The Bright Side of Caffeine
We’re always hearing about the dark side of drinking caffeine -- even i’m on that bandwagon sometimes but everything requires context.
For example yeah I don’t think a woman who has painful periods, is under a lot of stress, has a million things on the go, cant fall into a deep sleep every night, who skips meals alot (especially breakfast) …would benefit from loads of caffeine.
Keep in mind caffeine is a nervous system stimulate which increases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.
BUT women who eat nourishing meals everyday, make time for peace and joy, sleep well to have the energy to get things done everyday, accomplish goals from a place of self trust rather than a place of anxiety ….
THESE ladies can enjoy the benefits of caffeine (rather than from a place of dependency)
**also be mindful how sensitive you are to caffeine and drink within those limits. Im a slow metabolizer of caffeine so it effects me more and I cant have as much compared to someone who isn’t as sensitive and can have a cup of coffee and go right to bed**
The good side to caffeine can be found in the benefits of:
ANTIOXIDANTS – whether youre getting your caffeine from a coffee bean or a match a leaf you have antioxidants there!
Tea and coffee contain an antioxidant compound called chlorogenic acid.
This is probably why caffeine has been shown to improve neurodegenerative aka brain diseases (they are often connected to high levels of inflammation).
MORE BDNF – caffeine has been found in studies to increase BDNF (brain derived neurotrophic factor), which we need to grow nerve cells in our brain and it regulates plasticity in the brain we can learn and memorize information.
STIMULATES METABOLISM – caffeine activates brown fat – when its activiated it helps the body burns calories to produce heat
Many studies have found a connection with caffeine intake and an increased metabolic tate
One Koren study found habitual coffee consumption was associated with a reduced risk of metabolic symptoms
In one study researchers found caffeine increased the metabolic rate of participates 3 hours after drinking
FAT BURNING – studies have found caffeine can increase fat oxidation aka the body burning fat for energy (a lot of people with high insulin levels like in insulin resistance have a hard time turning this one)
*ps keep in mind the quality and sourcing of your coffee beans has a huge impact here! Coffee crops are often sprayed with pesticides and improper storage can lead to the development of mold so find companies that try to reduce this.
