If you are a typical American, then chances are good that you have a healthy (or maybe not-so-healthy) "addiction" to coffee. Furthermore, if this rings true for you, I have wonderful news for you: coffee is good for you!
According to Ray Peat, Ph.D., coffee drinkers have a lower incidence of thyroid disease, cancer, and other diseases than non-coffee drinkers. Coffee has been used medicinally throughout history, protecting the liver from alcohol, prescription medications, and other toxins, while also protecting the body against radiation, chemical carcinogens, and viruses. Additionally, coffee contains magnesium, a very important mineral for the thyroid gland and overall health. Magnesium is a natural tranquilizer, and it reduces high blood pressure and assists in stabilizing blood sugar in the body. With that said, it is not uncommon to see the general population today consuming the wrong type of coffee at the wrong time.
Here are some tips on how to get the most metabolic bang for your cup:
1) Put 1 teaspoon of coconut oil in your coffee.
- Coconut oil is a medium-chain fatty acid, which means it tends to burn immediately as fuel, rather than store as fat on the body.
- Coconut oil is also a natural anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-microbial fat that boosts energy, supports thyroid function, insulin secretion, bone health, immunity, and digestion, and helps protect the body from breast, colon, and other cancers (Dr. Bruce Fife).
2) Never drink coffee on an empty stomach, as it will cause a spike in adrenaline and other stress hormones, like cortisol.
- Increasing stress in the body can lead to weight gain, wrinkles, and other hormonal chaos.
- It's best to consume it after a meal or snack containing an optimal protein (i.e., white fish, shellfish, grass-fed organic beef, venison, gelatin, bone broth, organic (local and insect-fed) eggs, etc.), carb (i.e., tropical fruits and/or root vegetables), and a fat (i.e., organic heavy cream, grass-fed butter, or coconut oil). (*Note: The protein, carb, and fat examples are not a comprehensive list of optimal food options).
3) Choose a quality roast and water.
- Pick a coffee that does not have artificial flavorings or perfumes (i.e., Folgers and other plain roasts or Organic roast coffee is acceptable).
- It's best to brew at home with quality, filtered, mineral water (i.e., Evian, FIJI, etc.).
So go enjoy your cup of metabolic euphoria, guilt-free and by the cup!
A word of caution though; be careful if you drink and drive.... You just might end up being nice to people on the road today.