From Joseph Mercola, DO.
Coffee is an integral part of many people’s morning and afternoon routines, with long lines at neighborhood coffee shops as testaments to its popularity. According to Daily Coffee News, the 2019 coffee report from the National Coffee Association found that 63% of people report they had a cup of coffee within the past day, which is a 6% increase from 2016.
For the first time in the association’s history of reporting, the preference for brewed gourmet, espresso-based beverages and blended or cold brew drinks surpassed traditional, non-gourmet selections. The report also reveals coffee consumption was relatively stable in the past year.
This is fortunate since the U.S. Department of Agriculture forecasted reduced production since this is an off-year in the cyclical harvesting of Brazil’s Arabica trees. Lower shipments from Brazil and Honduras may result in 4.7 million fewer bags exported.
Despite the high number of people who drink coffee in the U.S., America ranks 25th globally in coffee consuming countries per capita, according to World Atlas. For comparison, Finland consumes 12 kg (3.2 gallons) per capita of coffee while the U.S. drinks 4.2 kg (1.1 gallons) per capita.
In the past, coffee drinking has been looked at as a vice or crutch to get some quick energy during the day. But research is revealing health benefits from it. It’s important, however, to remember that most coffee is heavily sprayed with pesticides. If you’re a java aficionado, it’s wise to purchase organic coffee to reduce your exposure to chemical toxins.
