Kepping the correct balance is one of the oldest and most universal concept that you can apply to many reasoning in life.
From phisolophy to health, to communication, the concept has paramount importance.
There is even a word for it, homeostasis, and it’s considered by Maslov a basic human need.
In personal health is worth to remind that substances are beneficial or damaging depending on the quantity we assume.
Even water, with makes a big percentage of our body, can be damaging when drunk in big quantities.
BENEFITS OF COFFEE
Medical literature has suggested several potential health benefits associated with moderate coffee consumption.
It’s important to note that individual responses to coffee can vary, and excessive coffee consumption may have adverse effects.
Here are potential benefits supported by scientific research:
ENHANCED COGNITIVE FUNCTION
Caffeine, a key component in coffee, is a stimulant that can improve cognitive function, including alertness, attention, and concentration.
It may also help enhance memory and reduce the risk of cognitive decline, particularly in older adults.
REDUCED RISK OF CERTAIN DISEASES
Some studies have shown that moderate coffee consumption may be associated with a reduced risk of certain diseases, including type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and certain types of cancers, such as liver and colorectal cancer.
IMPROVES PERFORMANCE
Improved PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE: Caffeine can stimulate the release of adrenaline, which can lead to increased endurance during physical activities.
This can result in improved performance in various types of exercise and sports.
ANTIOXIDANT
Coffee contains various antioxidants, such as chlorogenic acid, which can help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body.
Antioxidants play a crucial role in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, potentially benefiting overall health.
LIVER PROTECTION
Some research suggests that moderate coffee consumption may be linked to a reduced risk of liver diseases, including liver cirrhosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
It’s essential to remember that individual responses to coffee can differ, and excessive consumption may lead to adverse effects like insomnia, increased heart rate, and anxiety.
If you have specific health concerns or conditions, it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional to determine how your coffee consumption may affect you.
REASONS TO MODERATE COFFEE
ACIDIFYING
Coffee is an extremely ACIDIFYING drink.
When we’re alrady consuming many acidifying foods, as meats, dairy foods, alcohol, beans, oils and sugary processed food, consider limiting coffee intake.
Or compensate with foods which promote blood alkalinity as leafy greens, seeds, vinegar, broccoli, avocados,beets, alomonds, garlic and most fruits.
Otherwise coffee can activate compensatory mechanisms in the body such as decalcifying the bones and using that calcium, an alkalinising mineral, for blood plasma.
NUTRIENTS DEPLETION
Coffee can DEPLETE NUTRIENTS and cause a deficiency of B vitamins, specifically B1, thiamine.
This can make us feel tired, nervous and sore. In addition, regular coffee consumption can lead to a reduction of nutrients absorption in the intestine, leading to future deficiencies.
PESTICIDES
Coffee is one of the most heavily PESTICIDED crops. The main exporters of coffee are South American countries, such as Colombia, where pesticides such as Heptachlor, Chlordane and Dieldrin are used. These chemicals are toxins to our bodies.
LIVER OVERWORK
DRINKING COFFEE IN ECCESS can take its toll on the LIVER, the main organ in charge of burning fat and purifying the body.
The liver can become overloaded trying to clean out all the chemical residues in coffee, along with all the caffeine.
This prevents our blood from cleansing properly and allowing us to regenerate our tissues healthily.
SUPRARENAL GLANDS STRESS
Are you one of those people who can’t get rid of dark circles under your eyes? This may be related to an overload of your adrenal glands.
Coffee contains an acidic oil which can irritate the stomach especially if empty. Coffee’s boost to adrenaline secretion can trigger hypoglycaemia, leading to food cravings, energy ups and downs and mood swings.
To limit coffee acidity problem drink it with no milk and no sugar.
TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE BALANCE
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), food and its effects on the body is viewed in terms of balancing YIN and YANG, as well as the principles of QI (vital energy) and the body’s organ systems.
While TCM does not specifically address the acidity of coffee in the same way as modern Western medicine, it does consider the overall effects of food and beverages on the body’s internal balance and organ systems.
In TCM, coffee is considered to have WARMING properties, and its stimulating effects are associated with an increase in yang energy.
Excessive consumption of coffee, like any strongly warming or stimulating substance, can potentially disrupt the body’s natural balance.
Here are some ways coffee consumption, including its acidity, can be related to blood health in TCM terms:
LIVER AND BLOOD
The liver is closely linked to the health of the blood. The liver is responsible for storing blood and ensuring the smooth flow of QI and blood.
Excessive consumption of coffee’s warming and stimulating properties may affect the liver’s function, potentially leading to liver QI stagnation or heat in the liver.
In TCM, this can be associated with symptoms like irritability, headaches, and menstrual irregularities.
HEART AND BLOOD CIRCULATION: The heart plays a vital role in blood circulation. Coffee’s may lead to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure.
In TCM terms, this could be seen as an excess of YANG energy, potentially affecting the heart and blood vessels.
QI AND BLOOD DEFICIENCY
Chronic excessive coffee consumption can lead to imbalances. Excessive YANG can consume YIN and fluids over time. This imbalance could manifest as symptoms such as dryness, fatigue, and even affect menstrual health.
It’s important to remember that TCM views each person as an individual with a unique constitution, and the effects of coffee or any other food or beverage can vary from person to person.
Some individuals may tolerate coffee well, while others may experience more noticeable imbalances.
If you are concerned about how coffee consumption may be affecting your health from a TCM perspective, it’s best to consult with a qualified TCM practitioner who can assess your overall health and provide personalized advice based on TCM principles.
They may recommend specific dietary adjustments or herbal remedies to support your individual constitution and address any imbalances that may arise from coffee consumption.
Coffee roasted beans and in the backgroud the red ripe beans as the the appear on the plant
HEALTH RECOMMENDATIONS
When you decide that coffee benefits are more important than the problems it can bring.
Drink ORGANIC COFFEE, don’t pollute your body with all the chemicals used in coffee cultivation.
DECAFFEINATED is NOT better. Its caffeine extracted using a chemical called trichloroethylene, the same chemical used for dry cleaning and metal degreasing.
If you like your coffee with milk or sugar, use VEGETABLE MILK SUBSITUTES and sweeteners such as stevia, coconut nectar or maple syrup. We don’t want to further acidify the drink by adding dairy or sugar.
Do not drink more than 1 coffee a day. One cup of coffee won’t hurt you.
SWITCH TO TEAS
Black tea, Yerba Mate or Matcha Tea contain similar substances to caffeine or its derivatives but in smaller quantities, and are good substitutes.
ALKALINIZING FOODS
LEAFY GREENS
Leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale, collard greens, Swiss chard, and arugula are highly alkaline and packed with nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
CUCUMBERS
Cucumbers have a high water content and are known for their alkalizing properties. They are refreshing and versatile, making them a popular addition to salads and other dishes.
AVOCADO
Avocado is a nutrient-dense fruit that is not only alkaline but also rich in healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
BROCCOLI
Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that is both alkaline and an excellent source of vitamins C and K, fiber, and various antioxidants.
BELL PEPPERS
Red, green, and yellow bell peppers are alkaline and provide a good amount of vitamins A and C, along with other beneficial nutrients.
Including these alkaline foods in your diet can help promote a balanced pH level in the body and contribute to overall health and well-being.
ACIDIFYING FOODS
MEAT
All types of meat, including beef, poultry, pork, and fish, are considered acidifying foods.
DAIRY PRODUCTS
Most dairy products, such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and butter, have an acidifying effect on the body.
GRAINS
Many grains, including wheat, rice, oats, and corn, are acid-forming when metabolized in the body.
PROCESSED FOODS
Processed and refined foods, including sugary snacks, sodas, and packaged foods, tend to be acidifying due to their high sugar and artificial ingredient content.
CERTAIN FRUITS
Some fruits, such as cranberries, blueberries, and plums, have an acidifying effect on the body.
While these foods are considered acidifying, it’s essential to remember that a healthy diet should include a balance of both alkaline and acidifying foods.
The body has natural buffering systems to maintain pH balance, and overall dietary patterns and lifestyle choices play a more significant role in maintaining health than the individual pH of specific foods.
As always, moderation and variety are key to a well-rounded and balanced diet.
Know More Links
Coffee - European Food Safety Association
A list of Acid / Alkaline Forming Foods
Coffee myths and misconceptions