Coffee: Is Your Body Paying the Price for Your Expensive Coffee?
We love coffee. From the aroma of a freshly brewed cup to that magical jolt of energy it gives, coffee is more than just a drink—it's a ritual, a lifestyle and for many, a lifeline. But have you ever wondered whether your coffee is as good for your body as it is for your Instagram feed? The truth is, not all coffee is created equal, and some of it may be doing more harm than good.
What’s Really in Your Cup?
Here’s a little-known fact: Many countries around the world have strict regulations on the quality of coffee beans they allow for consumption. Low-quality coffee, often contaminated with mold, pesticides, and other toxins, is banned in places like Europe and Japan. But guess where these beans end up? That’s right—the United States. We often get the discards that don’t make the cut elsewhere.
If your coffee isn’t labeled as organic, mold-free, or pesticide-free, there’s a good chance you’re sipping on a cocktail of chemicals and toxins that your body doesn’t want. In fact, your body might be trying to tell you something if you find yourself rushing to the bathroom moments after that first sip. Let’s talk about that.
Why You Pee Right After Coffee
Have you ever noticed that coffee seems to have a fast-track ticket to your bladder? If you’re heading to the bathroom right after drinking coffee but haven’t had enough time to actually fill your bladder, it’s a sign that your coffee might be toxic. Your body recognizes those toxins and tries to get rid of them as quickly as possible, often dehydrating you in the process. Yes, coffee is a diuretic, but this immediate urgency is more than just your typical caffeine effect—it’s your body waving a red flag.
The Specialty Scoring System: Quality Matters
When it comes to coffee, quality matters. Specialty coffee is graded using a scoring system to determine its overall quality, including factors like flavor, aroma, and bean condition. A score of 80 or above is considered specialty grade. This is the coffee you want to be drinking—preferably organic, mold-free, and grown without pesticides. Brands that use the Swiss Water Process for decaffeination are also a great choice, as it’s a chemical-free method that preserves the bean’s integrity.
Common Synthetic Substances in Coffee Farming
In large-scale coffee farming, several synthetic substances are commonly used to protect crops:
Pesticides: Chemicals applied to coffee plants to eliminate insects or pests that could harm the crop.
Herbicides: Substances designed to destroy or prevent the growth of weeds, often sprayed on or beneath the plants.
Fungicides: Compounds used to prevent fungi and molds from growing on the coffee plant or its products.
Most of these substances are not eliminated from your coffee beans during roasting even under high heat.
Mycotoxins
Mycotoxins are toxins formed by molds, often develop in coffee beans when stored improperly and the coffee plants are grown with pesticides and fungicides. The types of mycotoxins that have been found in coffee are believed to be carcinogenic.
Do all coffees contain mycotoxins? Most do. Instant coffee and decaf coffee tend to be higher in mycotoxins. Typically, these are not at extremely high levels but if you are sensitive to mold or are fighting mold toxicity currently, it is wise to look for higher quality brands who have done mold testing on their product.
How to Choose Better Coffee
So, how can you ensure your coffee isn’t secretly sabotaging your health? Here are a few tips:
Look for Organic: Organic coffee is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.
Mold-Free Claims: Seek out brands that test their coffee for mold and mycotoxins.
Swiss Water Method: For decaf lovers, make sure your coffee is decaffeinated using the Swiss Water Process.
Traceability: Choose brands that can tell you where their coffee comes from and how it’s processed.
Your Coffee, Your Choice
At the end of the day, coffee is a deeply personal choice. But it’s worth asking yourself: Is your coffee habit supporting your health, or is it quietly depleting you? The next time you reach for that cup, think beyond the taste and consider the journey those beans took to get to you. Your body deserves the best, so make sure your coffee is helping you thrive—not just survive. High quality coffee beans are a natural antioxidant and have several health benefits. Make sure you are not depleting your health with the type of coffee beans you choose if they are introducing mold and glyphosate into your system reducing digestive health and lowering your immunity.
Coffee Drinking Tips:
Because coffee naturally dehydrates you, drink a cup of water (preferably electrolyte salt) before your first cup of coffee in the morning. The high quality salt helps your body hold on to hydration and aids in natural energy boosting.
Invest in high quality coffee to reduce how much you crave or require to get you through the day. Some coffee brands include additives like vitamins and cognitive enhancing mushroom blends to help you coast through the day without intense caffeine crashes and headaches. Hot Take: the key here is to drink a little less coffee each day to hold on to the amazing antioxidant benefits without overdoing it and depleting your body.
You already know this - don’t drink coffee on an empty stomach. Drink a cup of water beforehand. Preferably have a small breakfast before caffeine hits the stomach.
Avoid artificial sweeteners and syrups which cause an energy and sugar crash. Flavor with spices instead. Did you know cinnamon is anti-inflammatory?
Stop drinking coffee by 12 pm for higher quality sleep if you struggle to get adequate rest or fall asleep easily.
As Always,
Happy Hydrating
