Drinking coffee is part of our culture. We use it as entertainment and a form of comfort, a staple in modern society. Because of this, many of us don’t understand the implications of drinking cups and cups of coffee each day. It is widely known that caffeine enhances alertness and concentration, but the negative effects are considered to be insignificant to the every day Australian. Let's look at the benefits of drinking coffee, and the potential health risks associated with habitual coffee consumption.
The Good
High-quality, organic coffee has been known to provide some health benefits. For example;
Organic coffee helps reduce oxidation, cell damage and premature aging due to its high quantity of antioxidants. These days, many skincare companies are using coffee extracts in their products claiming that the use of such products results in a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles. An example of this can be seen with Priori Skincare's latest use of coffee in their CoffeeBerry range.
Studies have shown that drinking coffee reduces the risk of developing Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's disease and Type 2 Diabetes as well as having protective benefits agains liver cirrhosis, gallstones and kidney stones. Sounding like a miracle bean so far!
The Bad
Alas, let's not forget the dangers of habitial coffee consumption. Caffine, as unaccepting as you may be, is a drug. It's an addictive stimulant that leaves you wanting more despite the highs and lows often experienced. Ever woken up in the morning, craving the first sip of your morning cuppa to drink yourself awake? Throughout the day, you are on the lookout for your next hit- you just don't function without your double shot latte. Skip past your coffee break and suffer the consenquences, let the withdrawal sink in. Headaches, nausea, mood swings, body aches and your nearest and dearest begging you to stop being such a pain in the ... as they run to the espresso machiene to save your relationship.
What about the Ugly stuff, the adverse effects on your health long term.
- Clinical studies have stated that consumption of coffee is associated with an increase in the risk of cardiovascular disease, as well as a cholesterol-raising effect in some of coffee's chemical compounds.
- Blood vessels are effected by drinking coffee, making them constrict and dialate irradically.
- Coffee has also been linked to irregular heartbeats, blood pressure as well as influencing our nervous system.
- Studies have shown links between drinking coffee and urinary calcium excretion, making coffee a no go zone for those at risk to or effected by Osteoporosis.
- Insomnia and sleep disturbance can be attributed to coffee drinking.
- Drinking coffee dehydrates our bodies, depleting water reserves essential for bodily function.
- inhibited absorption of essential minerals like iron, magnesium and zinc as well as B vitamins.
So now that you have the facts, will you take the first step to a healthier, less dependant you? Jess Ainscough of thewellnesswarrior.com gives us 5 tips to say goodbye to coffee for good!
"The more stress we have in our life, the more coffee we drink. It’s a vicious cycle. We need coffee to keep up with the pace of modern life, but coffee itself actually helps to create the nervous energy of this pace. Coffee wakes us up and gets us going, but over time this unnatural stimulation of our nerves creates stress levels that wreak havoc on our immune systems, our thyroid, and our adrenals." - Jess Ainscough; The Wellness Warrior
5 Tips to Kick Your Coffee Habit
How to Ease Out Of Your Coffee Addiction
Drinking coffee is a habit that should be gradually given up – especially if you rely on more than one cup each day. Caffeine withdrawal is not fun – for you or for those around you. Here are a few things you can do to help you kick the habit:
1. Just add water. As well as slowly reducing the amount of coffee you drink, you can help to crowd it out by drinking a lot more water throughout the day.
2. Switch to tea. Black tea still contains caffeine, but it is much less than coffee. Green tea and white tea are even better options.
3. Try dandelion and chicory root blend. This tea is a great coffee substitute as it looks like coffee and it still has a rich flavor. You can also add oat milk or almond milk if you prefer it creamy. This stuff is rich in minerals, provides energy and is also known for its detoxifying properties.
4. Try Teechino. This is a blend of roasted herbs, grains, fruits and nuts that makes a great caffeine-free coffee alternative. It has a similar aroma and taste to coffee and it can be brewed or used in a coffee machine. It is high in potassium and offers a natural energy boost.
5. Get plenty of rest. When you take coffee away, your body won’t know what’s hit it. Without that false energy, you will most likely feel tired and more lethargic than usual. Be gentle with yourself and honor your body with more sleep and rest.
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Good Luck to everyone, and remember you have the power to choose every day. Choose to be the healthy, happy person you want to be!
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