Coffee & caffeine is a culture, let’s just start there.

For some, getting that daily java is as ingrained as brushing their teeth.

Coffee can be the physical kickstart in the morning to face the daily grind of traffic & 9-5.

It’s an excuse you can use at any time when you want to meet up with friends AND, it can be the saving grace at the 3pm slump before your forehead hits your keyboard. 

 But what if we told you there’s a growing movement rethinking this reliance on caffeine?

Enter “caffeine-conscious,” a trend mirroring the rise of “sober curious” in recent years.

This isn’t about demonizing coffee entirely. 

It’s about acknowledging the potential downsides of excessive caffeine intake and exploring healthier alternatives.

That’s why finding balance with caffeine might be the key to unlocking a more energized and well-rounded you.

The Dark Side of the Bean

While caffeine offers a temporary energy boost, it can have a domino effect on our health when consumed in excess.

• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Digestive issues
• Heart pulpitations
• Hormone imbalance
• Migraines

These are just some of the side effects that can be linked to overdoing the daily fix (or multiple fixes). 

The constant excessive consumption of coffee can disrupt our nervous system, endocrine system, and natural sleep-wake cycle, leaving us feeling perpetually tired and reliant on that next caffeine fix.

Furthermore, caffeine withdrawal can be a real struggle. Headaches, fatigue, and irritability often accompany cutting back, making it seem easier to just stick with the familiar (and potentially harmful) routine.

Finding the fix, without flatlining the energy later

The good news? You don’t have to ditch coffee completely. Moderation is key…however, many of us struggle with that concept (moderation), let’s not kid ourselves.

Aiming for 200mg of caffeine or less per day (roughly 2 cups of brewed coffee) is a good starting point. Tracking your intake for a few days can reveal just how much caffeine you’re actually consuming.

It’s also the QUALITY of your coffee that counts. REAL, freshly ground coffee beans is first prize, and that “instant stuff” …ya, rather don’t even go there.

Now for some, coffee isn’t even an option due to the severe effects it can have on the body.

Here’s where exploring coffee alternatives comes in.

For those seeking to still enjoy the ritual of  a warm, comforting beverage with the roasted aromas & social benefits, there are exciting options emerging.

Roasted Mesquite Coffee: A Delicious and Healthy Alternative

Mesquite coffee, made from roasted mesquite pods, offers a unique and satisfying alternative to traditional coffee. Unlike coffee, mesquite is naturally caffeine-free, making it a perfect choice for those looking to ditch the jitters.

But the benefits of mesquite extend beyond being a coffee alternative. The mesquite plant boasts a wealth of health benefits:

• Rich in nutrients: Mesquite pods are loaded with essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, making them a nourishing addition to your diet.

• Prebiotic properties: Mesquite can promote gut health by feeding the good bacteria in your digestive system.

• Antioxidant powerhouse: Mesquite is rich in antioxidants, which fight free radical damage in the body and contribute to overall well-being.

• Natural sweetener: Mesquite has a slightly sweet flavor, eliminating the need for added sugars in your beverage.

• Low acidity: Coffee can have quite a high acidity which can cause heart burn, indigestion & other digestive issues. With Mesquite coffee, there is ZERO acidity.

Why not choose DECAF?

Decaf is an option however, as a company who stands for minimal processing & keeping things AU NATUREL, this one is a “no-go” for us.

The process in which the beans get “decaffeinated” is pretty bizarre & down right crazy to think people would even consider consuming that!

How do they decaffeinate coffee beans, you may be asking?

WELL, THERE ARE 4 WAYS IN WHICH THEY DECAFFEINATE COFFEE BEANS

Solvent-Based Methods (most common method unless state otherwise…it’s fast and cheap):

• Direct Solvent: This method involves steaming the beans to open them up, then rinsing them with a chemical solvent like methylene chloride or ethyl acetate….eeeeeeeeek!

• The solvent selectively binds to caffeine molecules, extracting them from the beans. After removing the solvent, the beans are steamed again to ensure all traces are gone.

• Indirect Solvent: Here, the beans are soaked in hot water to draw out caffeine and flavor components. This flavored water is then treated with the solvent to remove just the caffeine. Finally, the flavored, decaffeinated water is reintroduced to the beans, allowing them to reabsorb their original flavor profile.
  

Solvent-Free Methods (not common because it takes longer and more expensive:

• Swiss Water Process: This method relies solely on water and carbon filtration. Green coffee beans are soaked in hot water, extracting caffeine and flavor. This initial batch of beans is discarded, and the resulting flavorful water (called “green coffee extract”) is passed through a carbon filter specifically sized to capture only the larger caffeine molecules. The decaffeinated extract is then used to wash and decaffeinate fresh batches of beans, preserving their original taste.

• CO2 Decaffeination: This process involves soaking unroasted beans in highly pressurized liquid CO2. The CO2 selectively targets caffeine, drawing it out without affecting other flavor compounds. The extracted caffeine is then separated from the CO2 using activated carbon filters, and the CO2 is reused for the next batch.

Each method has its advantages and disadvantages. Solvent-based methods are generally faster and more efficient, but some people are concerned about potential trace amounts of solvent residue. Solvent-free methods address this concern but can be more expensive and time-consuming.

Ultimately, the choice of decaffeination method depends on the manufacturer’s priorities and consumer preferences.

Beyond the Java: Embracing a Balanced Lifestyle

There is nothing wrong with enjoying a REAL (i.e. not instant) cup of coffee a day. 

Many of the BLUE ZONE residence do so and they are the longest AND healthiest living people on the planet!

But when coffee becomes your drug of choice to get through the day, and you are hitting 6,7,8 cups in total…..we recommend you address that.

In the end, coffee/caffeine consumption limits really depend on the individual, some can handle more than others.

We encourage a balanced approach and if coffee is a complete “CAN’T DO” option, then we encourage you to try out our roasted mesquite coffee.

Choosing mesquite coffee isn’t just about a single beverage; it’s about embracing a more mindful approach to your overall well-being. So, ditch the over-reliance on caffeine, embrace a mindful approach to your energy levels, and discover the world beyond the caffein addiction! Remember, sometimes, the most effective way to feel awake isn’t a jolt, but a gentle nudge toward a healthier, more balanced you.