Healthy Living Makes a Difference

In its role as a morning wake-up call, a quick break from work during the day or as a lingering close to a fine meal, coffee holds a special place in the lives of Canadians. While there are nagging fears in the hearts of some people that coffee may have negative effects on the body, for the most part the consensus is that in moderation, it is an acceptable component of a healthy diet. Discussions today centre more on brand comparisons, light versus dark roasts, and the benefits of purchasing fair trade and organic coffee.

It is in order to say a few things on whether coffee has a negative or beneficial effect on health. Over the years it has been blamed for many ills – from stunting growth to causing heart palpitations (thus inhibiting sleep) or even as a risk factor for heart disease and cancer. Studies have found no connection between coffee and an increased risk of heart disease or cancer. Earlier studies that suggested a link often didn’t account for the fact that subjects were involved in high-risk behaviours such as smoking and physical inactivity which affected results. One of many components of the coffee bean is caffeine, a mild stimulant which may account for the sensation of a “racing heart,” the experience of a certain percentage of the population.

Improves cognitive function

Coffee enthusiasts will be happy to know that recent research shows that there is a link between coffee consumption and decreased overall mortality.  In addition, it appears coffee improves cognitive function and studies have shown there is some protection from coffee against Parkinson’s disease and type 2 diabetes. These benefits may stem partly from antioxidants in coffee beans, the amount depending on the region where the beans are grown and time of harvesting.

Obviously, more research needs to be done since results are mixed, partly because consumers metabolize coffee differently. While it seems to have no serious harmful effect, it should be noted that if cream and sugar are added to a person’s usual cup of joe, one mug may contain up to 500 calories and contain little of nutrient value.

Over the last few decades, the North American population has become more aware that consumption of foods imported from developing countries may be having a negative effect on growers.  Throughout the global south, family farmers follow generations of tradition to cultivate products such as teas, coffee and fruit that we enjoy daily. Many of these hard-working farmers are not receiving a fair price for their crops, often because middlemen misrepresent global prices. This perpetuates a cycle of poverty, robbing families of opportunities for education and medicines, and may at times force farmers to abandon their land.

Directly from growers

Several trading companies have sprung up in Canada that import foods directly from the growers (eliminating the middleman) and distribute them through various outlets across the country, thus improving market access for the farmer. This is known as “fair trade” since it offers the farmers a fair price for the product – often double of what they earned before – including a guaranteed minimum when market prices are low. Farmers have more control of the trade process and with a guarantee of profit, can plan for a better future for their families. By now many Canadians are acquainted with fair trade coffee – designated by a label – to be found in health food stores, gift boutiques and more recently in supermarkets in both regular and decaffeinated forms. The designation raises awareness of the plight of marginalized farmers in developing countries, and gives consumers the option of being involved in creating a more just society.

A question people may ask: is fair trade coffee organic? Most of the farmers raising coffee beans do so without the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers since they use traditional methods of farming. Fair trade companies encourage ecologically friendly practises that protect the health of growers and preserve valuable ecosystems for future generations. One example: coffee farmers often grow their beans under a protective canopy of taller trees such as banana or citrus which provides partial shade – ideal for coffee trees – makes the soil more fertile, prevents erosion and hosts migratory and native birds which aid in pest control.

The point of the matter is, however, that although coffee may be grown organically it might not be certified and labelled as such. Official certification is an expensive process beyond the reach of some farmers. To be absolutely certain coffee is organic, look for the label.