It’s no secret most of us are obsessed with our beloved coffee. Whether you prefer it hot, cold, decaf, instant, french pressed, etc., many of us drink as much coffee as we can get. Our mornings aren’t complete without a cup of joe to start our day. And, of course, there’s always the afternoon jolt of java. Coffee can be a healthy addition to our daily routine, but it can become a habit that hinders us from feeling our best when over-consumed. Understanding the benefits and warning signs of too much coffee can help you get the most out of your daily drip.
The caffeine found in coffee is a central nervous system stimulant and works great at helping you fight fatigue and increase energy levels. Less than 200 milligrams (mg) of caffeine (1 or 2 cups of coffee) can energize you within five to 30 minutes. Like magic, you’re in a better mood, mentally sharper, and ready to tackle your to-do list. However, the stimulating effects of caffeine can last from 8 to 12 hours. A late afternoon coffee break may disrupt your much-needed night of rest or ability to unwind. If you have trouble with restful sleep or insomnia, try limiting caffeine from all sources after lunch. Once you start resting more at night, you’ll be less dependent on the afternoon jolt through the day.
Healthy adults shouldn’t consume more than 400 mg of caffeine daily. That’s equal to about four 8-ounce cups of brewed coffee. If you’re guilty of drinking over the recommended amount and are experiencing headaches, mild anxiety, dry skin, or late-day jitters, you may want to scale back on the caffeine. Or rotate a glass of water for every caffeinated beverage consumed to stay hydrated and healthy.
Positive evidence shows that your piping hot or cold drip habit could help protect against Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and cognitive decline. But more isn’t better, and the coffee’s quality matters, too. A coffee bean is a seed of the coffea plant and the source for coffee. Like any vegetable grown from the ground, coffee beans are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. When grown and roasted with quality in mind, you’ll get a more nutritious beverage.
Mississippi has many coffee roasters throughout the state that are hand-selecting the best beans and roasting them locally. Coffee beans may not be able to grow in the Magnolia State, but supporting local roasters means you’ll get the freshest coffee without additives and more wholesome nutrients in every cup. Over time that’s a lot of extra antioxidants! Think about it. By just switching to a higher quality coffee at home, you nutritionally upgrade a beverage you were going to drink anyway. It’s a win, win!
Independently owned coffee shops are already aware of the benefits of freshly roasted coffee beans, and some even sell what they serve. Pop into a local shop for a caffeine boost on the go, and take a bag of coffee home. Or support one of the many roast-to-order companies across the state that will ship it to your front door. I’ve had a great experience with Umble Coffee Co.of Starkville, BeanFruit Coffee Co. in Jackson, and Mississippi Cold Drip. You can even find some in your local grocery store. If you’ve never branched out from your big box favorite, give a Mississippi roaster a try!
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