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“If you like to drink coffee, drink up” – Ayurveda perspective

Coffee – Is it Good or Bad?

Coffee has become a sacrament in our culture. One of the coffee lover reports, “The only time my husband and I relax together is over coffee.” Many research studies found that people who drank a cup of coffee daily were 12% less likely than non–coffee drinkers to die from cancer, stroke, and diabetes, or heart, kidney, or respiratory disease and the benefits increased with the amount they drank: Those who downed three cups of coffee a day were 18% less likely to die from those diseases.

We are not saying drinking coffee a day will prolong your life span, but we can see an association, proved by Veronica W.Setiawan, of the University of Southern California conducted research in University of Hawaii Cancer Centre and the National Cancer Institute. “If you like to drink coffee, drink up” If you’re not a coffee drinker, then you need to consider of you should start”.

Ayurveda perspective:

According to Ayurveda, “every type of food can be a poison or a medicine” – depending on what your individual constitution is and how and when you consume it. Ayurveda, is a comprehensive science which takes into consideration one’s unique dosha type. The doshas are biological energies found throughout the human body and mind. They govern all physical and mental processes and provide every living being with an individual blueprint for health and fulfillment.

The doshas derive from the Five Elements and their related properties. Vata is composed of Space and Air, Pitta of Fire and Water, and Kapha of Earth and Water.

Vata Types:

A person with a predominantly “Vata” constitution will have physical and mental qualities that reflect the elemental qualities of Space and Air. That is why “Vata” types are commonly quick thinking, thin, and fast moving. Remembering that vata types are individuals who are easily over-stimulated and also vulnerable to dehydration, constipation, and insomnia [due to the air element]. Therefore, vata types may want to limit their intake of coffee. Likewise, because the sweet taste balances vata types, these individuals would benefit most by having coffee which is both creamy and sweet – as these are grounding and balancing for vata types. Drink 1–2 cup daily.

Pitta Types:

A “Pitta” type, on the other hand, will have qualities reflective of Fire and Water, such as a fiery personality and oily skin. Pitta individuals are more prone to acidic and inflammatory conditions which can become exacerbated by the acidic nature of coffee. Therefore, pitta types will benefit most by adding the grass-fed butter [ghee] and/or coconut oil to their coffee. Similarly, pitta types also become more balanced with the taste of sweetness. Therefore, pitta individuals may want to consider adding high-quality maple syrup or cream or organic cane sugar to their coffee – while skipping the cream. Drink 1–2 cup daily.

Kapha Types:

A “Kapha” type will typically have a solid bodily frame and calm temperament, reflecting the underlying elements of Earth and Water. kapha individuals are more vulnerable to weight gain due to a slower metabolism, these individuals should consider taking their coffee black – no cream, no sugar. Both milk and cream often increase congestion which is already common to kapha types. Drink 1 cup daily, but not more.

Ayurvedic morning coffee routine: 

When you drink coffee on an empty stomach—especially first thing in the morning—it increases acidity in your system. Plus, the jolt of caffeine can make your mind race and your energy erratic. Instead, follow this Ayurvedic morning coffee routine:

Drink a cup of hot water with the juice of one lemon and a teaspoon of honey at least 20 minutes before breakfast. This drink will stimulate agni(Fire) and evacuation, so your system is primed for your morning meal.

Eat a grounding breakfast with some fruit, protein, and whole grains.

Drink your cup of coffee (prepared according to your dosha) to stimulate your mind and further stoke your agni (Fire), so the drink acts as a digestive aid.

Remember, one of the keys to Ayurvedic healing is self-observation, so try this routine—and the other tips for coffee drinkers—and ask yourself: Is my coffee hurting me or healing me?