If you’re like me, you love the ritual of having a cup of hot coffee in your hands in the morning.
The fragrance from the coffee bean in your kitchen and right before it touches your lips.
Ah….that’s what I call a perfect morning. And one cup doesn’t seem to be enough, does it?
This is where I often get googlelitis. Is coffee good for you?
In moderation, Yes. YAY!!! Coffee seems to be good for most people.
That’s 3-5 cups daily, or up to 400 milligrams of caffeine (95 mg of caffeine / 8 oz of coffee).
There are compelling researches showing that coffee is associated with a lower risk of mortality.
Coffee can protect against Parkinson’s diseases, Type 2 diabetes, liver conditions including cirrhosis, liver cancer, and chronic liver disease, heart attack, and stroke.
The bad?
Coffee can raise blood pressure, increase heart rate, and cause heartburn, nervousness, anxiety or insomnia.
Ayurvedically speaking, Is coffee good for you? Well, it depends.
Let me introduce you to the concept of Satmya and Asatmya in Ayurveda.
Satmya means “suitable”. Asatmya means “unsuitable”.
When a food is satmya, it is suitable for you. It is easily digested, absorbed and builds healthy tissues.
When a food is asatmya, it is unsuitable for you. It is difficult to digest and causes discomfort.
So, pay attention after you drink a cup of joe.
Do you experience heartburn, nervousness, anxiety or insomnia?
Do you have gas, bloating, cramping, burning, or nausea on a regular basis?
If so, it is best to reduce your coffee consumption and substitute with coffee alternatives.
Try to limit added sugar as much as you can.
If you MUST add sweetener, try a teaspoon of coconut oil, ghee or pure maple syrup.
Personally, I enjoy a cup or two of coffee in the morning.
If I am still in a mood for coffee, I brew myself a coffee substitute.
EAT | LIVE | LOVE AYURVEDA
Read my coffee substitutes blog.
Reference:
NY Times Article
Dr. Marc Halpern, California College of Ayurveda
Mary Thompson Ayurveda
Asthtang Samgraha
