Reasons to keep loving organic fair-trade coffee

Reasons to keep loving organic fair-trade coffee

It’s hard to imagine a world where coffee doesn’t exist. Can you imagine starting your morning without a freshly brewed cup of joe?

The most popular beverage in the world, coffee transcends cultures, with every nation having its own unique blend that’s sure to pique any coffee lover’s interest.

In addition to it being a tasty drink, coffee can also be beneficial when consumed in moderation, since coffee beans contain a variety of antioxidants.

But what else is there to learn about this rich, flavorful drink? As it turns out, a whole lot more.

What’s inside a coffee bean?

Coffee owes much of its beloved properties to its large stores of a naturally occurring compound called caffeine. [1]

A natural stimulant, caffeine works to help one achieve healthy energy levels. Experts have said coffee can also support and uplift one’s mood and other various aspects of brain function.

Contrary to what people might think, there are actually over 120 species of coffee plants, of which Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora or “Robusta” – and their respective cultivars – are the most popular. [2]

  1. arabica, which is believed to be the first species of coffee to be cultivated, is currently also the dominant cultivar, representing about 60% of the world’s entire coffee stocks. It is primarily known for its sweeter, softer taste, with undertones of fruit and berries, as well as chocolate, nuts and caramel.

It is also acidic – a fact highlighted by its taste and aroma, which some have likened to red wine.

  1. canephora, on the other hand, has a much stronger and harsher flavor, with notably rich overtones and a nutty aftertaste. Also known as Robusta, C. canephora beans contain twice as much caffeine as those of Arabica, making them the bean of choice for those who want an extra energy-inducing caffeine kick.

Aside from caffeine, coffee is also particularly rich in several powerful antioxidants, including hydrocinnamic acids and polyphenols. In fact, according to Norwegian and Finnish studies, coffee was shown to be the single biggest antioxidant source in Western diets, with the beverage providing about 64% of people’s total antioxidant intake. What this means is that regularly consuming coffee in moderation can help the body in neutralizing free radicals and therefore, prevent oxidative stress. [3]

In addition to its impressive slate of antioxidants, coffee is also a good source of vitamins such as riboflavin, or vitamin B2; pantothenic acid, or vitamin B5; and niacin, or vitamin B3. Not only that, but coffee also has high amounts of minerals, including manganese, potassium and magnesium, all of which are linked to several important bodily functions. [4]

Coffee: A piping hot business

The most widely consumed beverage in the United States, Americans drink more than 450 million cups of coffee every day. [5]

This fascination with coffee, according to a report by the National Coffee Association, translated to over $74.2 billion in sales in 2015 alone, as well as the creation of over 1.6 million jobs in the U.S. economy. [6]

And the numbers are growing.

In a recent report, the International Coffee Organization (ICO) noted that as of March 2020, exports of Arabica totaled 82.09 million bags compared to the 79.9 million recorded in 2019; Robusta exports, meanwhile, amounted to 47.76 million bags compared to last year’s 45.35 million. [7]

Business Wire, meanwhile, noted that the global coffee industry is now poised to reach over $143.4 billion USD by 2025, with the beloved drink set to bring in healthy gains and add significant momentum to global economic growth. [8]

These developments are not surprising, given that coffee has been linked to several health benefits.**

In fact, according to the NCA, the uptick in the percentage of daily coffee drinkers – from 57% to 62% in the course of a single year – may be linked to a 2017 study showing that drinking coffee regularly could support one’s overall health.

What are the health benefits of coffee?*

Due to its high antioxidant, vitamin and mineral content, it’s not surprising why everyone’s favorite cup of joe has been linked to quite an impressive bevy of health-supporting properties, some of which are listed below:

Coffee can restore wakefulness and support healthy cognitive function*

When consumed in moderation, organic coffee can help you stay alert and focused, thanks to its natural caffeine content.

Aside from waking you up, several studies have also shown that regular consumption of coffee can support various aspects of normal brain activity – including short-term memory, mood, focus, reaction times and general mental functions. According to experts, this is mainly due to caffeine’s status as a natural stimulant.

This means that if you’re ever in need of help to carry you through a workday mental slump, a cup of coffee might just do the trick.

Coffee supports healthy liver functions *

Aside from keeping one awake and alert, organic coffee can also help maintain a healthy liver. According to studies published in the journals Annals of Epidemiology and Archives of Internal Medicine, coffee contains plant-based phytonutrients that support a healthy liver. [9] [10] [11]

Coffee helps maintain good heart health*

Organic coffee has high amounts of phytochemicals and antioxidants that help protect the body from free radicals and the oxidative stress that they cause. This is especially important, since studies have shown that free radicals can actually damage the body’s cells, including those directly related to its cardiovascular function. In addition, a study published in PLOS Biology noted that organic coffee supports and maintains a healthy heart. [12]

Coffee can support sensible weight management goals*

Several studies have shown that the caffeine present in coffee can support a sensible weight management plan when accompanied by a healthy diet and proper exercise routine. According to experts, caffeine can also support optimal physical performance as well as normal energy production. [13] [14]

Because of this, it is thought that organic coffee can be a useful addition to one’s fitness routine.

Coffee supports overall health and wellness*

High-quality organic coffee is known to be packed full of vital nutrients, such as potassium, magnesium, manganese and B vitamins like niacin, riboflavin and pantothenic acid, as well as beneficial phytochemicals and antioxidants that can help defend the body from external threats. This means that organic coffee can help support one’s overall wellness when consumed in moderation.

What does “Fair Trade” mean?

Contrary to what some may think, not all coffee is created equally. It’s important to know where your coffee comes from. While there are many low-quality coffee products on the market, the best of the best are those that are sustainably grown by responsible farmers, who, in turn, are ethically compensated as well. [15]

This is the promise of “Fair Trade” farming.

True to its name, fair trade farming enables farmers and their families in the developing world to live better lives by giving them fair prices for their crops, as well as by facilitating development in their communities.

This is achieved by encouraging fair trade farmers to do away with unnecessary middlemen and just market their own harvests through direct, long-term contracts with buyers, as well as by teaching them how to be more sustainable in their farming practices, how to manage their businesses and how to compete in the global marketplace.

Simply put, a fair trade certification – just like the ones on Health Ranger Select 100% Organic Hand-Roasted Whole Bean Coffee blends – lets you know that the farmers who grew the plants and processed the beans are being paid a fair price, and that their communities and the environment benefit from each sale as well.

Want to incorporate organic hand-roasted coffee into your diet? Here are some delicious recipes you can try:

RECIPE: Good Morning Coffee Lover’s Smoothie

A rich, almost-decadent smoothie, this recipe, adapted from Ambitious Kitchen, is a delicious, easy smoothie that’s perfect as a great morning pick-me-up or as a post-workout liquid breakfast.

Ingredients:

Directions:

  1. Put bananas and ice cubes in a blender and pulse until well incorporated.
  2. Add prepared coconut milk, brewed coffee, cacao nibs and raw almond butter.
  3. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  4. Pour into glasses and serve immediately.

RECIPE: Raw Almond-Cashew Coffee Brownies

Delectable and rich, this vegan, raw brownie adapted from a recipe by Minimalist Baker, is the perfect snack to munch on after a particularly intense workout.

Ingredients:

Directions:

  1. Place one cup cashews and one cup almonds in a food processor and process until finely ground.
  2. Add the cacao nibs, espresso shot and sea salt. Pulse to combine and then transfer to a bowl and set aside.
  3. Add the dates to the food processor and process until only small bits remain. Remove from bowl and set aside.
  4. Add nut and cacao mixture back into the food processor and while processing, drop small handfuls of the date pieces down into the food processor spout.
  5. Blend the mixture until a dough-like consistency is achieved. Add more dates if the mixture does not hold together when squeezed in your hand.
  6. Add the brownie mixture to a small parchment-lined cake pan or loaf pan and add remaining roughly chopped cashews.
  7. Evenly distribute the mixture, and then press down with your hands until flat and firm.
  8. Let the mixture chill in the refrigerator until set.
  9. Before serving, slice the brownies into equal pieces.

Note: You can store the brownies in an airtight container to keep them fresh. The brownies will keep in the refrigerator for at least two weeks and in the freezer for at least two months.

Personal care

Coffee isn’t just for drinking or eating -- it’s also perfect for skin pampering, just like this homemade, DIY scrub by The Edgy Veg.

Made out of leftover coffee grounds, coconut oil and organic brown sugar, this simple scrub will leave your skin feeling silky smooth and moisturized, while at the same time smelling like a warm, comforting latte.

Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup coconut oil
  • ½ cup ground organic coffee beans
  • ¼ cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
  • ¼ cup coarse salt
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 5-10 drops of your favorite essential oil

Directions:

  1. Mix all ingredients in a mixing bowl and whisk until well combined.
  2. Store in a mason jar or other airtight container when not in use.

People keep telling us our Health Ranger Select Hand-Roasted Whole Bean Coffee line is the most AMAZING hand-roasted coffee they've ever experienced. Every blend is superb for all the right reasons: Aside from their unique flavor profiles, all of our Fair Trade coffee is also organic certified and lab-verified.

To order yours from the Health Ranger Store, click this link now.

Do you know of any other ways organic coffee can support your health? Do you know of other ways to use organic coffee beans? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

**These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose any diseases

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