What You Need to Know About Coffee
Exposure to Carcinogens (cancer causing agents)
Coffee beans naturally contain nitrosamines, which are substances that increase the risk of developing colon cancer as well as other cancers. (This same compound is also found in cured meats and bacon.)
In the roasting process, coffee beans are exposed to extreme temperatures, which denature the natural oils. While enhancing the aroma, this high heat process actually creates rancid oils and lipid peroxides with toxic and perhaps even carcinogenic effects on human tissue.
Drinking decaffeinated coffee can cause more harm than good because most “decaf” processes use large quantities of toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde and trichloroethylene. The latter substance is a close relative of the plastic chemical vinyl chloride, which has been linked to certain types of liver cancer. Trichloroethylene is used mainly as a degreasing agent in the metal industry and as a solvent & dry cleaning agent in the clothing industry.
Organ Stress
Caffeine combines with hydrochloric acid in the stomach to form a potent toxin called caffeine hydrochloride. The body’s response is to flush it out by increasing bile flow from the liver. This is what accounts for the increase in bowel “regularity” of which many coffee drinkers boast.
Chronic use of caffeine depletes the liver of essential nutrients necessary for detoxification. Side effects of poor liver function may include hormonal imbalances such as PMS, headaches/migraines, and hot flashes, as well as more general symptoms such as fatigue, depression, skin disorders, and musculoskeletal pain.
The use of coffee for “regularity” can cause bowel function dependence.
Caffeine stimulates the kidneys and causes an increase in water loss. This can lead to increased risk of dehydration and developing kidney stones.
Repeated stimulation of the nervous system can lead to significant adrenal stress which can increase the risk of developing conditions such as diabetes, cancer, autoimmune diseases, peptic ulcer disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), chronic fatigue, depression, and anxiety. Elevated cortisol can cause symptoms such as anxiety, loss of lean muscle mass, depressed immunity, fatigue, and hair loss. Decreased cortisol can cause hypoglycemia, fatigue, aggravation of allergies, arthritis, and skin problems.
Compromised adrenal function can lead to pancreatic disorders such as diabetes, hypoglycemia, and inadequate digestive enzyme production.
Malnutrition/Malabsorption
Stimulation of the nervous system from caffeine creates rapid bowel transit time, which decreases the body’s ability to absorb nutrients sufficiently. In addition, caffeine suppresses the appetite decreasing overall food intake.
Depletes B1
Heavy coffee drinking depletes thiamine (vitamin B1) which is essential for energy metabolism and proper nervous system functioning. Symptoms of B1 insufficiency range from fatigue, nervousness, general malaise, general aches and pains to headaches.
Source of Pesticides
Third world countries regularly use large quantities of lethal pesticides on their coffee bean crops such as aldrin, dieldrin, chlordane, and heptachlor. These pesticides are not only toxic to bugs, but also humans! (Many pesticides used in other countries are banned from use in the U.S., but imported crops aren’t included.)
Calcium Loss
Caffeine promotes calcium loss. Regular consumption of caffeine is a risk factor for developing osteoporosis.
Other Unpleasant Side effects include anxiety, heart palpitations, insomnia, acid reflux, dizziness, headaches, diarrhea, thin stools, shakiness, and heartburn.