THE PROBLEM WITH YOUR AVERAGE JOE, BY DR HYMAN
Preparing and drinking coffee or tea is a sacred ritual for millions of people around the world. But as something we consume every single day (for some of us, multiple times a day), there is a dark secret that you need to know about.
The Problem With Your Average Joe
Sadly, many coffees and teas are hidden treasure troves of toxins.
Coffee and tea are produced using the same industrialized manufacturing processes as Big Food. Therefore, they contain many of the same toxic agrochemicals, microplastics, heavy metals, mold, artificial flavors, and GMO ingredients as processed and packaged foods.
Mold loves moisture, and because coffee manufacturers use wet processing methods, it's not uncommon for it to grow on coffee beans. Roasting kills a lot of the mold, but we still need to look out for mycotoxins (volatile particles released by mold) like ochratoxin A, a carcinogenic mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus and Penicillin that’s present in nearly 50% of coffee samples. Our bodies can handle low levels of mold, but exposure should always be kept at a minimum to avoid potential toxicity.
And while teas don’t run the same risk as mold, they often are riddled with heavy metals, pesticides, and other toxins. In fact, China uses more pesticides and emits more greenhouse gases and heavy metals than any other country in the world. They are also the largest tea producer. If you’re a tea drinker, look into where your tea is grown and be aware of high levels of pesticides and toxic heavy metals, and other toxins.
As if pesticides and heavy metals aren’t toxifying our tea enough, plastic tea bags release approximately 11.6 billion microplastics in a single cup. But don’t worry and keep reading, there are lots of ways to have your coffee and tea, and drink them too!
Not All Decaf Coffee Is Created Equal
Americans love caffeine, so much so that they often overdo it. Too much caffeine increases stress hormone production, decreases insulin sensitivity, and disrupts sleep. But decaffeinated coffee isn’t much better as far as toxins are concerned.
Most decaffeinated coffees go through a harsh extraction process that requires chemicals like methylene chloride that’s used as a paint stripper and degreaser. This process is used to remove most or all of the caffeine but you could imagine that consuming something commonly used as a paint stripper just wouldn’t be great for your body.
How To Coffee And Tea Smartly
Luckily for your morning routine, it’s fairly easy to identify the cleanest coffees and teas. Here are 5 simple things to look for when you purchase coffee or tea.
Certified Organic. Buying USDA-Certified Organic can help control any pesticide exposure from your coffee or tea. Of course, organic products can cost a little more, but you know what they say: you get what you pay for. Plus, every time you vote with your dollar to support organic foods, it increases the demand for them and decreases the demand for conventionally raised products. Supply = demand. Over time, this can result in more organic products being available and accessible.
Rainforest Alliance Certified. Another certification to look for is Rainforest Alliance Certified. This seal comes from a non-profit organization that requires companies to follow guidelines that protect farmers, their families, and the environment—something I can get behind. It’s not organic, but they help teach farmers how to reduce pesticide use and naturally control pests.
Third-Party (Independent) Tested. Products, including coffee and tea, that are “Third-Party Tested” are verified, tested, and approved for quality and safety purposes by a lab independent of the manufacturer, which makes their claims much more reliable and trustworthy (and unbiased). Few companies will devote the money or time to do third-party lab testing, but two of my favorites, Purity Coffee and Pique Tea, are third-party tested to be free from pesticides, heavy metals, mycotoxins, microplastics, and more.
Swiss Water Process for decaf coffee. To avoid toxic chemicals in decaf coffee, look for the “Swiss Water Process” (SWP) seal, which means natural extraction methods were used and guarantees no harsh chemicals.
Natural Fiber Tea Bags. To avoid microplastics in tea bags, use organic loose leaf tea and steep it using a stainless steel or glass strainer. If you like using tea bags for their convenience or portability, make sure you’re getting the kind that’s free from bisphenol-A (BPA), phthalates, polypropylene, and epichlorohydrin. Look for tea bags made from organic hemp, cotton, or plant fibers instead.
Note: Coffee does contain acrylamide, a Group 2A probable human carcinogen formed during the early stages of the roasting process. I know that can sound pretty scary, but it’s important to point out that acrylamide in coffee beans is relatively low compared to coffee substitutes, instant coffee, and other sources in your environment and diet. Light roasts contain the highest levels of acrylamide. Dark roasts have the lowest but are roasted for so long that they can collect carcinogens that way. For that reason, medium roast coffee is going to be your best bet. And don’t worry, drinking coffee in moderation has still been found to have many positive health effects!
Drinking coffee and tea can be incredible sources of antioxidants in your life, but just like food—quality matters. Whether you’re filling up your morning cup with coffee or tea, I want to ensure you're not also filling your body’s cup with toxins. By looking for clean and safe claims with certifications to back them up, you’re likely to find your next favorite cup of delicious (toxin-free) morning brew!
Wishing you health and happiness,
Mark Hyman, MD
Reference: http://drhyman.com
