Household Swap: Coffee!

 

Hey BA!

This month’s household swap: COFFEE

Don’t worry, I love coffee (probably a little too much), so I’m not saying to get rid of it, but rather choose your beans carefully. Coffee has been shown to have incredible health benefits and is a rich source of antioxidants. Just like everything else we’ve discussed though, QUALITY MATTERS. 

The main issue that arises with generic, cheap coffee is the mycotoxins it contains. What are mycotoxins? They are the toxic byproducts of mold. They are commonly found in crops with long storage processes, such as corn, grains, and our beloved coffee beans. These chemicals can cause a whole host of health issues as they are carcinogenic, inflammatory, and neurodegenerative (1). While most are eliminated during the roasting process, some of the more harmful ones are not. 

This is where quality comes into play, as higher quality beans are stored properly to limit mold/mycotoxin contamination. What do I mean by high quality? Well, I’m sure you can guess, buying organic is a start. Another way to reduce contamination is to buy beans from high elevation climates, especially single origin. This is includes most of your high-end brands, as these beans also have a more robust flavor. 

If you are drinking coffee everyday, it is worthing spending a few extra dollars to buy high quality beans that not only taste better, but are also better for your health!

  1. Bennett JW, Klich M. Mycotoxins. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2003;16(3):497-516. doi:10.1128/CMR.16.3.497-516.2003





 
Park Roberts