Τhis little bean is very rich in caffeine, which is probably the second most widely-used addictive substance on this planet, after sugar. Caffeine increases the release of dopamine, noradrenaline and adrenaline, which is why it may lift mood, increase energy and boost performance.

Yet, regular consumption can exacerbate stressful situations, increase blood pressure, cause dependency and eventually lead to depletion of vital hormones and nutrients6. What is important to note is that caffeine ingestion from coffee beans or tea leafs is different than from cola and energy drinks. These toxic beverages are loaded with sugar, artificial ‘food’ substances like flavours and colours and have zero nutritional or therapeutic value. Green tea on the other hand has very high levels of antioxidants, such as epigallocatechin, which combats free radical damage, supports healthy tissue healing, strengthens blood vessels and connective tissues^3d among many more. Coffee beans contain antioxidants including polyphenols and chlorogenic, ferulic, caffeic, and n-coumaric acids which can help reduce the risk of many chronic diseases.⁷

Tip: Source organic fair trade coffee beans so that you support a sustainable industry and avoid pesticides that would negate any health benefits. Where instant coffee has basically no health benefits, the actual beans have the highest levels of antioxidants, so grind them yourself, it’s worth it! To avoid ill-effects like dependency, adrenal depletion, exacerbation of stress and stomach ulcers, limit your consumption to one cup per day, do not drink it on empty stomach or in the late afternoon and allow yourself a day or two per week with no coffee at all.

where do I begin? Not only is it the most addictive substance known to man but when ingested regularly and generously, it has been associated to an array of chronic conditions including some forms of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes type II, metabolic syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver⁸ and the list goes on. Sugar spikes the blood glucose levels very quickly, which will give a momentary boost of energy and feeling of alertness. Yet, the faster this spike goes up, the faster it comes down. This can cause low blood sugar levels (hypoglycaemia), which can make people feel cranky, irritable, unable to think clearly or make rational decisions, and therefore exacerbate stress. The best approach is a low glycaemic index (GI) eating plan, which includes eating wholefoods that slowly increase your blood sugar levels to avoid the peak and the trough.

Note: Click The Glycaemic Index Foundation to find more research, resources and recipes for the low GI approach. Also, click here for an inspirational and informative blog on how to quit sugar, supported by scientific research and delicious recipes that avoid sugar.