Did you know that the coffee you enjoy every day could potentially contain mycotoxins? These compounds, resulting from the sourcing and processing of coffee beans, might be the reason behind those jitters, the unappealing taste, upset stomach, or that peculiar mix of high energy and brain fog you experience.
Coffee holds a special place in many of our routines, so it's essential to understand what mycotoxins are, how they affect our bodies, and how we can make informed choices for a better coffee experience. Let's dive into the world of mycotoxins and discover how to select high-quality coffee that keeps both our taste buds and well-being in mind!
Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by certain types of fungi, including mold. As coffee lovers who enjoy our daily dose of caffeine, it's important to be aware of the potential health effects associated with mycotoxins if consumed in significant amounts.
The most commonly monitored mycotoxins in coffee is ochratoxin A (OTA)
Ochratoxin A (OTA): This mycotoxin is produced by various Aspergillus and Penicillium fungi species. OTA is known for its harmful impact on the kidneys, functioning as a potent nephrotoxin. It has been linked to kidney disease and may even possess carcinogenic properties.
Consuming coffee contaminated with mold can also lead to immune system issues, brain fog, hypertension, and other health concerns.
While regulatory authorities and coffee industry organizations have established guidelines and maximum allowable limits for mycotoxins in coffee to ensure consumer safety, it's worth questioning whether any consumption of mycotoxins or mold is safe.
According to a few studies, mycotoxins are frequently found in coffee - especially the lower quality brands. One study showed that out of 60 samples of green bean coffee (Coffea arabica) from Brazil, a whopping 91.7% were contaminated with mold! In another study, Ochratoxin A was detected in 13 out of 25 commercial samples of green coffee beans, and was detected in almost 50% samples of commercially brewed coffee.
The journey of mycotoxins into coffee involves various stages of the production process. Let's take a closer look at how mold can potentially contaminate our beloved brew.
As coffee cherries grow on the coffee plants, certain factors like high humidity, extended rainfall, or less-than-optimal crop management can create an environment conducive to fungal growth, including molds. These molds have the potential to produce mycotoxins that may find their way into the cherries.
If the coffee cherries aren't harvested at the right time or handled with care, they can become damaged or develop cracks. These damaged cherries create an open invitation for molds to thrive and produce mycotoxins.
Once the coffee cherries are harvested, they undergo various processing methods, such as wet processing (fermentation and washing) or dry processing (drying the cherries as a whole). If the processing conditions aren't properly controlled, like insufficient drying or improper fermentation, it can create an ideal breeding ground for molds to grow and result in mycotoxin contamination.
Improper storage conditions for coffee beans, such as inadequate ventilation, excessive moisture, or improper temperature control, can lead to the development of molds on the beans during storage. This, in turn, can contribute to the production of mycotoxins.
When you're diving into labels and conducting your online research, keep an eye out for brands that proudly proclaim their organic status AND mention third-party testing for mycotoxins. It's important to remember that organic certification alone doesn't guarantee a mold-free product. Mold can thrive both with and without the use of pesticides!
We have done our research, and we now only use two specific brews of coffee. We have noticed a huge difference with our own bodies after switching from coffee pods to this ground toxin-free coffee!
Four Sigmatic is an organic brand that has every batch of beans third party tested for mycotoxins, heavy metals, mold, yeast, and pesticides.
They also have amazing tasting coffee and they infuse functional mushrooms into their products.
This is our weekday/workday coffee of choice. It includes lion's mane mushroom for enhanced mental focus and energy, and chaga which is an immune system supporter.
This is the weekend brew of choice for us! It’s sold as fully caffeinated in Canada, but it seems to be changing over to a half-caf coffee (50% caffeinated, 50% decaf) that has ashwagandha mushroom which has so many health benefits including assisting with stress, depression, and anxiety, sleep, and even helps with inflammation and boosts physical performance. It also has chaga mushroom which supports your immune system and overall wellness, eleuthero root which supports stamina and endurance, and tulsi which supports digestion and is known to be one of the most calming adaptogens.
*Find all of our coffee favourites here.
Commodity coffees, those traded on the New York Stock Exchange, are typically categorized as low-quality beans. They're often found in bulk, instant coffee, and inexpensive blends. While opting for these wallet-friendly brands may seem like a win for your bank account, your body might have a different opinion due to their subpar harvesting, processing, and storage standards.
One notable downside of these coffees is their interchangeability. This means that the brands behind them don't prioritize building meaningful and ongoing relationships with the farmers they work with. Additionally, these commodity coffees are often associated with extremely low labor wages, something we definitely don't want to support.
So, it's worth considering alternatives that promote higher quality, ethical sourcing, and a more enjoyable coffee experience. Your taste buds and the hardworking farmers deserve it!
Organic coffee is a wonderful choice for those who value a natural and sustainable approach to their brew. With organic coffee, you're stepping away from synthetic pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). It’s giving your taste buds and your body a break from potentially harmful chemical residues commonly found in conventionally grown coffee (among other foods we consume).
But it doesn't stop there! Organic farmers employ natural and eco-friendly methods to preserve soil health, foster biodiversity, and conserve precious water resources. It's a harmonious process with nature that maintains ecosystem balance, protects wildlife habitats, and reduces pollution.
And here's an exciting perk: Organic coffee often delivers a higher quality and more delightful flavor experience. It's like a symphony of goodness in every sip!
So, when you choose organic coffee, you're not only treating yourself to a cleaner and tastier cup, but you're also making a positive impact on the environment. It's a win-win situation that feels good on every level.
When it comes to our beloved coffee makers and french presses, it's important to be mindful of potential BPA (bisphenol A) content, especially in older or budget-friendly models. Certain components like plastic water reservoirs, seals, or parts of the plunger mechanism in french presses may contain BPA.
The concern arises when hot water comes into contact with BPA-containing plastic. Heat can speed up the release of BPA into the water, and if consumed, it can potentially be ingested along with the hot water.
Now, let's talk about BPA. It's classified as an endocrine disruptor, meaning it has the ability to mimic or interfere with hormones in our bodies. Research has linked exposure to BPA with various health concerns, including reproductive problems, hormonal imbalances, and certain types of cancers.
So, when you're in the market for a new coffee maker or french press, keep an eye out for models that proudly state they are BPA-free. Alternatively, you can explore glass or stainless steel options, which offer excellent alternatives without the worry of BPA exposure.
Let's chat about coffee pods! While they may seem super convenient, it's important to know that they have some downsides for both our well-being and the environment.
Here's the scoop: Certain coffee pods can contain plastic materials that have the potential to release not-so-great chemicals into our beloved brewed coffee when hot water is involved. We're talking about substances like BPA or phthalates that can pose health risks if consumed in large amounts.
The single-use nature of coffee pods also presents a big environmental issue. Most pods are made from a mix of plastic, aluminum, or other materials that are not easily recyclable. Sadly, this means that the majority of pods end up in landfills, contributing to pollution and putting a strain on our precious resources.
Luckily, there are some solutions on the horizon! Certain manufacturers have come up with more sustainable alternatives, like compostable coffee pods or reusable capsules that you can fill with freshly ground coffee. These options offer a way to enjoy your cup of joe without the guilt.
And let's not forget the good ol' traditional brewing methods like a trusty French press. By opting for these alternatives, you can significantly reduce the environmental impact associated with coffee consumption.
Cheers to toxin-free brews!
