That’s So Coffee vs Matcha
I was an avid coffee drinker until December 2020 - like Lorelai Gilmore level of a coffee drinker, which to me is crazy because I really never started consuming coffee until I went to Italy in the Summer of 2013, which is also when I started noticing a lot of my stomach problems [I think we are having a circle moment right now]. I cut coffee out after a few months of going back & forth on when I was going to ween myself off it [yes, I was addicted to this cup of comfort every morning], so it was very much a calculated move. I made this calculated lifestyle change due to how my body was showing up, specifically with the acid reflux and my body not reaping the benefits that coffee could provide to someone who consumes it. Now I am reaping the benefits of coffee via a coffee enema, but that is a different way to consume coffee, but anyways back to this me cutting coffee out of my routine cold turkey.
I know that those in the TSC Community love their coffee from the multiple conversations I have had the pleasure of having when I was drinking coffee and when I have made it known that I am no longer having coffee on a daily basis. Coffee is not only comfort in a cup, but it has been shown to decrease risk of diabetes, heart disease, liver disease, Alzheimer’s, and multiple cancers. Many of these benefits come from the antioxidants called chlorogenic acids [CGA] that you can find in coffee. These compounds fight the inflammation that can lead to some of the conditions and diseases listed above. However, there is a big bad wolf in our coffee that is keeping us from totally reaping the benefits of coffee, which is MOLD!
So how does mold get in our coffee? Well think about the climates [warm and wet] that coffee beans are grown & harvested along with the fermentation and storage processes. Unfortunately, every single coffee production is subjected to having mold. I also know that you are probably like “Taylor, myself and others have been drinking coffee for years. We are fine!”. That is cool, I respect your decision to drink coffee, but wanted to provide some insight into why I personally chose to stop drinking it. I also wanted to bring attention to something that caught me by surprise, allowed me to do my own research, and decide what was best for me & my body.
Quick shout out to Taylor Sappington for even making me aware the mold can hide in coffee - I am not sure why I was so surprised since I have come to find the gluten can hide and sneak its way into quite a bit as well [#thatssoceliac].
There have been multiple studies that showcases that over 45% of coffees contain significant amounts of mold toxins - mycotoxins [any toxic substance produced by a fungus] and aflatoxins [any of a class of toxic compounds that are produced by certain molds found in food, and can cause liver damage and cancer].
Past studies have showcased several types of mycotoxins and aflatoxins present in 45% of coffees, which are
Aflatoxin B1. – liver cells into cancer prone cells
Fumonisin B1 (FB1). – “moldy brain” / “brain fog”
Macrocyclic Trichothecenes. neuronal death and inflammation of the olfactory system.
Ochratochin A (OTA). Goodbye dopamine and hello cell death within the brain.
T-2 Toxin. neuronal death and alimentary toxic aleukia [mycotoxin-induced condition characterized by diarrhea, hemorrhaging, leukopenia, nausea, skin inflammation, and vomiting].
Please feel free to do your own research on these and on mold in coffee as I am hoping this blog post makes you want to do your own research. I am simply sharing what I have found and feel comfortable articulating.
So yes, this information that I found during my research was one of the reasons why I had made the calculated decision to give it up as my daily cup of comfort. Plus, I have tested positive for different kinds and levels of mold, including a type of black mold, so I do not need any extra help with getting mold into my body and upsetting my gut microbiome any more than it already is. To me it was an easy choice to give up something that I could control to allow my body to continue to heal and run optimally.
When I decide to consume coffee again on an occasion, I want to make sure I reap the benefits of coffee. I have been doing a lot of research as I would like to occasionally enjoy a cup of joe when I want to switch it up from tea at times because variety is good. Within this coffee research, I made sure to pay attention to the quality of coffee, sourcing, and testing/screening. I am sharing the three coffee brands that I am considering on adding to my coffee & tea bar:
Have I had coffee since December 2020? Yes – I have had two 12 oz. coffees from a local coffee shop but did not enjoy it like I used to, and my stomach did not enjoy it either. It did not satisfy my tastebuds like it once did. Knowing me, I was probably day dreaming of one of my homemade matcha lattes while drinking the coffee.
So why did I make the switch to tea, specifically Pique Tea? Well I did research and took suggestions from those in my community on what teas to look at. Like I stated above, I have mold in my body and am actively trying to lessen the toxins that I consume in my foods, drinks, household products, and beauty products. Teas just like coffee can harbor toxins and mold. Pique is brand that is well known for its purity and the triple toxin screen for pesticides, heavy metals and toxic mold.
So why matcha? Well, matcha is an even energy provider for me. I do not feel a heavy crash from consuming matcha like I do with coffee. This is probably due to the amino acid L-theanine. This amino acid allows for that balanced energized, but calm state. Matcha has become my new morning cup of comfort and I am totally okay with that, especially with the benefits that come in one cup of this and the way my body responds, positively. Some of the other teas that I absolutely love from Pique are:
Ginger Digestion Elixir - I drink this with meals or if my stomach is not too happy with me
Passion Fruit Green Tea - I drink this if I do not want my matcha
Hibiscus Beauty Elixir - I drink this at night before bed if I am craving something hot to drink
So I suppose the title of this blog post seems like I am waging a war between coffee and matcha when I am not. I am simply explaining why the TSC Community saw me go from coffee, coffee, coffee to matcha, matcha, matcha and picking what is optimally serving me and my body. I am also promoting research beyond the marketing that is thrown our way on a daily basis, so that you can make the best decisions for yourself. Also, your girl became a tea lover after years of saying “I just do not like it” when I really never gave it a chance.
Also, if you are not a coffee or tea lover than I highly recommend Bare Life Coconut Hot Cocoa, which can bought here with a 10% discount.
