Multi-Faceted Uses for Coffee
By Genevieve Smith
Coffee is an amazing, sweet morning friend. According to legend, an 11th century Ethiopian goat farmer found his herd developed curious energy when grazing on the plant. While you may love to drink it, did you know there are other fun things to do with coffee as well? Read on for the health benefits of a couple morning cups, plus alternative uses for the pungent and exciting little bean.
A Cup A Day May Keep the Doctor Away
Well known for sharpening mental focus and clarity, coffee is touted by those who experience the benefits of a caffeine boost. If you’re not a fan of the way coffee hits your nervous system though, consider drinking decaf, for your health. An analysis of 28 studies found coffee to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Nutrient-rich compounds, including neutralizing polyphenols and antioxidants, are to thank for the health benefits. While researchers do not yet fully understand the process the bean’s compounds undergo once in the body, current consensus is that coffee helps control blood sugar levels by increasing the body’s sensitivity to insulin.
Breathe Fresh with Whole Beans
Keep unground whole beans around for a natural breath freshener. While chewing gum is the popular route for a quick pick-me-up, the chewing sets off a chain reaction, leading your gut to prepare for incoming food. Chewing a stick too often can lead to reduced levels of digestive acids to be released, resulting from empty chewing. So keep it simple -- breath can be purified by a single bean. Suck on a whole bean to neutralize breath, benefitting from the properties of coffee bean oils. And if you're trying to get a smell out of your olfactory system, sniff the beans.
Scrub the Day Away Naturally
Exfoliating is great for your skin, but many skin products contain ingredients that are either too harsh, or unkind to the environment. Skip the microbeads and opt for coffee grounds instead. Make a hydrating exfoliant from a cup of coffee, a cup of brown sugar or sea salt, a tablespoon of cocoa powder, a half-cup of almond oil, and a teaspoon of honey. Feel free to use as many organic ingredients as possible for a mix higher in minerals and lower in chemicals. Store the final product in an airtight jar, ready for a weekly scrub down!
From helping perk you up to reducing the risk for disease, freshening breath safely to scrubbing skin naturally, your favorite coffee blend holds many uses. Have fun experimenting with the many holistic uses for the coffee bean, exploring as you go.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Kingwood, Tex.