Unlike conventional coffee, organic coffee is grown without any chemical fertilizers or pesticides. This helps to protect the environment and local communities.
Many farmers are unable to afford the higher price of organic certification so they choose not to grow their beans organically. Chemicals sprayed on non-organic crops can impact the health of people in nearby communities by polluting their water sources.
Health Benefits
Coffee is a beloved drink worldwide, and it can boost energy levels in a healthy way. It’s also a significant source of antioxidants that can help protect against heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurological conditions.
Organic coffee is less acidic than conventionally grown coffee, which can be beneficial for people with digestive issues like GERD or stomachaches. It can also help lower blood sugar levels and promote cardiovascular health by lowering “bad” cholesterols and triglycerides, and improving the function of the body’s small blood vessels. Discover more of organic coffee at Nectar of Life.
Growing organic coffee requires a more natural approach, allowing for soil fertility and maintaining unique regional ecosystems. These methods also reduce the use of synthetic pesticides, which are a significant threat to human health and the environment. In fact, coffee is the third most sprayed crop with pesticides after cotton and tobacco. Residues from these chemicals can affect the nervous system, endocrine system, and reproductive system of humans and animals.
Environmental Benefits
Coffee farmers are increasingly becoming aware that they can help the planet by growing their crops organically. By not using chemical fertilizers and pesticides, organic farming reduces soil erosion and depletion of nutrients. The use of natural methods also helps keep local wildlife safe. Organic farms are also better for the health of workers, as they do not expose them to harmful chemicals.
Finally, organic coffee does not contribute to the deforestation of rainforests. As a shade crop, coffee grows best in the partial shade of trees, which keeps unique regional ecosystems alive and provides habitat for wild plants and animals. By contrast, conventionally grown coffee is often grown in full sun and requires heavy chemical inputs that encourage deforestation and runoff of toxic chemicals into waterways.
Sadly, most of the world’s 25 million small coffee farmers cannot afford to pay for organic certification. Nonetheless, many grow their coffee organically, even without certification, as it is more profitable than conventional crop growing.
Taste Benefits
Many coffee lovers find that organic coffee has a more delicious taste. There are a few reasons for this. One is that the beans aren’t sprayed with chemical herbicides and pesticides, so they don’t have the metallic taste that non-organic coffee often has.
The other reason is that organic coffee is usually grown in shady conditions, so the beans get a chance to mature naturally. Conventional growers, on the other hand, often need their coffee beans to be exposed to sunlight in order to improve yield. This often means deforestation, which isn’t great for the environment or the local wildlife.
Additionally, organic farming practices are kinder to farmers. They often pay a higher price for their products, which helps them to make ends meet and can even boost the economy of the region. It also helps them avoid toxic chemicals that can be harmful to their health, as well as their family members and neighbors.
Sustainability Benefits
Organic coffee is cultivated using more natural and sustainable methods that allow the beans’ full flavor profiles to come through. The use of shade grown techniques promotes biodiversity and helps reduce soil erosion, while avoiding the need for chemical fertilizers that can pollute surrounding bodies of water.
Because of the more stringent rules and regulations that accompany organic certification, organic coffee is held to a higher standard in the growing, processing, storage, and roasting stages. This ensures that the final product is safe for consumers and does not contain any toxic chemicals that may be present in conventionally-grown coffee.
It’s clear to see why organic coffee is gaining popularity and becoming a mainstream choice for those seeking a more ethical, environmentally-friendly beverage. The benefits of organic coffee extend beyond your personal health and include the health and wellness of the coffee’s producers and farmers, the surrounding ecosystem, and even the carbon footprint reduction it can help reduce.