Author: Eugenia González.
Is coffee a healthy drink? What is the daily amount of coffee recommended by health professionals? What kind of coffee will suit me best? In this post you will find all the answers you need to enjoy this special treat.
I love coffee, but sometimes I read information that makes me doubt. Is it really a healthy drink? Maybe I should switch to herbal teas... But I like it so much! I have informed myself and found a lot of reasons to stick to coffee.
However, in order to enjoy it safely, it is necessary to comply with a series of conditions regarding its cultivation, roasting and processing.
Here I tell you all about it so you can decide what kind of coffee you want to drink.
Why do we love coffee so much?
Because it is a unique product. It is a drink with an unmistakable aroma and flavour...
Nothing compares to a freshly brewed coffee in the morning. And what about those coffee breaks during the working day? Spending an after-dinner drink with coffee and good company is one of life's simple and wonderful pleasures.
Coffee invigorates, comforts, its taste and aroma are delicious... and it is integrated into our daily lives. That's why it's hard to imagine life without it.
Why do I need to drink coffee?
Caffeine is the most widely consumed stimulant substance in the world (it is found in coffee, tea, mate, cola and energy drinks).
Caffeine has a stimulating effect on the central nervous system. After drinking coffee you feel more energetic, more alert. Many studies show that moderate doses of caffeine can help improve cognitive and physical arousal levels. It even improves work performance.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) does not consider caffeine to be a drug that creates dependence. But we all know the reality: if you drink coffee regularly and stop drinking it, you will experience withdrawal symptoms. In some cases it is short and mild, but some people notice it a lot.
How do you cope with a morning without coffee?
Is it a healthy drink?
Yes, it is a drink with many health benefits. However, as it is very tonic and invigorating, it is important to consume it in moderation.
What are the contraindications of coffee?
The first is not to drink it after lunchtime. Caffeine in the afternoon will affect the quality of your night's sleep.
Important: too much coffee can be bad for your bones. Studies show that caffeine can affect the absorption of calcium in the intestine and accelerate its expulsion. Women aged 50 and over are advised to moderate their coffee consumption.
How much coffee can I drink each day?
It is suggested not to exceed a dose of 4 cups a day (although, of course, an espresso from a bar is not the same as a soluble coffee prepared at home...).
If you exceed the recommended amounts, you will notice contraindications: nervousness, insomnia, heartburn.
But hey, in the end, I think it's very important to listen to your own body. There will be days when you'll feel you need a little extra energy and you'll want another coffee. But maybe on a quiet Sunday at home you'll have enough with just one cup in the morning.
As with so many other products, the key to enjoyment is moderation.
WHICH COFFEE WILL SUIT ME BEST?
First of all, it must be environmentally friendly. It is very important that no chemicals have been used in their cultivation or processing. The only healthy coffee will be organic coffee.
Secondly, it is very important that it is not roasted. This refers to the type of roasting (a fundamental step in the production of any coffee). Roasted coffees add sugar during the production process. Do you know the disadvantages of white sugar? Well, they are all present in any roasted coffee. Don't drink it.
Natural roasting, on the other hand, roasts the coffee only with hot air, without adding anything else.
What is an origin coffee?
I am a coffee lover and I like to prepare my coffee at home. That's why I like origin coffees. And you, do you have a favourite coffee?
When we talk about origin coffee, we mean a bean that comes from a specific country, region or producer. There are no blends, but you can fully enjoy coffee from a specific area.
Just as when buying a wine you may want a Denominación de Origen from La Rioja for the nuances that characterise the area, you may like Colombian coffee more for its flavour and aroma. There are many quality origins.
AlterNativa3 focuses on the bean from certain countries that are already renowned for their coffee growing tradition: Guatemala, Colombia, Peru, Chiapas, Nicaragua...
- Nicaraguan coffee is smooth, creamy and sweet, with a warm aroma of cocoa...
- Colombian coffee is recognised all over the world as a high quality product because of its taste and aroma. I like it, I find it a bit stronger. It is ideal for gourmet palates.
- What about Guatemalan coffee? It is one of the most renowned for its exceptional quality and taste. It is my favourite: it has an aroma of cocoa and caramel, and in its flavour you will find notes of chocolate, almonds and nuts. If you haven't tried it, I recommend it.
Fancy a coffee?
Why is it better to choose Fair Trade coffee?
- The first product traded in the world is oil. The second is coffee
- Every day, 1,400,000,000,000 cups are drunk in the world. Yes, 1.4 billion cups...
- Coffee is worth some $71 billion annually.
But...
- Coffee is one of the products that generates the most injustice and inequality worldwide.
That's why the most ethical and sustainable alternative is to consume Fairtrade coffee.
Fair Trade products ensure that the producers, grouped in cooperatives, receive a fair payment for their work. In addition, the Fair Trade label certifies that they have been produced according to sustainability criteria, i.e. protecting the planet.
When you go to AlterNativa3 you are always greeted with a coffee and a smile.
At AlterNativa3 they are experts in coffee making. Visiting them is an experience in itself.
Downstairs is the warehouse, full of rich products. The office is above it. The aroma of coffee, cocoa and sweet and aromatic products wafts up to the office and makes you smile.
When they start talking about coffee, you can tell they could go on for hours. They know everything, they explain all the details, it's their job...
That's why their coffees are so special.
What I am clear about Fairtrade Coffee
Fair Trade is a tool to build a more critical society and a fairer world.
In a world where there are governments and institutions determined to make you believe that the only way to be part of public life is by voting once every 4 years, or by giving money to NGOs, I know there is something else we can do: replace everyday consumer products with more ethical and sustainable alternatives. These are powerful actions, with a direct impact, that you can do on a DAILY basis.
That's why I suggest you switch to Fairtrade Coffee. It's a powerful action you can take every day and make a real impact TODAY.
Show me Fairtrade coffees
As you know, AlterNativa3 are expert coffee growers. They buy the coffee beans from cooperatives in Southern countries, bring them to Spain and take care of the elaboration with great care and skill. As they are experts, their coffees are very special. On her blog you will find delicious and original recipes with organic and Fairtrade coffee.
- Café Moca, ideal for cold days: https://alternativa3.com/receta-cafe-mocca/
- Tiramisu is a laborious recipe, but it is well worth the time. The result is spectacular and it is a pleasure to offer it to guests. By the way, this recipe is great because it is low carb. https://alternativa3.com/receta-tiramisu-low-carb/
- Coffee custard. This recipe is really easy (and super tasty). https://alternativa3.com/receta-flan-de-cafe/
Do you want to know more about Coffee? This AlterNativa3 Blog is a mine of information 😊.
- Properties and benefits of coffee: https://alternativa3.com/propiedades-del-cafe/
- How to avoid mistakes when making coffee: https://alternativa3.com/errores-preparar-cafe/
- Origin coffee, what is it? https://alternativa3.com/cafe-de-origen-que-es/
- Freeze-dried coffee, what is it? https://alternativa3.com/cafe-liofilizado-que-es/
- The definitive guide to coffee cupping at home: https://alternativa3.com/catar-cafe/
