Health Hotline Magazine | April 2022

ORGANIC HEADQUARTERS ®

FOR THE LOVE OF ORGANICS:

COFFEE By Morgaine Lee “But first, co ee.” For an estimated 150 million Americans, it’s what starts the day out right. The first sip of hot co ee in the morning—it’s incomparable, it’s rich with the scent of nostalgia, it makes you feel a little more alive and ready for the day ahead. Legend has it that the bean we love today was first discovered by a goat farmer in Ethiopia in the 1500s. The farmer found his herd would not sleep through the night after they had eaten co ee cherries, the fruit that contains the co ee bean. He shared his discovery with local monks who began brewing the enlivening bean to stay awake through the night to pray. More than 500 years later, co ee is the third most popular beverage in the world.

Flocking for Java The glory of that first sip may not have such a glorious impact on the environment. In order to meet demands, many co ee farms clear cut areas to make space for more crops. Sun-growing varieties in particular go hand-in-hand with a loss of biodiversity due to this clear cutting, along with a higher likelihood of agrochemical use. However, farms using organic methods plant a variety of crops that create a shady canopy for the co ee plants. Canopy crops not only benefit the co ee plants, but also create a habitat for a diversity of bird populations that provide free pest management. A single bird can save 23 to 65 pounds of co ee per year from pests. Bird-friendly, shade-grown, organic co ee keeps the pesticides out of your morning java—all the more reason to flock to an organic cuppa joe.

From Soil to Mug Co ee bushes nestled beneath canopies of fruit trees growing in the sun, birds floating on the cool breeze overhead, insects and fungi building worlds in the soil below—organic, shade-grown co ee farms are a sight to behold. These farms build nutrient density from the soil to the cup of co ee they produce. Conventional farms that only grow co ee plants in sun-grown conditions deplete the soil and create a greater risk of erosion. Organic farming methods build healthy, biodiverse soil and produce a final product that contains more nutrients. One study found that co ee grown on organic farms had higher levels of many of the beneficial compounds it’s known for compared to co ee grown on conventional farms. Some of these benefits include higher concentrations of flavonoids and other antioxidants that protect the body from free-radical damage. Cuppa Joe on the Brain How do you take your co ee? A dash of cream? A splash of MCT oil? Black to savour the nuance of every note? Any way you prepare it, pour yourself a cuppa and reap the sweet health benefits. Numerous studies have been conducted on the health e ects of co ee and note that as one of the most popular beverages in the world, its impact is far-reaching. Co ee contains a number of beneficial compounds, including antioxidants and polyphenols that support cardiovascular and brain health. The ca eine content in co ee is also credited with cognitive benefits, including supporting memory and reducing the risk of depression. Studies show these compounds support healthy brain function, are neuroprotective, and may reduce the risk of neurodegeneration and conditions such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.

Whether you take it black, creamy, or Paleo-style, just make sure your next cup of joe is organic!

For references, email customerservice@naturalgrocers.com

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