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Does Organic Coffee Have More Caffeine?
Answering this question is more complex than simply saying “yes or no.” Many factors influence the caffeine content of coffee including origin, roasting and brewing times as well as amount of phenolic compounds (i.e. phenolic acids, flavonoids and stilbenes) present in roasted coffee beans which also has an effect.
Food Chemistry published a 2012 study which demonstrated how roasting and brewing methods affect both the quality and quantity of polyphenols found in conventional and organic coffee, such as catechins, gallic acid and chlorogenic acid. Researchers noted that organic coffee’s chemical composition differed substantially from that found in its conventional counterpart.
Coffee’s health-promoting properties stem from its abundance of polyphenols, phenolic derivatives with hydroxyl groups that exhibit antioxidant activity. Polyphenols can be divided into three categories: phenolic acids, flavonoids and lignans – with each providing anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antiviral activities while simultaneously safeguarding liver function.
Coffee plant extracts contain many other beneficial compounds besides caffeine, including kahweol and cafestol which have been shown to activate an enzyme which prompts detoxification in order to avoid hepatitis. Furthermore, according to a 2017 study in Hepatology caffeine inhibits accumulations of proteins which contribute to liver fibrosis and inflammation – perhaps decreasing your risk for chronic liver diseases such as cirrhosis.
Organic coffee, as its name implies, is produced without pesticides, meaning that its beans are grown in soil that has been free from chemicals for a significant period of time, allowing the natural flavors of their origins to shine through. But its advantages go beyond just flavor and taste: choosing organic can also protect you against mycotoxins – harmful compounds produced by mold growth on beans which could potentially expose you to mycotoxins that could otherwise result in adverse health outcomes.
To accurately ascertain that your coffee is organic, simply check its label. Look out for the USDA certified organic seal on its bag to be sure. Also look out for claims such as solvent-free, chemical-free or Swiss water decaffeination method to make sure it does not contain methylene chloride or ethyl acetate. Finally, it is best to purchase coffee that has been freshly roasted and ground. As this will ensure the beans do not go stale and provide access to all available health-enhancing nutrients, it is recommended to enjoy instant organic coffee black and unsweetened to maximize health benefits and avoid adding unnecessary calories. As per medical recommendations, no more than two to three cups of coffee should be consumed per day as any more may cause jittering effects and interrupt your sleep cycle. Furthermore, organic and fair trade instant coffee should be preferred so as to support farmers and protect the environment.