The Drinks that Fuel Us

Most people use coffee as fuel to feel alert and energized during the day. Besides acting as an energy boost, it has become a luxury good, a hobby and an opportunity for people to meet up. Is coffee good or bad for you? Scientists may never be able to say, judging by contradictory research results so far. But here are some tips to make your coffee healthier:

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1. No Caffeine After 2 P.M. Coffee is one of the richest natural sources of caffeine in the diet. It helps you stay awake when you feel tired. However, some studies show that drink coffee late in the day will directly affect your sleeping quality. Sleep disruption is associated with all sorts of health problems, such as obesity, emotional distress and mood disorders. Alternatives are decaf beverages or opt for a cup of tea instead. It contains less caffeine than regular coffee.  

 

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2. Choose a Quality Brand, Preferably Organic 

Organic coffee may cost slightly more, but a little extra in cost may bring huge health savings. Conventional, or non-organic, coffee may contain residue from synthetic chemical fertilizers and pesticides. These residues may cause cancer, nervous system disturbances, hormone imbalance or irritation to skin and eyes, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. When you consume organic coffee, you won't get any chemical residues or harmful health side effects. Sourcing from organic farms also benefits the environment: Organic food production avoids the use of synthetic chemicals such as artificial fertilizers and pesticides, and poses less risk of soil and underground water contamination.  Organic farming also improves soil fertility and helps combat erosion by building up organic soil matter more effectively than conventional no-till farming. Organic farming also encourages biodiversity and helps preserve a natural habitat where birds and other natural predators can thrive. If you are interested, you can also try our organic coffee at Lee Garden Shop / LANDMARK shop! Plant-based milk is served as well!

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3. Avoid Drinking Too Much

Moderate intake is very important, excessive caffeine intake may cause various adverse side effects. Most common side effects would be an irregular heartbeat, dizziness, insomnia, and headache etc. In long run, consuming high caffeine doses on a regular basis can also possibly lead to hormonal imbalance. Health Canada recommends not exceeding 1.1mg per pound of body weight per day. Given that an average cup of coffee may contain ~95mg of caffeine, this corresponds to about 2 cups of coffee per day for someone weighing 176 pounds.   In most cases, you shouldn’t have more than 400mg of caffeine (around 4 cups of coffee) per day and even less if you’re particularly sensitive to caffeine. Caffeine overdose can usually be treated without creating long-term health problems. But this condition can be deadly, especially for younger patients, such as infants and toddlers.  

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4. Add Some Cinnamon to Your Coffee

Spice up your coffee with a dash of cinnamon. Not only does it taste good, it might also improve your health! Studies show that cinnamon can lower blood glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides in diabetics.