As the demand for organic coffee increased, the manufacturers did not fail to supply it. Nowadays you'll come across shelves full of organic coffees at your local store. But that doesn't mean you should get the first one you come across. Here's how to make an informed choice:
How Is Organic Coffee Produced?
Organic coffee is produced without using pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. But that's not all! To receive USDA Organic Certification, farmers have to improve their water quality, enrich the soil, and adopt farming practices that are friendly to the land and wildlife around it. Coffee is one of the most sprayed-on plants. While the toxins and chemicals may lose their effectiveness by the time the beverage reaches your lips, the harm has already been done as these toxic substances have devastating impacts on our environment. That's why USDA Organic coffee is handled separately from its regular counterpart — not just in the field, but also during processing, transportation, and roasting. So when you purchase a pack of organic coffee, you know that it came to you with immense care.
How To Choose an Organic Coffee
Not all organic coffees are created equal. The cup you sip can have a significant impact on your health, the environment, and the farmers working on the coffee farms. So here are some key features to look out for:
Organic certification
Coffee can only be labeled organic when it complies with the USDA standards. The Organic 101 series contains all the details to clarify what these standards are. But let us warn you, there's a lot to take in. For the sake of simplicity, we'll highlight some key points. This series contains a long list of substances that the farmers are allowed and prohibited to use — and it's not just for the plants. The soil they grow the coffee berries in must also not be treated with the prohibited substances for at least three years before authorization. All of this is to make sure that the organic coffee plants don't come in contact with harsh chemicals like pesticides and herbicides. Farmers are required to keep meticulous records and the farms are inspected annually to make sure they are maintaining the standard. So, when choosing your organic brew, make sure that it is USDA-certified organic.
Fair trade
Most coffee is sourced from developing countries like Indonesia, Mexico, Vietnam, Colombia, and Brazil (yes, it is USDA-certified through various accredited associations). While coffee production is a labor-intensive job, it often yields very little profit to the workers. Coffee brands that follow the principle of fair trade pay the farmers sustainable prices, which in turn helps the farmers improve their living conditions and have more control over their lives.
Mycotoxin testing
Mycotoxins are natural fungal by-products that grow on coffee beans. They can make you overstimulated and jittery, as well as lead to other medical concerns. Organic coffee beans are more prone to their growth as they are never sprayed with pesticides, but their mycotoxin levels are managed by tightly controlling the moisture levels when the beans are processed. When buying organic coffee, make sure that it is tested for the presence of mycotoxins like ochratoxins, aflatoxins, rubratoxins, T-2 toxins, and vomitoxins to prevent unwanted side effects.
Single-origin vs blend
You may be partial to coffee blends because they create unique flavor profiles and a more consistent texture. But purchasing a coffee blend also means getting a mix of beans from multiple areas and you have no way of telling where it came from. Single-origin coffee beans are all obtained from the same area and hence are produced with better quality control and reduced mycotoxins.
Benefits and Dangers of Coffee Consumption
The debate surrounding coffee’s benefits and harms has been there since its existence. Below we have recounted both views to help you make the right choice:
Benefits of moderate coffee consumption
First, let's discuss the various benefits of moderate coffee consumption:
- Improves mood and brain function
Coffee is long known for keeping you awake. But do you know how? The caffeine in the coffee makes you alert. It promotes the release of the neurotransmitter dopamine that increases your alertness and attention span, as well as mood. A study also proved that drinking coffee reduces the risk of depression by 20%.
- Reduces the risk of Alzheimer's disease
Consuming coffee in moderate amounts can help lower your chances of getting Alzheimer's disease. The disorder is caused by inflammation and deterioration of brain cells. Coffee's polyphenol and caffeine content can help reduce the symptoms, especially in the cortex and hippocampus areas of the brain that are involved in memory retention.
- Promotes growth of beneficial gut bacteria
Bifidobacterium is the beneficial bacteria in our gut that helps improve our metabolic activity. They produce vitamins, antibiotic-like substances, and antibacterial chemicals that have a significant impact on our digestive and immune systems. Gut health, in particular, is critical for our overall health and well-being.
- Rich in antioxidants
Coffee boasts strong antioxidant properties thanks to its chlorogenic acid and melanoidin content. These play a vital role in protecting your cells from oxidation and you from serious diseases like cataracts, cancer, heart disease, and more.
Dangers of excessive coffee consumption
Now that you know the benefits of coffee consumption, let's go over some dangers associated with its overconsumption:
- Burns out adrenal glands
As mentioned above, the caffeine in coffee improves your alertness. But it also stimulates your adrenal glands to activate your flight or fight response. Drinking coffee consistently over a long time can overstimulate your adrenal glands causing them to burn out.
- Miscarriage
Consistent consumption of caffeine can also lead to abortion or miscarriage in pregnant women. It also causes lower birth weight that can lead to chronic diseases in later life.
- Acidity
Is coffee acidic? Yes! Very much. So when you consume too much of it, you throw off your body's natural alkaline environment, and disturbing your pH balance makes you susceptible to various illnesses. Hence, it's important to always practice moderation when it comes to coffee.
