Reviewed by 
Organic coffee isn't just a trendy buzzword-- it's a powerhouse of benefits that go far beyond that rich aroma and delicious taste. From protecting your heart to sharpening your mind and even adding years to your life, this humble bean packs a serious punch. So, whether you're a casual sipper or a die-hard coffee enthusiast, it's time to discover why switching to organic might be the best decision you'll make for your health and the world around you.
Key Takeaways
- Organic coffee beans offer more robust health benefits than conventional coffee because they are the only coffee grown without dangerous chemicals.
- Drinking three to five cups of organic coffee daily is associated with the most significant health benefits, such as improved mental and physical health and a lower risk of chronic diseases.
- Organic coffee supports sustainable farming practices that protect soil quality, conserve water, and maintain biodiversity, creating a better environment.
What is Organic Coffee?
Organic coffee is a type of coffee that is grown, harvested, and processed without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The term “organic” refers to how the coffee is produced, from the soil to the cup. Organic coffee is grown sustainably and environmentally friendly, promoting ecological balance and conserving biodiversity.
Organic coffee plants are grown in soil free from toxic chemicals and synthetic fertilizers, commonly used in conventional coffee farming. Instead, organic coffee farmers use natural methods to control pests and diseases, such as introducing beneficial insects or using natural pest control methods. This approach benefits the environment and results in a healthier and more nutritious coffee bean.
The coffee industry has shifted towards conventional farming methods, leading to the use of pesticides and herbicides. However, organic coffee farmers are committed to sustainable agriculture practices that promote soil fertility, conserve water, and protect biodiversity. By choosing organic coffee, consumers support environmentally friendly farming practices and promote a healthier planet.
Drinking organic coffee can have numerous health benefits, including lower levels of depression, improved energy levels, and support for heart health. Moderate coffee consumption, three to four cups per day, can also provide the same health benefits as drinking organic coffee. Studies have shown that drinking at least four cups of coffee per day can lower the risk of depression and improve overall mental health.
Coffee lovers and coffee drinkers can enjoy their morning coffee with a clear conscience, knowing that they support sustainable agriculture practices and promote a healthier environment. Whether you buy coffee from a coffee shop or brew it at home, choosing organic coffee is a great way to start your day.
Conventional Coffee vs. Organic Coffee: What is the Difference?
If you’re anything like me, there’s no better way to start your day than with a piping hot cup of morning coffee. Whether that’s at your local coffee shop or the kitchen table, you’re just happy to be drinking coffee.
This dawn ritual is one of life’s greatest pleasures and even a necessity for some coffee lovers.
But suppose you are drinking a non-organic variety. In that case, you could be missing some of coffee’s essential health benefits, as organic coffee is the only coffee free from harmful chemical treatments.
Due to the popularity of this drink, the coffee industry has streamlined its production. As a result, typically grown conventional coffee is one of the most heavily treated crops in the world. Coffee farmers use synthetic pesticides and other chemicals to treat the plants, leaving harmful residues that can contribute to disease.
For instance, coffee consumption has been shown to improve liver health, but these results could be impacted by toxic chemicals – like glyphosate and heavy metals – used on conventional coffee plants. (More on this later.)
Additionally, conventional coffees are hybrid plants engineered to live in open, sunny environments, whereas natural plants prefer shaded, wooded areas. Sun-loving plants can have lower nutrient content due to a lack of natural fertilizers and soil erosion, which could impact any potential health and nutrition benefits of the coffee beans.
So, if you’re drinking coffee, it’s best for the environment – and your health – to go for organic coffee. This way, you can leave behind the toxins and get more of the good stuff.
Environmental and Nutritional Benefits of Organic Coffee Beans
As I said before, commercial coffee farmers use pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, and other chemicals to produce higher yields of coffee beans, which can strip the coffee plant of some of its nutrition. They also remove natural forests to make room for the crops, disrupting the ecological balance.
However, this process also has a severe impact on the environment. These chemicals take a long time to break down and can impact the health of the surrounding communities for years after their use. It also leads to the destruction of natural forests.
Luckily, choosing organic coffee is a simple way to do your part for the environment.
Most organic coffees are grown in the shade, leaving the forest and nutrients in the soil intact.
Even better? They don’t require any chemicals, making organic coffee the only coffee free from harmful chemical treatments. For a coffee to be organically certified, it cannot be produced using synthetics.
This means that this method of growing coffee gives you—and the communities involved—a pure, clean product.
And this is excellent news for your health.
Top 7 Health Benefits of Coffee
Drinking organic coffee means you’re not drinking any toxic chemicals, making it the only coffee that can help you reap the same health benefits of conventional coffee in a safer form.
When grown organically, coffee beans may contain higher antioxidant content and higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients than their conventional counterparts. (Just like in other organic produce.)[2]
All of these factors contribute to organic coffee’s several health benefits. Drinking organic coffee can reduce the risk of health problems caused by chemicals.
Research shows that moderate coffee consumption can help you have a lower risk of the most challenging diseases around, including diabetes, depression, heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and cognitive decline.
Let’s take a look at the studies…
Depression
In one study, researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health analyzed the coffee intake and depression outcomes of more than 50,000 senior women over ten years.
In the end, they found that those who drank at least four cups of caffeinated coffee daily were at a lower risk of developing depression than the control group drinking at least one cup of coffee per week.
Experts believe coffee works because it helps release dopamine, the happiness hormone. (3)
Alzheimer's Disease
In a 2010 review, researchers found that folks drinking three to five cups of coffee daily in middle age had a lower risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer's.
The data showed that coffee works because of its unique nutrient content, including caffeine and antioxidants. These molecules help shield the brain from aging and cognitive decline and increase insulin sensitivity. (4)
While coffee has enormous brain benefits, it's coffee fruit that's discarded during the coffee-making process that has the most significant health benefits. Coffee fruit extract has been shown in clinical research to support a healthy memory by increasing levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).
Liver Disease and Liver Cancer
One study found that drinking two to three cups of this popular beverage daily can lower the risk of liver cancer and chronic liver disease.
Other research shows that drinking coffee of any type -- including decaffeinated coffee -- can help fight liver cancer, non-alcoholic liver disease, and cirrhosis. (5)
Heart Health
A 2023 literature review highlights the many health benefits of coffee when it comes to your heart.
The data showed that moderate coffee use can lower the risk of developing heart disease, heart-related death, high blood pressure, cholesterol, heart failure, and irregular heartbeat. (6)
Another study published in 2021 found that drinking up to four cups of coffee daily could reduce stroke risk. (7)
Diabetes
Coffee and tea are well-known diabetes fighters. A study of more than 48,000 people showed that increasing coffee use by at least one cup per day over four years can lower the risk of type 2 diabetes by 11 percent. (8)
Another study found that drinking caffeinated or decaf coffee was linked to a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. (9)
Parkinson's Disease
Research shows that caffeine can play a protective role in Parkinson's disease.
One study found that men drinking more than four cups of coffee daily could have a five-fold lower risk of developing the disease than those who don't drink the same amount. (10)
Weight Management and Energy
Coffee beans contain chlorogenic acid, which helps with weight management and energy levels. (11)
One study found that the more coffee participants drank, the lower their body mass index, fat mass, and weight. (12)
Additionally, coffee has been shown to help improve athletic performance, physical performance, and energy levels due to its caffeine content. (13)
Coffee Also Promotes Longevity
In a recent study, researchers analyzed data on 468,629 men and women with an average age of 56 and without heart disease upon study enrollment.
Researchers divided coffee drinkers into three groups: zero/infrequent, moderate coffee consumption, light-to-moderate (½ to three cups per day), and high (greater than three cups per day). They also noted the type of coffee consumed.
The results showed that folks drinking from half to three cups of coffee were at a 21 percent lower risk of stroke.
In another study, researchers from the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia, included 449,563 participants who were free of cardiovascular disease when the study began and had an average age of 58.
When they adjusted for multiple other factors that affect disease risk, the researchers found that after 12.5 years of follow-up, all types of coffee were linked to a reduction in cardiovascular disease. However, there was a much more significant reduction in those who drank ground coffee. Specifically, ground coffee drinkers enjoyed a 27 percent reduction in death risk compared to 14 percent for decaffeinated coffee drinkers and 11 percent for instant coffee drinkers.
In another study, researchers found that organic coffee, the only coffee free from harmful chemical treatments, was linked to reduced cardiovascular disease. The most significant decrease in death risk was among those who drank two to three cups of coffee daily. There was a smaller benefit to longevity for those who drank less than two cups or more than three cups.
How Much Coffee is Too Much Coffee?
The optimal amount of coffee for health benefits typically ranges from three to five cups per day, with organic coffee being the only coffee free from harmful chemical treatments. Research suggests that this amount is associated with a lower risk of several chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, liver issues, depression, and neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
However, individual tolerance to caffeine varies, so it’s essential to listen to your body and adjust your intake accordingly.
Pregnant women, those with specific medical conditions, or those sensitive to caffeine should consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Summary
Organic coffee is a great way to get the health benefits of coffee compared to conventionally grown coffee, as it is produced without synthetic chemicals, pesticides, or GMOs. Drinking organic coffee supports sustainable farming practices and provides higher levels of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can reduce the risk of several chronic diseases, including heart disease, liver cancer, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and type 2 diabetes. Drinking three to five cups daily can help lower your risk of many diseases, including heart disease, liver issues, depression, memory issues, and obesity. And it can also help you live longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is organic coffee better for your health?
Yes. Organically grown coffee beans are the only coffee grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and other chemicals that can negatively impact your health and the nutrient content of the coffee plants. The absence of these toxins could help improve coffee’s potential health benefits, including increased energy levels and improved body functions.
Is organic coffee anti-inflammatory?
Yes. Research shows that organic coffee contains antioxidant molecules that benefit the immune system, which is the driving cause of inflammation. Lowering inflammation in the body is one of the best ways to prevent disease.
Is organic coffee easier on your stomach?
Organic coffee is easier on your stomach because it does not contain dangerous chemicals linked to gut issues.
- https://www.info.equalexchange.coop/articles/organic-vs-conventional-coffee
- Hunter D, Foster M, McArthur JO, Ojha R, Petocz P, Samman S. Evaluation of the micronutrient composition of plant foods produced by organic and conventional agricultural methods. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2011 Jul;51(6):571-82. doi: 10.1080/10408391003721701.
- Lucas M, Mirzaei F, Pan A, Okereke OI, Willett WC, O'Reilly ÉJ, Koenen K, Ascherio A. Coffee, caffeine, and risk of depression among women. Arch Intern Med. 2011 Sep 26;171(17):1571-8. doi: 10.1001/archinternmed.2011.393.
- Eskelinen MH, Kivipelto M. Caffeine as a protective factor in dementia and Alzheimer's disease. J Alzheimers Dis. 2010;20 Suppl 1:S167-74. doi: 10.3233/JAD-2010-1404.
- Poole R, Kennedy OJ, Roderick P, Fallowfield JA, Hayes PC, Parkes J. Coffee consumption and health: umbrella review of meta-analyses of multiple health outcomes. BMJ. 2017 Nov 22;359:j5024. doi: 10.1136/bmj.j5024. Erratum in: BMJ. 2018 Jan 12;360:k194. doi: 10.1136/bmj.k194.
- Mendoza MF, Sulague RM, Posas-Mendoza T, Lavie CJ. Impact of Coffee Consumption on Cardiovascular Health. Ochsner J. 2023 Summer;23(2):152-158. doi: 10.31486/toj.22.0073.
- Shao C, Tang H, Wang X, He J. Coffee Consumption and Stroke Risk: Evidence from a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of more than 2.4 Million Men and Women. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis. 2021 Jan;30(1):105452. doi: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2020.105452. Epub 2020 Nov 11.
- Bhupathiraju, S.N., Pan, A., Manson, J.E. et al. Changes in coffee intake and subsequent risk of type 2 diabetes: three large cohorts of US men and women. Diabetologia 57, 1346–1354 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00125-014-3235-7.
- Ding M, Bhupathiraju SN, Chen M, van Dam RM, Hu FB. Caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee consumption and risk of type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and a dose-response meta-analysis. Diabetes Care. 2014 Feb;37(2):569-86. doi: 10.2337/dc13-1203.
- Munoz DG, Fujioka S. Caffeine and Parkinson disease: A possible diagnostic and pathogenic breakthrough. Neurology. 2018 Jan 30;90(5):205-206. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000004898. Epub 2018 Jan 3. PMID: 29298853. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29298853/
- Wang L, Pan X, Jiang L, Chu Y, Gao S, Jiang X, Zhang Y, Chen Y, Luo S, Peng C. The Biological Activity Mechanism of Chlorogenic Acid and Its Applications in Food Industry: A Review. Front Nutr. 2022 Jun 29;9:943911. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2022.943911.
- Yamagata K. Do Coffee Polyphenols Have a Preventive Action on Metabolic Syndrome Associated Endothelial Dysfunctions? An Assessment of the Current Evidence. Antioxidants (Basel). 2018 Feb 4;7(2):26. doi: 10.3390/antiox7020026.
- Guest, N.S., VanDusseldorp, T.A., Nelson, M.T. et al. International society of sports nutrition position stand: caffeine and exercise performance. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 18, 1 (2021). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33388079/
The Expert:
