Almost everyone I know loves a morning cup of coffee. Before my health issues, I would often have many cups throughout the day, often believing I needed that caffeine to keep going.
Coffee isn’t just a morning ritual, it’s packed with lots of health benefits. Ranging from antioxidants to supporting brain function. Yet, did you know that certain bio-coffee packs in more of the benefits, which are genuinely more important as you age?
The decision between regular or bio-coffee should always come down to your personal health goals, taste preferences, and values. However, these eight science-backed benefits of bio-coffee might just make you reconsider next time you’re out shopping.
Bio-coffee has higher levels of antioxidants
Research shows that bio coffee contains more antioxidants than regular coffee. This is because bio coffee is grown without any harsh chemicals messing up its natural growth.
Antioxidants are incredibly important and help protect your body from all sorts of damage. Firstly, antioxidants fight harmful molecules called free radicals. These molecules can lead to premature aging and diseases, including heart problems.
One of the main antioxidants in coffee is chlorogenic acid. This has been shown to reduce inflammation and support heart health. Another antioxidant is cafestol, which supports the body’s natural defenses and can even help protect the brain as you age.
Normal coffee packs in antioxidants, but if you’re looking to maximize each cup of joe, a cup of bio coffee is worth the extra cost.
Related: 10 Most Healthy Coffee Creamers
It also packs in more vitamins and minerals
It’s not just antioxidants that bio coffee packs in more of, it also contains more essential vitamins and minerals than regular coffee. It has higher levels of B vitamins, magnesium, potassium, and niacin, all of which support energy, heart health, and overall well-being.
B vitamins help keep energy levels up and support brain function. As we age, our bodies absorb less B12, which can lead to tiredness and memory problems.
Magnesium and potassium are also very important as you age, they help support strong bones, muscles, and a healthy heart. Many older adults don’t get enough of these minerals, which can lead to muscle weakness and high blood pressure.
Finally, we have niacin (vitamin B3), which supports an array of things, including heart health, brain function, and skin hydration. It also helps lower bad cholesterol levels. Regular coffee also includes niacin, but bio coffee packs more in, which could be beneficial, especially as you age.
Bio-coffee packs in around 6 grams of fiber per serving
Depending on the brand of bio-coffee, some can offer up to 6 grams of fiber per serving. This is thanks to added ingredients like wheatgrass. This additional fiber can be very beneficial as you age, depending on your diet. Plus regular coffee contains little-to-no-fiber benefits.
Fiber is vital for your digestive health as you age. It helps to keep your bowel movements regular, prevents constipation, and supports a healthy gut. A diet rich in fiber also has the potential to lower the risk of colon cancer, heart disease, and other chronic conditions. All of these things become more and more important as you age.
The benefits of fiber don’t end there, they also help your body manage cholesterol and blood sugar levels. First, it slows down how your body absorbs sugar, helping to prevent spikes and crashes. Second, it helps lower bad cholesterol (LDL), which, if left unchecked, can lead to heart problems (something I’m far too aware of).
There are countless ways to up your fiber intake, but bio-coffee, if you’re already enjoying coffee daily, could be a way to give your body a boost with no extra effort.
Also Read: 10 Circulation-Boosting Foods to Support You as You Age
It isn’t grown with artificial pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers
One of the main reasons to buy bio coffee is to cut out synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers, that are used in the production of most regular coffee. For example, regular coffee is often sprayed with chemicals to help it grow faster and keep away bugs. These chemicals are washed away but can leave behind residues.
Studies suggest that pesticides and herbicides may be linked to memory problems, hormone changes, and weaker immune systems. Some research even connects certain pesticides to diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, which become bigger concerns as you get older. Some herbicides, like glyphosate, may even cause digestive issues and affect how your body absorbs nutrients.
By choosing bio coffee, you can avoid these concerns, at least in your cup of morning joe.
The often added wheatgrass in bio-coffee provides prebiotic properties
As we mentioned above, bio coffee often contains wheatgrass. Wheatgrass has prebiotic properties, which is a type of fiber that feeds the good bacteria in your gut. As you age, your gut bacteria can decline, which in turn leads to digestive issues, a weaker immune system, and even changes in your day-to-day mood.
Regular coffee can definitely help with digestion, but it doesn’t help good bacteria grow. This difference can help how your body absorbs nutrients, supports brain function (a healthy gut is linked to better brain function), lowers inflammation (a big problem as you age), and improves immune systems.
Switching to bio-coffee is more expensive, but the health benefits might just be worth it. Especially if you’re looking for more than just a caffeine fix.
Also Read: From Energy to Longevity – 10 Amazing Reasons to Start Your Day with a Healthy Breakfast
Some brands are alkaline, which helps balance pH levels
Like with most products, the brand you buy can make a difference. When it comes to bio-coffee, some, the ones that specifically include wheatgrass, offer an extra benefit. Specifically they can balance your body’s pH levels. Regular coffee is naturally acidic, which can sometimes lead to issues like acid reflux, tooth enamel erosion, and digestive discomfort (for some).
Your body’s pH level is relevant to health because as you age, the body can become more prone to acidity, which may lead to joint pain, weaker bones, and a greater risk of disease. A more balanced pH level is scientifically linked to lower inflammation, better bone health, and general overall wellness.
If you experience acid-related issues when having regular coffee, or just want a more balanced pH level, alkaline bio coffee might be the choice for you.
Bio-coffee can be better for those sensitive to caffeine
A major difference between regular coffee and bio-coffee is the caffeine content. Some bio-coffee can contain much less caffeine, with some brands offering options with as little as 0.025mg options per serving. In comparison, a regular cup of coffee contains 95mg of caffeine per 8-ounce serving. This can range from 70mg to 140mg depending on the coffee and how it’s brewed.
So, for someone who wants to moderate their caffeine, without losing the other benefits of coffee, the bio-option might be the way to go. This is especially true because as you age, the body processes caffeine more slowly. This means it can stay in your system longer, potentially leading to sleep problems, and increased heart rate and blood pressure. It may even lead to anxiety problems (in some people).
Related: The 10 Best Foods to Support Healthy Aging After 50
Bio-coffee farming practices promote biodiversity and soil health
This one isn’t directly related to your health, but the health of the planet. Bio-coffee is grown using organic farming practices, which means no synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. This helps retain soil health and supports biodiversity.
In comparison, regular coffee farming often relies on chemical treatments to increase production. This in turn can damage soil health, pollute water sources, and harm wildlife.
Therefore, by choosing bio coffee, you’re actively supporting farming methods that protect the planet. It’s a small change, but when you combine all the benefits of bio-coffee, specifically for your health, and the health of the planet, there are plenty of compelling reasons to consider bio-coffee going forward.