COFFEE

You are probably not thinking about the health risks or health benefits when you reach out for that invigorating cup of coffee served by a friendly barista or office staff or brought to you in bed by a loved one or brewed by you at the start of your day. 

Those cups of coffee might keep you alert and get you through a busy day but copious amounts of coffee can impair your health in the long run. 

You feel super-charged after drinking coffee because of the release of  cortisol, adrenalin and dopamine. While these hormones are important, when they are released in excess they can promote anxiety & depression, increase weight, cause headaches, decrease sleep and impair concentration. 

Caffeine can cause depletion of important nutrients like vitamin B6 and decrease absorption of minerals including calcium, iron, magnesium and B vitamins. This further exacerbates your stress response. 

Too much caffeine can also cause anxiety in people with panic or anxiety disorders. 

A moderate coffee consumption can be incorporated into a healthy diet. This moderate intake is linked to a lower likelihood of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, liver and endometrial cancers, Parkinson’s disease, and depression. It’s even possible that people who drink coffee can reduce their risk of early death. 

Here are some tips on how to drink smart : 

▪︎ Minimise coffee intake to one cup per day. However, if you have anxious tendencies, try to cut it out completely. 

▪︎Eat before you drink your coffee to prevent hyperacidity.

▪︎Opt for decaffeinated coffee if you experience the unpleasant side effects of caffeine

▪︎If you brew your own coffee then try brewing it with a paper filter. Unfiltered coffee is associated with higher rates of early death, and can contain compounds that raise levels of LDL cholesterol. 

▪︎Try not going overboard with added cream or sugar.

▪︎Be aware of the nutrients caffeine depletes & ensure you’re eating foods high in these nutrients throughout the day. 

▪︎Tune into how you feel when you drink coffee & why you’re in need of an Energizer.

▪︎Don’t consume coffee later than 2pm for it can affect your sleep pattern. If you feel zapped of energy in the afternoon, reach for a protein snack like a fistful of nuts and seeds (SaCha's TheraSpice Airfryer Spiced Nuts n Seeds is a good option😜)

▪︎Ensure you drink plenty of water to stay well hydrated 

Drink smart and stay blessed with good health...always!!!