According to Ayurveda, foods can act as both medicine and a burden on the body. That depends on your unique constitution, but also on how, when and in what quantity you eat or drink something. The same goes for coffee. Good news for coffee lovers: your beloved latte does not have to go right away. It can, however, help to be more mindful of the moment and the way in which you drink your coffee.
When you think of coffee, you probably think of caffeine straight away, but coffee also contains antioxidants, minerals and nutrients such as magnesium, potassium, manganese, iron and vitamin B3. From that perspective, coffee certainly has health benefits. At the same time, it also has a stimulating effect on your nervous system. Caffeine increases the release of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which in some people can cause restlessness, sleeplessness or a hurried feeling. Within Ayurveda it is therefore mostly about balance: not only what you drink, but also how and when.
Coffee and your energy level
Coffee often gives the feeling of extra energy, but Ayurveda sees this more as a temporary stimulant than as real energy. It can disrupt your natural energy balance when you become too dependent on it. That is why it is wise to drink coffee in moderation and to take a short coffee break now and then. Think of a few days or weeks without caffeine to let your system come to rest again.
Coffee can amplify overstimulation
According to Ayurveda, coffee has a warming and activating effect on body and mind. That makes it less suitable at moments when you already experience a lot of stress, irritation or restlessness. Strong coffee on an empty stomach in particular can put extra strain on the nervous system. A better start to the day? First drink a glass of warm water before you begin with coffee. That supports hydration and helps get your digestion going.
The right moment for coffee
According to Ayurveda, the ideal moment for coffee is in the morning, preferably after breakfast. Then it supports your digestion without overstimulating your system right away. Later in the day the effect on your nervous system often increases, while the benefits decrease. Drinking coffee after 2 p.m. is therefore less wise. Caffeine remains active in your body for a long time and can imperceptibly influence the quality of your sleep.
Add milk for more balance
Ayurveda looks not only at what you drink, but also at combinations. Adding (plant-based) milk to coffee helps, according to this teaching, to soften the heating and drying properties of coffee. People who are sensitive to stress or who become overstimulated quickly in particular can benefit from this.
Cardamom in your coffee
A classic Ayurvedic tip is adding cardamom to coffee. Cardamom helps to bring the acidity into balance and makes coffee gentler on your system. It is no surprise that this combination is popular in the Middle East. Moreover, cardamom gives a warm, aromatic flavour to your cappuccino or espresso.
Choose pure quality
The purer your coffee, the better. Preferably choose organic, freshly ground beans without unnecessary additives. Ayurveda is ultimately not about strictness, but about awareness. It is not about avoiding coffee entirely, but about feeling what your body needs.
The 7 golden Ayurvedic coffee rules
Limit yourself to 1 or 2 cups a day
Take a coffee break regularly
Do not drink coffee on an empty stomach
Start your day with warm water
Preferably drink coffee in the morning
Add (plant-based) milk or cardamom
Choose organic, pure coffee beans
Bron : Holistik.nl