Coffee

 It is estimated that 54% of Americans over the age of 18 Drink coffee everyday.  The question is: 

Is drinking coffee good for you? 

      Coffee contains caffeine, a highly addictive compound.  It is not uncommon for coffee drinkers to become exceedingly dependant on this beverage.  Caffeine prevents the chemical adenosine from telling your brain when to relax and be calm.  Eventually the brain will become accustomed to this unnatural surge of energy and require more caffeine to produces the same alert effect. While the FDA recognizes caffeine as “safe,” it is still a drug that alters the nervous system. ^[1]

     Studies have shown that there may be some benefits to drinking coffee in the areas of preventing Alzheimer’s disease ^{[2] [3]}, Parkinson’s Disease ^{[4] [5]} and may also protect  against type 2 diabetes ^[6].  Organic coffee has been shown to help reduce cell damage, oxidation, and aging due to its high antioxidant content.

     Unfortunately coffee is very acidic which causes stomach irritation in many people. It is not uncommon for coffee drinkers to take antacids or drink decaffeinated coffee in an effort to reduce this effect.  There is also controversial evidence that links coffee to heart diseases. Some studies state, “consumption is associated with significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease.” ^{[7] [8]}

     Coffee has been shown to disturb the proper function of blood vessels, both in turgidity and tone. [9]  It affects the nervous system, heart rhythms, and has been linked to irregular heartbeat. It may also adversely affect blood pressure.^[10] Drinking coffee depletes water reserves in the body.^[11] Coffee drinking should be heavily avoided by people at risk, or who have Osteoporosis. Studies show a link between drinking coffee and urinary calcium excretion.^[12]  Coffee, particularly in the evening or at night, can lead to sleep disturbance.^[13] Many people report that coffee increases heartburn.^[14]  Some people experience withdrawal symptoms when don’t have coffee. This can lead to headaches, irritability, body aches, and other more extreme symptoms.^{[15] [16] [17]}

       ^{While occasionally I will enjoy a cup of organic coffee, I had to stop drinking coffee on a regular basis because it formed cists in my breasts.  When I stopped drinking coffee the cists went away.}

^{So what's the alternative to drinking coffee?}

     Grain coffee is a great natural and flavorful substitute for coffee.  They are made from a ground mixture of nuts, grains, and dried fruits. The best one I've found is made by:

     It's not easy to give up coffee after years of drinking coffee everyday.  Here's a secret on how to do it:

      If you normally use 4 scoops of ground coffee, then try 3 scoops of coffee with 1 scoop of grain coffee for the first week. The second week use 2 scoops of coffee with 2 scoops grain coffee. Continue this transition gradually until you have eliminated your consumption of regular coffee altogether.

          I called the folks up at Teeccino and asked if they would give a discount to my peeps (that's what I call the people who come from my website), they said they would.  Put in this Coupon Code: hellohealthyone0213  and you will get a 10% discount. Here's a link to their website: teeccino.com

 

Kick The Caffeine Habit Program

The goal of Teeccino’s Kick The Caffeine Habit Program is to help you gradually wean yourself off of caffeine giving your body enough time to adjust to less and less caffeine daily. This gradual caffeine withdrawal program will help you avoid the unpleasant symptoms caused by a sudden precipitous drop in caffeine intake. Give yourself a couple of weeks Teeccino’s Kick The Caffeine Habit Program is based on blending Teeccino with your regular coffee in gradual amounts over a two to three week period that can be adjusted on an individual basis. If you want to drink ready-to-go brewed coffee at a café or at the office, we recommend you carry a thermos of brewed Teeccino that you can blend with coffee in the cup. Additionally, to make it easy to brew Teeccino when you’re on the go, we offer a number of brewing options including Teeccino Tee-bags, and single-serve brewers  that make it easy to brew Teeccino with only boiling water and a cup.

Instructions: Start by mixing your normal coffee 3/4 to 1/4 Teeccino Caffeine-free Herbal Coffee. Gradually reduce the percentage of your coffee over a two to three week period until you are drinking 100% Teeccino. You should be able to avoid caffeine withdrawal symptoms and also gradually adjust your body to less reliance on stimulants. 
 Example: Use the following proportions if you make a 10-cup pot of coffee daily:   Day(s) Regular Coffee Teeccino     Day(s) Regular Coffee Teeccino 1-3 4 tbsp 1 tbsp   10 1 1/2 tbsp 3 1/2 tbsp 4-6 3 tbsp 2 tbsp   11 1 tbsp 4 tbsp 7-9 2 tbsp 3 tbsp   12-13 1/2 tbsp 4 1/2 tbsp  Day 14 - No Regular Coffee, 5 tablespoons Teeccino