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The Benefits of Drinking Coffee

If you’re anything like my mother or I, you live for your coffee in the morning. There’s a sense of comfort in that mug you won’t find anywhere else. Every coffee lover at one point or another has come across the many claims that suggest coffee isn’t good for you on a regular basis. However, like with most pleasures in life, everything in moderation is a phrase to live by and key for your coffee consumption. There are actually several benefits of drinking coffee that you can learn about below. You may find yourself enjoying that cup more than you ever thought possible!

What is Coffee?

Did you know coffee beans are actually technically seeds from a fruit plant? It’s true! The coffee plant, or genus Coffea is native to tropical regions such as Africa and Madagascar but is now being cultivated in over 70 countries. Coffee plants/trees grow what are called Coffee cherries, which are full of seeds which we call coffee beans. It takes over a year for a coffee cherry to mature, and 5 years before it is in full production- thankfully coffee plants can live for 100 years so the wait pays off.
The part you probably know? The beans from the coffee cherries are ground up and become the coffee you brew with hot water in your machine. Yum!

Here are just some of many benefits of drinking coffee you should know about!

Post Work-out Muscle Aid

For those who work out every morning, first of all- bravo! You’re clearly already on the path of a healthy lifestyle. Do your muscles a favor and drink that coffee up after you exercise. According to the Journal of Pain from 2007, 48% of post-workout muscle pain can be cut out of your life forever from just two delicious cups of coffee. Between that and a foam roller, you’ll be feeling great!

Lower the risk of Type 2 Diabetes

From the Archives of Internal Medicine, coffee drinkers who had 6 or more cups a day of coffee had a 22% lower risk of diabetes. Apparently, research suggests the risk decreases by 9% for every cup consumed! More of a decaf drinker? You’ll still enjoy a 6% decrease in risk. Keep in mind, we’re talking minimal (to no) sugar or else you’re basically defeating the benefit 😉

Less Risk of Heart Disease

There’s a reason why you love coffee, it’s good for your heart! Korean research found that those who had 3 to 5 cups of coffee a day lowered the likelihood of showing the early signs of heart disease. Keep in mind, the diet in Korea is extremely different than those of us in America. That may be significant in these findings.

Good source of Fiber

The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry reveals that a single cup of brewed coffee can offer up to 1.8 grams of fiber. Considering 20-38 grams of fiber is recommended every day, you could be 10% of the way there by the time you finish that second cup.

Cavity Protection

Brazilian researchers reported that strong black coffee has the power to kill the tooth decay causing bacteria found on teeth. If black coffee is your favorite, you’re in luck! Those who prefer milk, cream and or sugar however, will need to read on. Any additive to your mug of coffee will negate the benefit.

Antioxidants

One serving of coffee, believe it or not, contains more antioxidants than an average service of fruit such as raspberries, oranges and blueberries. Those antioxidants may reduce inflammation (and diseases associated with it). Keep in mind, decaf coffee often loses said antioxidants in the process of losing its caffine.

Keep checking back for more educational posts on the benefits of coffee and other popular beverages 🙂

In the mood for a cup now? We thought so. Try out our new Boston Common Coffee Co. blends!

Why drink herbal tea, you ask?

I used to wonder the same thing- why drink herbal tea? I was always more of a coffee drinker myself- until I decided one day to try to take better care of myself in every way possible. From switching to goat milk soap, exercising more – to eating all natural food… it only made sense to take a look at the beverages I was consuming every day too.

Of course it needs to be said that not all herbal teas are created equal. Depending on whether you are searching for specific taste or relief to certain medical ailments – it pays to look at the ingredients. However, no matter which flavor combination you choose you will be doing your mind, body and soul a favor with every sip!

What is Herbal Tea?

There isn’t one kind of herbal tea- and it isn’t necessarily made from tea leaves. Most herbal teas consist of a combination of roots, seeds, and leaves or bark extracted in hot water. A well-steeped herbal tea will pack a punch full of nutritional and tasty benefits. Below we’ll look at some popular flavors and their respective benefits.

Lemon Tea

There are many medical benefits to herbal lemon tea. Not only is it a calorie-free substitute for sugary beverages, but it has the power to help relieve several uncomfortable conditions. For example, if dealing with congestion- lemon can help decongest your nasal cavity.

Lemon tea is also packed with Vitamin C, which as you know – not only helps heal wounds and strengthens teeth and bones, but it also fights what are called free radicals, rogue molecules that damage DNA that often contributes to many diseases like cancer. Furthermore, lemons are a primary dietary source of quercetin- a flavonoid that protects the pancreas from free radicals- and has a strong anti-inflammatory effect.

Cinnamon Tea

Cinnamon is so delicious already it’s hard to believe it could get any better. It’s been said one can get more out of a cup of tea than a vitamin pill! Cinnamon is a natural pain reliever and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Amazingly enough, cinnamon tea is also beneficial if you are trying to lose weight. Because it is rich in blood sugar stabilizing polyphenols, you are left with fewer cravings and pangs of hunger. Its antioxidants also may help boost your metabolism and keep your digestive tract regular, minimizing bloat and flatulence. Interestingly enough, traditional Chinese medicine constantly includes cinnamon in treatments for colds and flus- likely due to it’s warming qualities. Its bark includes eugenol, a natural antiseptic that fights fungi, bacteria and targets viruses.

Spearmint Tea

Of course when most people think of Spearmint, they think of fresh breath. Many people enjoy a stick of gum here and there. They may not realize the mint is also effective in preventing infections in your throat and mouth! Its naturally smooth and anti-inflammatory qualities also work to relieve respiratory distress such as sore throats and stuffed sinuses.

Many times Spearmint is used to calm an upset stomach too. During pregnancy it is suggested women drink a lot of spearmint tea as it will help reduce morning sickness, cramping and vomiting. Not to mention the effect it can have on balancing hormones- the organic compounds can inhibit and stimulate your endocrine system.

A single serving of spearmint can get you your required iron intake for the day. This will stimulate the production of red blood cells and hemoglobin- reducing anemia and increasing your circulation.

Be sure to check out our Herbal Tea Collection to start experiencing all the wonderful benefits of drinking herbal tea! Contact us with any questions!

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The benefits of drinking Coffee