In our fast-paced modern world, coffee has become a global friend! A friend that helps us kickstart our day and fuels our productivity. I am a coffee lover, too, so I get it. Personally, I love the smell of coffee, its comfort, and the rituals associated with it.
There is some scientific research on the health benefits of coffee due to its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. But there is not enough research on the impact coffee has on our brain health and on women’s hormones. Caffeine in coffee is a stimulant, and depending on your health status, gender, genetics, or ethnicity, your body might process it differently from others.
Self-understanding and balance are the key principles as per Ayurveda when making a mindful choice.
So how does Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, view coffee, and how can we harmonise our love for this beverage with Ayurvedic wisdom?
The Ayurvedic Perspective on Coffee
In Ayurveda, we categorize everything in the universe into three fundamental energies or doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each dosha represents different elements and qualities:
Vata: Air + Ether, it embodies lightness & movement
Pitta: Fire + Water, it governs transformation and metabolism.
Kapha: Earth + Water, it represents structure and stability.
Coffee, primarily has Vata and Pitta qualities of being hot, dry, and stimulating, which can increase these doshas and potentially lead to imbalances. For the same reasons, coffee actually is helpful for the Kapha Dosha to kickstart their day.
Potential Imbalances
Vata Imbalance: Excessive coffee consumption can aggravate Vata, leading to anxiety, insomnia, and digestive issues. Symptoms include restlessness, nervousness, and a feeling of being ungrounded.
Pitta Imbalance: For Pitta types, coffee can exacerbate heat in the body, leading to irritability, acid reflux, and inflammatory conditions.
You can understand your Ayurvedic dosha type by taking this FREE DOSHA Quiz.
Protip: Journal your coffee intake every day for a week, to understand how much coffee you drink and how it impacts you to notice potential imbalances.
Balancing Coffee with Ayurveda
The good news is that Ayurveda doesn’t necessarily prohibit coffee. Here are some tips to enjoy your coffee while maintaining balance:
Choose Wisely: Do your research on coffee. Opt for organic, high-quality coffee. Avoid instant varieties, which are often more processed. Be observant of the intensity of coffee that you drink. It differs based on how it is pressed. Hence coffee had in different cafes or restaurants will have different impacts on you.
Timing Matters: Drink coffee in the morning, ideally before 10 AM, to align with the body’s natural rhythms and avoid disrupting sleep patterns. Definitely avoid coffee post 3pm. Avoid drinking coffee on an empty stomach as this increases acidity
Mindful Additions:
Spices: Adding spices like cardamom which is cooling and can help balance the heat of Pitta.
Milk: For Vata types, adding a splash of warm milk or a milk alternative can counteract the drying effects of coffee
Coconut Oil: For Vata types, can help counter the drying and acidic properties of coffee. This might seem a strange practice, but once you try it you will see it’s not that weird!
Summer Remedy: In the summer season, resort to cold coffees - add milk and ice to your coffee to reduce its heating and drying properties
Hydration: Ensure you stay hydrated. Coffee is a diuretic and can lead to dehydration, which further aggravates Vata.
Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how your body reacts to coffee and how much coffee you are drinking. If you are drinking too many cups of coffee, reduce them slowly - for example reducing one cup every 2 weeks with alternatives
Women’s Health: Coffee can affect your estrogen levels. So women should ideally avoid coffee during ovulation and reduce coffee intake in the week before period day. This is called Cyclic Living and you can learn all about this here
Alternatives to Coffee
For those who are sensitive to coffee, trying to reduce coffee intake or seeking alternatives, Ayurveda offers a variety of herbal teas and beverages:
Golden Milk: A soothing blend of turmeric, milk, and spices. It’s anti-inflammatory and calming.
Herbal Tea: Also known as holy basil, tulsi tea is adaptogenic and helps balance stress.
Chicory Coffee: A caffeine-free alternative that mimics the taste of coffee without the stimulating effects.
Remember, Ayurveda is all about self-understanding and balance. What works for one person might not work for another. Embrace the journey of discovering what best supports your health and well-being in the modern world.
If you want to learn more about Ayurveda and Ayurvedic Lifestyle, you can check out my ONLINE course: Ayurvedic Living in the Modern World
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