffee quality is so important. Choose organic filtered coffee, never instant, know your country of origin, and use Arabica beans instead of Robusta (Rob is the guy that gives you the unpleasant shakes).

I am a lover of coffee, for nothing other than the taste, and the way it brings people together. I grew up around the rich aroma and strong flavour of Lebanese coffee, and a family that came together to sit around a table, share time and a pot of Ahwi, as we call it. I believe that while having negative physiological effects for some is not bad, and comes down to the individual as to if it should be consumed or not. It’s a good idea to have a week or 2 off if it starts to make you feel fatigued, or you’re having digestive issues. I do this every few months.

If you would like to know more about your individual coffee consumption and the way it effects you uniquely, or withdrawal symptoms, feel free to send us an email, or if you’re in Sydney, book an appointment.

Happy drinking!

Nanci x