The Top 7 Health Benefits of Organic Coffee, Backed by Science

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