Coffee is one of those foods that the media seems to flip flop on – can you boost your health with coffee? Is coffee a natural superfood? It is hard to know what is true and what isn’t when it comes to social media, so let’s clear up some confusion and shed light on the science-based benefits of quality coffee. 

Can I just say that I love coffee? I actually have learned to drink it black! Following the MMKD protocol has helped me to develop a taste for pure foods. A single cup in the morning is all I need- it isn’t about the caffeine, but the slow sipping that offers up a calmness with which to start my day and set my intentions. It is like a cup of meditation.

Many of you will be glad to hear that there is science to support the benefits of drinking coffee. However, when it comes down to it, quality really does matter. 

Choose a clean & healthy coffee

A heaping spoonful of low quality instant coffee, or the coffee you might buy at most gas stations, will likely use the cheapest, lowest quality coffee beans (usually selected based on price alone). These beans may contain a higher ratio of bean defects (such as insect damage, over-fermentation, and oxidization) and higher levels of mold. Plus, the coffee might be stale. Many of the benefits of the coffee compounds will still be present, contaminants that can cause adverse health effects may also be hiding in there too.

It is best to find a coffee that’s tested to be free of contaminants, like Purity Coffee. 

Purity Coffee is the only coffee that is produced with health benefits in mind. Every step of the way, from organically grown plants to fresh, nitrogen-flushed bags, they make sure the coffee is pure and clean. Not only is Purity Coffee free of contaminants, but it is roasted to have the highest concentration of antioxidants and the lowest risk of carcinogenic compounds. You can be confident that your health is in good hands when you brew Purity Coffee at any temperature.

Here are five ways coffee can boost your health:

  1. It contains antioxidants

The key ingredient is a group of antioxidants known as chlorogenic acids, or CGAs. These components protect you from damaging free radicals. Free radicals are unstable atoms which can damage cells, contribute to diseases and cause aging. CGAs (antioxidants) eliminate these oxidizing molecules in the body. That’s why they’re called “antioxidants.â€Â 

Coffee

Coffee is actually the richest source of antioxidants in the western diet (and PURITY is the richest source of antioxidants out of all coffees), more than even ‘superfoods’ like blueberries and kale.

2. It can increase athletic performance

Athletes who took in caffeine pre-exercise burned 15% more calories for three hours post-exercise than those who didn’t.

A little caffeine post-workout may have benefits too. Compared to consuming carbohydrates alone, a caffeine/carb combo was shown to increase muscle glycogen by 66% after intense exercise, allowing athletes to exercise harder and longer next time.

3. It can help lower risk of Type 2 Diabetes

This 2014 study showed that participants who increased their coffee consumption by more than 1 cup per day over a 4 year period had an 11% lower risk of type 2 diabetes in the subsequent 4 years compared with those who made no changes in their coffee consumption. Participants who decreased their coffee intake by more than 1 cup per day had a 17% higher risk for type 2 diabetes. 

4. It can reduce the risk of liver disease

This meta-analysis suggests a 40% reduced risk of liver cancer in coffee drinkers. Research also suggests that coffee consumption is associated with a lower risk of other liver conditions as well.

5. It can keep your heart healthy

This recent study suggests a lower risk of atrial fibrillation among men who consume 1-3 cups of coffee per day. Atrial fibrillation is when the heart beats irregularly. Symptoms typically include heart palpitations, light-headedness, and chest pain.

6. It can decrease risk of developing Cancer

Coffee is valued for its high antioxidant value and phytochemicals, so it is no surprise that coffee has been linked to lower risk for certain types of cancers. It may also promote longevity. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, “coffee drinkers may live longer than non-coffee drinkers, having lower risk of dying from many cancers – as well as other chronic diseases.”  You can read more about the research on the AICR website here.

Drink it hot or pour yourself a nice glass of cold brew…

Because coffee acids are better extracted at high temperatures, cold brew can be up to 60% less acidic than hot brewed coffee. Many people love the smoother, sweeter flavor of cold brew. Since fewer acids are extracted than from a typical heated brewing process, it doesn’t have the same bitter bite to it that can be off-putting for some.

Did you know- you can even cook with coffee!

Coffee isn’t just for drinking! Use the grounds in anything from baked goods, smoothies, energy bites, or mixed into marinades for steak or fish.

Enjoy the recipe below for a yummy coffee flavored nut butter.

Vegan Coffee Bean Cashew Butter

  • 2 cup cashews, raw, soaked
  • 1 Tbsp Purity coffee beans, ground
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • salt, to taste
  • 1 Tbsp Lakanto Monkfruit Syrup

Prep

  1. Place cashews in bowl and cover with hot water. Let stand for at least 1 hour or overnight.
  2. Add all ingredients in food processor and process until smooth and creamy.
  3. Enjoy with sliced apple or on spread on almond crackers!

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