coffee & health

Is Your Coffee Killing You?

Organic Coffee Health Benefits -
Some of the health risks associated with drinking large amounts of coffee can be attributed to the chemical and pesticide residues as opposed to the coffee beans or the brew itself. Organic coffee reduces these risks because of the lack or reduction in synthetic additives used in organic coffee plantations. Shade grown coffee ensures the preservation of nutrients that naturally occur, by reducing sun exposure that bleaches important compounds in the top soil. The following are the main organic coffee benefits:

High in antioxidants, vitamins and mineral content.

Free of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, which means no residues, and reduced risk of chemical ingestion. Natural energy booster – organically grown coffee contains caffeine in its purest form. Higher levels of antioxidants as opposed to conventionally grown coffee, translates into better defense against a wide range of diseases, that antioxidants guard against.

Shade Grown Coffee Benefits
The benefits of shade grown organic coffee are manifold. Traditionally, all coffee was shade grown, but newer hybrids of coffee introduced to increase the production, were found to tolerate sunlight better. As requirements increased, farmers cut down their shade giving trees, stripping forest cover to meet demand and depleting natural soil reserves.

Shade grown coffee benefits the soil by maintaining forest cover, which in turn maintains bird and animal habitat, and reduces soil erosion. Shade grown coffee is most often organically grown, while conventionally grown coffee is sprayed with more chemicals than any other product consumed by humans, save for tobacco.

Whichever way you choose to look at organic coffee benefits, impacting the environment, sustaining fair trade, preserving natural habitat, or just a better tasting cup, give it a try.

Rhodiola Rosea (Golden Root)
Rhodiola rosea, also known as “golden root”, is a member of the family Crassulaceae, plants indigenous to the polar arctic regions of eastern Siberia, growing at altitudes up to 18,000 feet above sea level. Its yellow flowers smell similar to attar of roses, hence the name “rosea”.

There are more than 20 species of the Rhodiola genus in nature, however only Rhodiola Rosea has been proven to be helpful in reducing stress & depression.

Only true Rhodiola rosea contains rosavin, rosin, rosarin, salidroside, specific phenylpropanoids and terpenoids. Other Rhodiola’s may only contain salidroside. Of the Rhodiola’s that contain some of the active phyto-nutrients, only Siberian Rhodiola rosea has been thoroughly tested. It’s interesting to also note that of all the herbs reviewed by the medical community today, Adaptogens, such as Siberian Rhodiola rosea, are of prime interest.

  • Stress
  • Depression
  • Weight Management
  • Physical Performance
  • Memory
  • Heart Disease
  • Libido
  • Amenorrhea
  • Hearing
  • Gum Disease
  • Parkinson’s Disease
  • Liver
  • Diabetes

Schizandra
Schizandra has been used since the dawn of Chinese civilization as a tonic herb. Schizandra was very popular with the emperors of China because it was believed that Schizandra added to sexual stamina, and since Chinese emperors always had many concubines, this was considered a primary asset. Chinese women historically held it in very high favor as well, especially the women of the imperial court, because of its beauty enhancing qualities.

Schizandra develops the primary energies of life and is thus of great use to any one who consumes it. Schizandra generates vitality and radiant beauty when used regularly. It is a safe and powerful tonic herb which is mildly calming and possessing pain-alleviating properties. Schizandra is said to purify the blood, sharpen the mind, improve memory, rejuvenate the Kidney energy (especially the sexual energy and functions in both men and women), and cause the skin to become radiantly beautiful.

The very name of Schizandra in Chinese tells us a great deal about the qualities of this herb. Wu Wei Zi means “Five Taste Fruit.”

Health Benefits of Schizandra Plant:

  • It aids in the functions of adaptation during time of stress.
  • It protects the liver, and help in its regeneration and proper function.
  • It stimulates the Immune system.
  • Rejuvenates the Lungs
  • It helps calm the Nervous System, good in cases of neurosis, depression etc.
  • Beneficial as sexual stimulant and balances the body’s fluid, thus helping the kidneys.
  • Broad Spectrum Adaptogenic

Red Reishi (Ganoderma)
The Red Reishi mushroom, also known as Ganoderma Lucidum is a mushroom that is used medicinally in Asia. Highly ranked in Chinese medicine, the Reishi mushroom is non-toxic and can be taken long term without any side effects. When added to your daily regime, Reishi can help the body regain and maintain a state of health. Reishi mushrooms contain amino acids, proteins, polysaccharides and triterpenoids. These active ingredients have benefits for the body including anti-tumor action and helping the body use oxygen more efficiently.

Reishi has benefits for every organ system in the body.

The studies also support the use of Reishi as a general tonic. It normalizes the body’s organs and functions and maintains health. Called an adaptogen, Reishi helps the body adapt to various stresses like sleep deprivation, temperature, toxin exposure, infection, psychological stress and trauma.

Reishi mushroom is analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral and helps fight off tumors. It helps allergies by lowering histamine reactions. It can lower blood pressure and has antioxidant qualities. Reishi encourages the proliferation of bone marrow cells. This mushroom reduces the effects of caffeine. It boosts the immune system, and is showing promise for dealing with HIV. It improves the adrenal functions as well. Boosts the natural immune system of the body

  • Increases your energy level
  • Decreases your stress
  • Improves your blood circulation
  • Anti-oxidant, Detoxifies your Body
  • Improves your complexion
  • Supports a healthy metabolic activity of human cells
  • Regulates internal organ functions
  • Anti-allergic activity
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Antibacterial
  • Antitumor activity
  • Lowers blood pressure
  • Enhances bone marrow nucleated cell proliferation
  • Cardiotonic action
  • General immunopotentiation
  • Improved adrenocortical function

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