Yes, Cowan is a fan of coffee. However, “there are ways to optimize his coffee intake to make sure he’s getting the most out of it without experiencing some of the downside,” he notes.
First things first: “A lot of people will use coffee to help them go to the bathroom, which is a red flag to begin with,” she says. Essentially, you’ll want to make sure you’re participating for the right reasons. “[Make sure] you’re not using it as a way to promote a natural bodily function,” adds Cowan.
It’s also important to make sure you’re using quality coffee beans. Coffee itself can carry a specific type of mycotoxin (i.e. a toxic chemical produced by fungi), and can be very prone to mold contamination depending on how it is stored; Remember, mold thrives in damp, dark environments. “Therefore, it is important to source a coffee source that is third-party tested for mycotoxins.”
Finally, Cowan recommends optimizing coffee’s energizing benefits by pairing it with a fat source — think coconut cream, coconut oil, butter, or shortening. “Something that has a little protein with the fat to help emulsify in the coffee,” he explains. “Essentially, the fat will bind to the caffeine because caffeine is fat-soluble and creates a time-release caffeine source so you don’t have an immediate thrum and then crash in the afternoon. Instead, you’re adding to that slow energy and sustained that, ultimately, I think everyone is looking for when they start their workday. Not to mention that coffee is a good source of antioxidant polyphenols. So feel free to drink!
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