Did you know that coffee plants, if not trimmed, can grow to become medium sized trees? However, today we’re not going to talk about the coffee bean itself. Instead we’re focusing on the leaves, berries and green coffee beans that make it possible for us to enjoy our fresh pot of Joe in the morning and the benefits that come from them.
Here is the anatomy of a coffee plant and the benefits that will change the way you see your coffee in the morning:
- Mangiferin, a natural anti-inflammatory, is extracted from the leaves of coffee plants when turned into coffee leaf tea!
- Coffee fruit (the cherry) has been linked to increasing brain function and boosting the immune system with its antioxidants!
- Green coffee beans have been linked to potential health benefits such as blood sugar regulation, blood pressure and cholesterol control and weight loss!
- Cascara (the shell of the bean) is known to be a valuable source of fiber and antioxidants, and only contains about 25% of the caffeine content of a normal cup of joe when brewed for those looking for a lighter pick me up in the morning!
At Nora’s Naturals Coffee, they’re on a mission to support health and wellbeing, and sources high antioxidant single-origin coffee with tremendous physical and mental health benefits. Their coffee is grown in volcanic soil, rich in silica (essential for collagen production - hello better skin, hair and nails) and packed with antioxidants for brain health and physical health.
I had a chance to learn more about coffee in this interview with Nora Tobin, CEO & Founder of Nora's Naturals Coffee.
What is the difference between different types of coffee (light vs dark)?
Light roast coffee is made from coffee beans that have been lightly roasted and allowed just enough time for them to cook, but not enough to be completely depleted of moisture. This results in a coffee that is more fruity and herbal in taste, however the biggest take away is the caffeine content. Light roast has the most caffeine content out of all the coffees and higher antioxidant properties due to the bean not being broken down as much by the intense heat of roasting. It also tends to be more acidic, which despite the high antioxidant properties can be hard on some people.
Light roast coffee is made from coffee beans that have been lightly roasted and allowed just enough time for them to cook, but not enough to be completely depleted of moisture. This results in a coffee that is more fruity and herbal in taste, however the biggest take away is the caffeine content. Light roast has the most caffeine content out of all the coffees and higher antioxidant properties due to the bean not being broken down as much by the intense heat of roasting. It also tends to be more acidic, which despite the high antioxidant properties can be hard on some people.
Dark roast coffee offers the more traditional “coffee” taste and experience. With its flavors reminiscent of roasted nuts, graham crackers and caramel. The dark roast comes from having the beans cook for as long as possible, without them burning and turning the flavor into something that resembles charcoal. One of the best health benefits of a dark roast comes from the pantothenic acid, or vitamin B5 within, that helps the body convert food into useful energy throughout the day. Dark roast is much less acidic, making it a great option for daily consumption.
What are some of the health benefits of coffee?
Coffee produces brain chemicals that has a mimicking effect of antidepressants. Quality coffee is rich in polyphenols that inhibit the growth of cancer cells and lower the risk of Type 2 diabetes. This is a type of antioxidants that have an anti-inflammatory effect on the cells, assisting with skin complexion, hair growth, muscle repair and helping to ward off chronic disease.
The New York Times reported consuming four or five eight-ounce cups of coffee (or about 400 milligrams of caffeine) a day has been associated with reduced death rates. In a study of more than 200,000 participants followed for up to 30 years, those who drank three to five cups of coffee a day, with or without caffeine, were 15 percent less likely to die early from all causes than were people who shunned coffee. Perhaps most dramatic was a 50 percent reduction in the risk of suicide among both men and women who were moderate coffee drinkers, perhaps by boosting production of brain chemicals that have antidepressant effects.
Coffee produces brain chemicals that has a mimicking effect of antidepressants. Quality coffee is rich in polyphenols that inhibit the growth of cancer cells and lower the risk of Type 2 diabetes. This is a type of antioxidants that have an anti-inflammatory effect on the cells, assisting with skin complexion, hair growth, muscle repair and helping to ward off chronic disease.
The New York Times reported consuming four or five eight-ounce cups of coffee (or about 400 milligrams of caffeine) a day has been associated with reduced death rates. In a study of more than 200,000 participants followed for up to 30 years, those who drank three to five cups of coffee a day, with or without caffeine, were 15 percent less likely to die early from all causes than were people who shunned coffee. Perhaps most dramatic was a 50 percent reduction in the risk of suicide among both men and women who were moderate coffee drinkers, perhaps by boosting production of brain chemicals that have antidepressant effects.
How does the type of roast affect those health benefits?
Dark roast coffee can have an impact on weight loss. The beans are an excellent source of pantothentic acid- vitamin B5, which supports the metabolism and helps the body convert food to fuel. Dark roast coffee is also rich in riboflavin, which is an important component to cellular growth.
Dark roast contains melanoidins, which can enhance immune stimulating properties, serve as dietary fiber, and may contribute to reducing the risk of colon cancer.
The Journal of Medicinal Food, the study reveals that light roasts offer more antioxidants than their dark roast counterparts. More specifically, the lighter roasts contained higher concentrations of chlorogenic acid, which helps protect against human cell damage and inflammation.
Light roast coffee does not undergo as high of heat when roasting, which preserves the antioxidant properties.
Dark roast coffee can have an impact on weight loss. The beans are an excellent source of pantothentic acid- vitamin B5, which supports the metabolism and helps the body convert food to fuel. Dark roast coffee is also rich in riboflavin, which is an important component to cellular growth.
Dark roast contains melanoidins, which can enhance immune stimulating properties, serve as dietary fiber, and may contribute to reducing the risk of colon cancer.
The Journal of Medicinal Food, the study reveals that light roasts offer more antioxidants than their dark roast counterparts. More specifically, the lighter roasts contained higher concentrations of chlorogenic acid, which helps protect against human cell damage and inflammation.
Light roast coffee does not undergo as high of heat when roasting, which preserves the antioxidant properties.
Here are several health benefits of drinking coffee for you to ponder on with your next cup of joe
- Coffee helps you burn fat - There is a reason that caffeine is found in a lot of popular fat-burning supplements. Studies have linked healthy caffeine intake to boost your metabolic rate by 3–11%.
- Contains essential nutrients - The coffee bean is in fact a seed. We know that seeds tend to be pretty good for us, and the coffee seed being no exception. Riboflavin (vitamin B2), Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), Manganese and potassium, Magnesium and niacin (vitamin B3) can all be found in coffee
- Coffee protects your liver - People who drink 4 or more cups of coffee a day have been linked to have up to a 80% lower risk of developing cirrhosis, where the liver is largely replaced by scar tissue.
- Coffee may be the healthiest part of our SAD western diet - With pancakes, bacon and eggs being the normal routine for many of us here in the western world, aka SAD (standard American diet), coffee may be the one shiny brightspot. Studies indicate that many people get more antioxidants from coffee than from fruits and vegetables combined. Coffee is one of the most antioxidant packed beverages that you can drink in the world.
- Coffee Boost Brain Health & Cognitive Function - Coffee has been shown to have some pretty great short and long term effects on cognition and memory. In the short term, it can improve mood, vigilance, learning and reaction time. Long term, it can help protect against diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
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