Cart

Your cart is empty

Continue shopping now

The Great Coffee Debate

Sporty & Rich - Great Coffee Debate

By: @wellclub__

Drinking coffee is a long withstanding ritual for many, with its origins tracing back to Ethiopia and Arabia. The harmful and beneficial health effects of coffee have been subject to a history of debate, with evidence existing on both sides of the argument.


First, let’s dive into coffee’s well known benefits.


Coffee contains a natural blend of antioxidants, bioflavonoids, vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients. These can all help to combat the negative effects that caffeine has on the body. Studies have found that consuming coffee can lower the rate of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, dementia, headaches/migraines, and depression.


With that being said, these benefits are dependent on the quality, and the amount of coffee you are drinking. The ways in which coffee is consumed, along with an individual’s overall health, diet, and lifestyle affect the impact that it has on the body. Therefore, the benefits vary from person to person. 


Now, let’s explore the harmful effects.


Depending on an individual’s unique physiology, coffee may cause or worsen digestive issues, increase anxiety, create hormonal imbalances, heartburn, and contribute to sleep problems. Since caffeine spikes cortisol levels, it shifts the body into parasympathetic mode, or “fight or flight” which may heighten an individual's stress levels. Depending on how coffee is taken (i.e. sugar, artificial sweeteners, etc.), these harmful effects may be amplified. 


An individual’s body size and liver function affects how well caffeine can be metabolized. Some bodies cannot effectively detox caffeine, which may cause a strain on the adrenals, liver, or digestive system. Considering caffeine can take many people hours to metabolize, it can lead to sleep disturbances such as restlenesses or insomnia.


If you’re an avid coffee drinker, choose organic beans that are third party tested for mycotoxin and aflatoxin to reduce your exposure to pesticides, herbicides, and mold.


Finally, let’s explore alternatives to coffee. Fortunately, there are many nutritionally rich alternatives to experiment with if you are wanting to take a break.


Caffeine Free Options


Chicory coffee is a close substitute to coffee in terms of taste and smoothness. It contains inulin which is beneficial for gut health and can aid digestion. Dandy Blend is a popular brand and contains root extracts from chicory, dandelion, barley, and rye. Other caffeine free choices include herbal teas such as rooibos or chai. 


Caffeinated Options


If your body is able to tolerate some level of caffeine, then matcha, green tea, and chaga tea are excellent options. 


Matcha has an earthy taste and it is very grounding. It is the entire green tea leaf in powder form and it contains 10x more antioxidants than green tea. Rather than providing an instant spike in energy, the L-theanine content creates a slow and steady stream of energy throughout the day, without the jitters. L-theanine boosts brain function and alertness, while decreasing stress and anxiety. Matcha contains chlorophyll and ECGC, which is recognized for its anti-cancer properties.


Chaga mushrooms are an earthy alternative that contain a host of health benefits, including a rich dose of immune supporting nutrients. 


We believe coffee should be enjoyed rather than using it as a crutch for low energy. If you’re a daily coffee drinker, try to create a meaningful ritual around it, treating it as an opportunity to slow down. If you do not need to rely on coffee to perform, then there is probably no reason to discontinue consumption. However, if you do experience any of the negative side effects discussed, we recommend swapping out coffee for an alternative.


Cultivate a lifestyle that does not need caffeine to feel vibrant. Choose highly nutritious foods, stay hydrated, move your body, sleep well, and practice de-stressing activities. 

Previous
Next

The Wellness Club

Nutritional Support for Hashimoto’s Disease and Hypothyroidism

Nutritional Support for Hashimoto’s Disease and Hypothyroidism

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

  By: Megan Tomlin @gooodmoodfoood Did you know that up to 60% of cases of Hashimoto’s disease go undiagnosed? Or that women are 5 to 8 times more likely to have a thyroid condition? Knowing these facts, it is shocking that so many of us are still unclear about...

Read more
Are Collagen Supplements Worth Taking? A Dermatologist Weighs In.

Are Collagen Supplements Worth Taking? A Dermatologist Weighs In.

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @dermahealthnutrition The pursuit of youthful, glowing skin is a timeless quest. It fuels a booming industry of skincare products, treatments, and supplements, including collagen, all claiming to improve the signs of ageing. Here's what you need to know to navigate the abundance of collagen powders, capsules, and liquids.  Skin ageing is a multifaceted...

Read more
Sporty & Rich Wellness - Collagen-Rich Foods vs. Supplements

Collagen-Rich Foods vs. Supplements

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @coreflexpilates founder Chris Bardawil What is the best way to boost your body's collagen production? Supplements or diet, here is a run down of the basics to help you navigate your way around understanding collagen and how you can boost your body's supplies. Collagen...

Read more
The Power of Spending Time in Silence

The Power of Spending Time in Silence

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

@emily_campbell In today’s age, even if you don’t live in a hustling and bustling city, you may still experience constant noise. We have become so accustomed to noise everywhere we go, including our homes. Without knowing it, you may prefer “background noise” to block out any unwanted thoughts or feelings that pop up....

Read more
Sporty & Rich Wellness - How to Navigate Job Insecurity

How to Navigate Job Insecurity

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @ericabassotherapy Experiencing a layoff at your workplace or losing your job can be extremely stressful. It's normal to feel a range of emotions during such times. Job loss or insecurity can threaten components of psychological well-being, such as one’s financial health and identity, and leave individuals feeling vulnerable and...

Read more
Irregular Periods: What Do They Mean?

Irregular Periods: What Do They Mean?

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: drmelissa.co A woman’s period is a vital sign. Just like your blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and breath rate, a woman’s cycle is indicative of her health overall. An imbalanced period indicates suboptimal health.  The menstrual cycle is incredibly complex and requires a constellation of factors to align for it to occur at regular intervals. Factors that can delay a period or cause...

Read more
The Health Benefits of Ghee

The Health Benefits of Ghee

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @islandem_ Ghee, or clarified butter, is the product of slowly heating cow’s butter to 100°C until the fat, milk protein (casein), and sugar (lactose) separate. The protein and milk are...

Read more
The Power of Napping

The Power of Napping

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @inceipek1 In today's fast-paced world, where work schedules are demanding and screens keep us connected around the clock, finding time to rest and rejuvenate has become increasingly challenging. However, one simple yet highly effective practice that offers us a potential solution is napping. Often underestimated, napping holds a plethora of benefits for both physical and mental health. The Science Behind Napping

Read more
Should You Workout on an Empty Stomach?

Should You Workout on an Empty Stomach?

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @coreflexpilates founder Chris Bardawil  This is a topic that has so many variables but this article will give you some real world experience and ideas on how you can come to your own conclusion when it comes to working out on an empty stomach. The first thing to consider...

Read more
5 Mental Health Benefits of Exercise

5 Mental Health Benefits of Exercise

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @coreflexpilates founder Chris Bardawil  Most of us know about the physical benefits of exercise: improved posture, weight management, increased energy, looking stronger...but what about the psychological benefits of exercise? Here are five key benefits your mental health will get from regular exercise.  Better Sleep: Exercise can help regulate our circadian rhythm which is our body's internal clock that influences when we feel tired and when we feel...

Read more
Nourishing The Mind: How Nutrition Impacts Mental Health

Nourishing The Mind: How Nutrition Impacts Mental Health

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @inceipek1 The saying "you are what you eat" holds more truth than we might realize, especially when it comes to our mental health. The connection between nutrition and mental well-being is a complex and intricate web, with scientific research increasingly highlighting the profound impact that our dietary choices can have on our mood, cognition, and overall mental...

Read more
Sporty & Rich Wellness

Understanding the Complexities of Histamine Intolerance

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @dermahealthnutrition Histamine plays several important roles in the body, including regulating gastric acid production, controlling blood vessel dilation, modulating immunity and response to allergens. Histamine is found in varying amounts in almost all foods. Histamine intolerance results from an imbalance between histamine intake and histamine metabolism in...

Read more