I can remember as a child watching my grandmother make her coffee early in the morning and take slow sips as she read the newspaper. When I spent the night at her house, I used to beg for her to let me taste her coffee. She would say, “you are too young to get hooked on this”. Finally, one day my begging was no longer in vain, and she prepared a cup for me. It was in a very small china cup, with the saucer. As she poured the dark liquid from the coffee pot, my mouth began to light up with excitement. I just knew that my first experience with this liquid gold was going to be great. I took my first sip. My eyes must have told the story, because before I could yell out YUCK, she said, “well, how do you like it”? My inner voice was screaming, this is nasty! But I calmed myself down and said, “grandma, I don’t like this”.
She smiled and took the cup to the kitchen. A few minutes later she came back to the living room with the same cup, but this time she put some milk and sugar in it. I tasted the concoction again and my mouth began to do the happy dance. This is what I thought coffee should taste like. Smooth and sweet. Little did I know that she replaced the coffee with a whole lot of milk and sugar, and a splash of coffee, which is how I drink mine today.
Coffee is a staple in a host of households throughout the United States. In 2018-2019 Statista.com reported that Coffee consumption in the United States amounted to nearly 26.5 million 60-kilogram bags. Coffee, and caffeine in particular, is estimated to be the most-used antioxidant in the western hemisphere. Researchers have discovered its effects on lowering the risk of diabetes, liver disease, and some cancers. Here is an article on the benefits of coffee and dementia https://www.alzheimers.net/2014-04-09-benefits-of-coffee
By now you are probably wondering how this relates to our brain. Coffee, when consumed in moderation, can have a healthy effect on the third largest organ in the body. The active ingredients found in coffee have been proven to help boost brain function.
- Caffeine: The main active ingredient in coffee, caffeine stimulates the central nervous system. It is the most commonly consumed psychoactive substance worldwide.
- Chlorogenic acids (CGAs): These polyphenol antioxidants may benefit some biological pathways, such as blood sugar metabolism and high blood pressure, both of which are related to the risk of age-related mental decline.
- Cafestol and kahweol: Present in coffee’s natural oil, high amounts of these compounds are found in unfiltered coffee. They may be good for the liver and protect against cancer, but a high intake may raise LDL cholesterol.
- Trigonelline: This alkaloid compound is unstable at high heat and during roasting forms nicotinic acid, also known as niacin (vitamin B3). Trigonelline may also help prevent dental cavities by inhibiting bacterial growth (The above information can be found online at https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/coffee-brain#TOC_TITLE_HDR_3)
Not all coffee is created equal
The coffee industry is growing by leaps and bounds. It is one of the world’s most favorite beverages. But all coffee is not created equal. From the ground it is planted in, to the way it is harvested, how the coffee bean gets its start is important. That is why when I was recently introduced to HB Naturals Nova Coffee, I actually stopped and paid attention to the contents. Before, I would drink coffee and not think about where it came from and what health benefits were associated with consuming coffee. But once I learned that Nova Coffee is considered “good for my brain”, I wanted to learn more about it. Not only does this coffee taste delicious, it is also good for you. Our premium coffee is 100% organic, fair trade Arabica Coffee from Brazil with a rich, smooth flavor and a natural low acidity. Nova Coffee is enhanced with ayurvedic botanical nootropics and adaptogens that may improve cognitive function, and memory. I don’t know about you, but I need all the help I can get some days with my memory.
If you are going to drink coffee, shouldn’t you consume some that is good for your brain? For me, Nova Coffee has helped me focus more, and has helped my stomach issues too. Feel free to check out my site for product information on our outstanding coffee products, and if you are interested in becoming a part of the HB Vitality Team family, please visit https://hbnaturals.com/index.asp?sponsorsite=HeatherMorrison
