Drinking Coffee? Why Organic Matters

Coffee is a beloved beverage enjoyed by millions of people around the world. Whether you prefer a strong espresso, a creamy latte, or a pure black coffee, the choices you make about your coffee can significantly impact your health and the environment. One crucial decision is whether to drink organic or non-organic coffee. We will explore why choosing organic coffee is a better option for your health, the environment, and even the quality of your cup of coffee.

Table of Contents

• What is Organic Coffee?
• Health Benefits of Organic Coffee.
• Environmental and Economic Benefits of Organic Coffee.
• The Not So Good Truth About Non-Organic Coffee.
• How Do You Avoid Toxic Contaminants in Your Coffee?

What is Organic Coffee?

Organic coffee is grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Instead, organic coffee farmers use natural methods to enrich the soil and protect their crops. This farming approach promotes biodiversity and sustainable agriculture.

Health Benefits of Organic Coffee

Lower Pesticide Exposure in Organic Coffee

One of the most significant benefits of drinking organic coffee is the reduced exposure to harmful pesticides. Conventional coffee farming relies heavily on chemical pesticides and fertilizers, which can leave residues on the beans. When you drink non-organic coffee, these chemicals often end up in your cup. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), long-term exposure to certain pesticides can lead to serious health issues, including cancer and endocrine disruption. By choosing organic coffee, you minimize your intake of these harmful substances.

Higher Nutrient Content in Organic Coffee

Organic coffee is often richer in essential nutrients. Studies have shown that organic crops, including coffee, have higher levels of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals compared to their non-organic counterparts. Antioxidants are crucial for fighting free radicals in the body, which can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.

Better Taste and Quality in Organic Coffee

Many coffee enthusiasts argue that organic coffee tastes better. This is not just a matter of personal preference; the methods used in organic farming often lead to higher-quality beans. Organic coffee plants are typically grown in shade, allowing the beans to mature more slowly and develop richer flavors. Additionally, the absence of chemical residues means a cleaner, more natural taste.

Environmental and Economic Benefits of Organic Coffee

Organic Coffee Reduces Environmental Impact

Conventional coffee farming is associated with significant environmental harm, including deforestation, soil degradation, and water contamination. The chemicals used in non-organic coffee farming can leach into the soil and water systems, harming wildlife and ecosystems. Organic farming practices, on the other hand, focus on sustainability. Organic farmers use compost, mulch, and other natural materials to maintain soil health and prevent erosion. These practices help preserve the environment for future generations.

Organic Coffee Promotes Biodiversity

Organic coffee farms often maintain a diverse ecosystem. The shade-grown method commonly used in organic coffee farming supports a variety of plant and animal species. This biodiversity helps create a balanced environment where natural predators can control pests, eliminating the need for chemical interventions. Moreover, preserving forest habitats through shade-grown coffee farming helps protect endangered species and promotes overall ecological health.

Fair Trade Practices

Many organic coffee brands are also committed to fair trade practices. Fairtrade certification ensures that farmers receive a fair price for their coffee, which can help improve their living conditions and support community development. By buying organic and fair trade coffee, you contribute to a more equitable and sustainable global coffee market.

The Not So Good Truth About Non-Organic Coffee

While looking at the benefits of organic coffee, you may be wondering what is truly going on with my cup of coffee and if it is organic. The truth is only 3% of coffee sold in the United States is Organic coffee. This means 97% of the coffee you are likely drinking contains many harmful contaminants, such as:

Pesticides in Coffee

 One of the most troubling problems with non-organic coffee is its high concentration of pesticides, many of which have been banned in the European Union. Research has shown that these chemicals found in pesticides penetrate the coffee bean and are still found after the roasting process. Studies have linked pesticides with a large number of health issues like:

• ADHD
• Alzheimer's Disease
• Cancers
• Fertility Issues
• Birth Defects
• Depression
• Immune System Damage
• Parkinson's Disease

Ochratoxin A (OTA) in Coffee

Ochratoxin A, a chemical caused by certain molds, is classified as a potent human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Along with its carcinogenic properties, OTA disrupts protein creation, which leads to symptoms like brain fog, memory loss, and even hair loss.

Acrylamide in Coffee

Acrylamide, a chemical caused by the roasting process, is a known neurotoxin. It is classified as a probable human carcinogen by the IARC. This chemical is more commonly found in light-roasted robusta beans, meaning looking for Arabica beans that are medium or dark-roasted is a start to avoid Acrylamide.

Aflatoxin in Coffee

Aflatoxin is another mold that can contaminate coffee when not stored properly and is known as one of the strongest natural carcinogens. There is a lot of research on its effects as a human carcinogen.

How Do You Avoid Toxic Contaminants in Your Coffee?

The easiest way to avoid these harmful contaminants is to purchase USDA organic-certified coffee. This is because USDA organic-certified companies have a strict process they must pass from start to finish. Spanning from the type of bean they plant, how they plant (absolutely no use of pesticides), how the coffee is roasted, how they store the coffee, and how they ship to both facilities and the customer.

If you are drinking coffee in the morning, you want a jumpstart on your day, not a jumpstart on cancer. So, if you are ready to make the switch to organic coffee and finally enjoy the benefits of a good cup of coffee without all the bad, you can start your journey here at Happy Lad. We partnered with Sweetwater Organic Coffee CO. to provide our Happy Lad customers with finely ground USDA Certified Organic coffee!

 

 

 

Sources

Baranski, M., et al. "Higher Antioxidant and Lower Cadmium Concentrations and Lower Incidence of Pesticide Residues in Organically Grown Crops: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analyses." British Journal of Nutrition, vol. 112, no. 5, 2014, pp. 794-811.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). "Pesticides: Health and Safety." EPA, https://www.epa.gov/pesticides.

Fair Trade Certified. "What is Fair Trade?" Fair Trade Certified, https://www.fairtradecertified.org/.

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). "Organic Agriculture and the Environment." FAO, http://www.fao.org/organicag/oa-faq/oa-faq6/en/.

International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). "IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans." IARC, https://monographs.iarc.fr/.

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). "Acrylamide and Cancer Risk." NIEHS, https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/acrylamide/index.cfm.

Natural Force. "Coffee Mold, Toxins, and Pesticides." Natural Force, https://naturalforce.com/blogs/nutrition/coffee-mold-toxins-pesticides/?WickedSource=Blog&WickedID=organic-coffee.

Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center. "Shade Grown Coffee." Smithsonian, https://nationalzoo.si.edu/migratory-birds/shade-grown-coffee.

World Health Organization (WHO). "Mycotoxins." WHO, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mycotoxins.