on coffee, health & planet

Coffee as a sacred ritual What are your coffee rituals? The “coffee” is considered a justified moment of relaxation (coffee break, coffee-break) and of socialization (“shall we go for a coffee together?”), Of detachment (from the routine) and of connection (with others). Yet coffee addiction exists, it is useless to deny it. If you can’t feel awake before you’ve had your cup of coffee, then it’s time to think about it a bit. Let’s see together its history, the latest research and the Ayurvedic approach.

history

The Coffea tree (the native species) is native to the ancient province of Kaffa / Kefa (from which it takes its name) located in Southwestern Ethiopia, around Gimma; the most widespread legend tells that an Abyssinian shepherd noticed the invigorating effect of this shrub on his flock of goats that were grazing near it. The cultivation soon spread to the nearby Arabian peninsula, where its popularity benefited from the Islamic ban on alcoholic beverages; it took the name of “K’hawah”, which means “invigorating”. The first valid proof of the existence of a cafeteria and the relative knowledge of the plant dates back to the 15th century, in the monasteries of Sufism in present-day Yemen. By the 16th century it had already reached the rest of the Middle East, southern India (the district of Kodagu), Persia, present-day Turkey, the Horn of Africa and North Africa. Through the Ottoman Empire it then spread to the Balkans, the Italian peninsula and the rest of the European continent, Southeast Asia and finally the Americas. Its rarity made it very expensive in Europe at least until the first third of the 18th century. Today, it is the most traded product worldwide, preceded only by oil, with an amount of 11.23 billion euros; for a supply of 400 billion cups per year for consumption, equal to about 12,000 per second.

scientific research

Until recently, coffee was seen as an enemy of health. Several researches have shown that: – increases homocysteine ​​levels (an important risk factor for heart disease) – increases blood pressure – increases cholesterol levels – is associated with heart irregularities – increases inflammation – can damage the nervous system – interferes with brain neurotransmitters – impairs DNA repair – increases the risk of kidney stones – decreases bone density in women – interferes with sleep – is linked to erectile dysfunction – is linked with increased reflux and heartburn
on coffee, health & planet

Coffee as a sacred ritual What are your coffee rituals? The “coffee” is considered a justified moment of relaxation (coffee break, coffee-break) and of socialization (“shall we go for a coffee together?”), Of detachment (from the routine) and of connection (with others). Yet coffee addiction exists, it is useless to deny it. If you can’t feel awake before you’ve had your cup of coffee, then it’s time to think about it a bit. Let’s see together its history, the latest research and the Ayurvedic approach.

ayurvedic analisys

The following paragraphs and Ayurvedic advice are taken from www.joyfulbelly.com, edited by John Immel and from www.lifespa.com edited by John Douillard Medicinal qualities: Increase: Mobile / Dry / Toxic / Clear Taste: Bitter Dosha: peaceful Kapha, aggravates Pitta and Vata Medical properties of coffee Digestion: SUPPRESS THE APPETITE STIMULATES PERISTALSIS (promotes involuntary smooth muscle contractions to facilitate the movement of food and waste through the digestive tract) LAXATIVE (Stimulant laxatives induce bowel movements by stimulating peristaltic movement (the contraction of smooth muscle in the intestine).

They are effective when used in the short term. In the long term, they can be addictive) Cleansing and detoxification: DETOXIFYING Energy / Vitality: STIMULATES ENERGY (This category includes herbs that stimulate the thyroid and adrenal glands) Kidneys and bladder: DIURETIC Liver and gallbladder: COLAGOGO (Cholagogues stimulate the release of bile from the gallbladder). Lungs: BRONCHODILATOR Mind, stress and sleep: CAUSES TENSION INCREASE NERVOUSISM INCREASES TIREDNESS STIMULATES THE FRONTAL PART OF THE BRAIN (Activates the frontal lobe – the area responsible for motor function, emotional expression, thinking and decision making). AWAKENES (Invigorates the body and improves energy by stimulating circulation). Weight loss: LOWER THE THYROID (Reduces thyroid function. Useful for people with hyperthyroidism). Find your symptom: DRY MOUTH (Makes the mouth dry or pasty) From this list, it is clear that coffee has its place in Ayurveda, particularly for the Kaphas. But as with any substance, it is important not to abuse it in order not to create physical / mental dependence.

Medicine or food? This is an important point of the question: in ancient times, coffee was not consumed every day. Its power and effectiveness were sensed, and its use was limited. All the beneficial effects mentioned above are valid in the short term. But what happens if coffee is consumed daily, for many years? In the long run, coffee: 1. It is an intestinal irritant that can inflame the digestive tract 2. It is excessively acidic, which can congest the lymphatics and detoxify 3. It can desensitize the lining of the intestine, causing chronic constipation 4. It is extremely dehydrating and can dry out the skin, intestines and airways As a general rule, in Ayurveda we never take a medicinal herb / substance for more than 3 months in a row. Coffee, one of nature’s most potent substances, is no exception.

A love story with coffee

Coffee is the most widely consumed drug in the Western world. Contains high amounts of caffeine, which stimulates the adrenal glands to release stress hormones. These stress hormones over-stimulate the mind and numb the heart. Can you remember what coffee looked like as a kid? Most children are disgusted with coffee, and refuse to drink it. How have your taste buds changed? This could help you break the habit. Many people drink coffee because “I like the taste / smell / aroma”, however, among their favorite foods, coffee is usually the only food they drink every day. Although we think we like coffee because of the taste / aroma / smell, it is possible for the body / mind to learn to enjoy coffee without our conscious participation due to its effect on our metabolism.

Coffee offers the false promise of energy and vitality and reorients all our sense organs towards it. Vitality is the one substance that all forms of life crave. However, not all that glitters is gold. The human body has not evolved to support the fast pace of our life in industrialized society. Ayurveda recognizes that coffee has an effect on the quality of the mind, stimulating it into a rajasic or overly active state. This goes against countless researches and studies that expose the benefits of calming the mind using techniques such as meditation. Our world is already too stimulated to the point that many of us can’t keep up with it. Taking a stimulant on top of this will likely lead to exhaustion. Many people drink coffee when they are tired in the morning or after lunch in the afternoon. People with aggravated Kapha feel sluggish in the morning and need something to wake them up.

For Kapha individuals, coffee can be a stimulant. If you have aggravated Kapha (as is typical in spring), try to avoid heavy, fatty or sweet foods at night: this will lead you to a more authentic and vital awakening the next morning. In the morning, wash your face with cold water, drink a hot cup of ginger tea, and do 15 minutes of exercise to reactivate your circulation. You will see that you will already feel more awake! If your adrenal glands are exhausted, you will crave coffee especially around three in the afternoon. Unfortunately, the energy you receive after drinking coffee further depletes the adrenal glands. This process is very similar to riding a tired horse. Coffee is like a “metabolic credit card”. Sooner or later, you have to repay the debt. Ultimately, coffee increases exhaustion, anxiety and fear, especially in Vata individuals who tend to have dry endocrine glands. Coffee overstimulates the adrenal glands and depletes them of fluids, creating more dryness. (In these cases, to nourish the kidneys, it is recommended to drink warm water with a licorice root inside). Vata can fight afternoon fatigue with a homemade version of “Gatorade”: squeeze a slice of lime or lemon and add a pinch of salt to the warm water.

How can you drink less coffee?

A popular way to slow the absorption of caffeine into the blood is to consume it with coconut oil, ghee (ghee), or butter. Ghee has been used for thousands of years to slow the absorption of herbs. Adding fat to meals is an Ayurvedic strategy to counteract nutritional peaks, as in the cases of sugar, caffeine or spices such as turmeric (think for example of “golden milk”). Plant-based fats, such as avocados and nuts, can significantly slow absorption. This may explain why drinking a cup of coffee with mixed coconut oil seems to provide hours of energy without energy spikes or slumps. The coffee has a heavy, abundant and greasy quality that gives more satisfaction than a simple herbal tea with water. To get out of the coffee addiction, try herbal teas with almond, rice or oat milk. To cut your coffee consumption in half each month, you can try replacing it with one of the following recipes or your favorite substitute. Almond milk chai: cool one cup of almond milk. Add a quarter of a tablespoon of powdered cardamom, cinnamon and ginger, a pinch of nutmeg, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup (or honey, but not for Pitta and Vata), 2 teaspoons of ghee (or butter, but not for the Kapha). Heat 3-5 min over low heat and drink. NB. Spices such as ginger will provide more balanced stimulation during the process. Almond milk with mint and fennel (great for Pitta): heat a cup of almond milk. Add 2 pinches of cardamom powder, a quarter of a tablespoon of fennel seeds and a quarter of a tablespoon of fresh mint. Leave to rest for a few minutes and enjoy

Who is coffee good for?

Ayurvedic speaking, some constitutions will tolerate coffee better than others: – Vata: they are already hyper-metabolic and will be easily over-stimulated by the coffee, quickly depleting from over-stimulation – Pitta: already too competitive, they will be pushed further by the energy peak of coffee. Coffee is also very acidic and warming. This may be too much for the pitta type that is already hot. – Kapha: they are hypo-metabolic, relaxed and heavy by nature. Coffee in some cases offers a medicinal boost to improve or stimulate the body’s metabolic function One must reflect on the fact that any false energy created through caffeine will eventually be draining the body. You are generating energy in an environment where your body is telling you, with clear signs, that there is none. Over time, this false energy production could create imbalances. If you find yourself running low on energy without a daily coffee habit, take a look at your regular sleep cycles. Sometimes, the body asks for simplicity, and it needs to be greeted with rest, not caffeine.

Withdrawal symptoms

Consuming coffee (including decaf) releases a neurotransmitter called dopamine. Dopamine is a pleasure hormone and when the brain is immersed in dopamine, it never forgets its source. After the coffee spike wears off, the brain starts thinking about the next cup. This is the “addicting gotta have it hormone”. Dopamine may just be a mechanism for coffee addiction. Withdrawal symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, loose stools, constipation, depression, anxiety, and fatigue are common when a coffee drinker attempts to quit

Environmental impact of coffee production I wanted to add here a paragraph on the enormous environmental impact of the cultivation of coffee, the most consumed drink in the world (after water).

Traditional coffee cultivation Coffee is typically grown in tropical and subtropical areas at high altitudes, often in rugged mountainous areas, and grows naturally under a shady canopy of trees. Traditional coffee is often an integral part of agro-forestry systems in which tree species are grown together with coffee and other agricultural products. These regions are home to many different species which contribute to high levels of biodiversity. The shady shelter also provides valuable habitat for native animals and insects, prevents soil erosion and the use of chemical fertilizers. However, due to increasing market demands in recent years, this harmless form of agriculture has been replaced by “sun cultivation” techniques.

Coffee cultivation “in the sun” Originating in the 1970s, “sun-grown coffee” is produced on plantations where trees are cleared so that the coffee is grown in rows like a monoculture. Coffee grown in the sun, in conjunction with the necessary addition of fertilizer, creates the highest yield of coffee, but eliminates all plant diversity, with a negative impact on the region’s biodiversity and other environmental aspects. Farmers have been positively encouraged to replace their traditional and apparently inefficient farming methods with the more “advanced” sun cultivation technique, which has allowed over 2.5 million hectares of forest to be cleared in Central America alone for make way for this type of coffee cultivation. Sun-grown coffee often employs pesticides and chemicals that present serious health and ecological problems. The World Resources Institute (WRI) conducted a recent study that reported extensive human exposure to pesticides in Latin America and elsewhere in developing countries. The correlation between increased nitrogen fertilizer use and deforestation in Central American coffee plantations is evident, with these heavy contributions of synthetic fertilizers contributing to increased contamination of waterways and aquifers

Human impact of coffee cultivation Of the millions of cups of coffee sipped globally every day, only a small fraction of the final selling price reaches coffee farmers, who often live in poverty. For every £ 1 cup of coffee, a coffee farmer earns only 1 cent on average. For many producers, the price they receive per kilo per coffee is less than the cost of cultivation. In addition to the exploited peasants, coffee workers often receive wages far below the value of their work. Many workers earn less than $ 1 a day. Women and children are often hired during the harvest season because they are cheaper than male workers. In Kenya, women and children earn less than $ 12 a month in coffee fields, and working conditions are precarious and health-threatening due to the high use of pesticides and fertilizers used in cultivation.

And finally the capsules …

In the space of three years, in UK, the number of families that use coffee pods has almost doubled: from 2011 to 2014 it went from 1.5 to 2.6 million (about 11% of Italian families) ( 20) According to data from Life Pla4coffee – a European project that aims to replace old coffee pods (currently in Pe, Pet or aluminum) with a new compostable model – about 10 billion are sold every year in the world, generating 120 thousand tons of waste, of which 70 thousand in Europe alone. the capsules, made of plastic and aluminum, can take up to 500 years to be disposed of and few recycle them. The city of Hamburg (germany) had already banned the use of capsules in its municipal offices in 2016.

Conclusions

On a physical, environmental and ethical level, there are various reasons to at least reduce the consumption of coffee. If we focus only on our body / mind, chronic coffee consumption, as we have seen, is addictive and has negative effects on our general health, both physical and mental. If this “does not interest us”, perhaps the environmental and human impact could make us reflect on the “cost” of our next cup of coffee. Every “market” choice we make has far wider political impacts than we can imagine. And each of us has the power to choose which world to continue living in.

“Be the change you want to see in the world” (and in your body) – Mahatma Gandhi