Being an avid coffee drinker can be a struggle if you tend to have a sensitive tummy. However, this should not deter you from enjoying your favorite cup of joe. Some options that you can try include decaffeinated and organic coffee. In this article, let us try to find out if organic coffee is ideal for coffee drinkers even though they suffer from heartburn or acid reflux.
Is organic coffee less acidic?
Not necessarily. Coffee that is considered organic does not mean that it is less acidic compared to regular coffee. Certain factors affect coffee’s acidity such as altitude, variety and processing methods regardless if it is organic or non-organic.
What is organic coffee?
Organic coffee is coffee that is grown and processed without utilizing synthetic chemicals. This type of coffee is cultivated by farms that prioritize sustainability and renewable resources to preserve the quality of air, land and water. These factors are verified by the United States Department of Agriculture-National Organic Program or USDA-NOP.
Organic coffee is grown with the use of organic fertilizers like chicken manure, coffee pulp or compost. Organic farms emit less carbon than chemical farms and organic coffee beans are richer in antioxidants. Coffee is grown naturally and within the shade of lush plants which also provides a home for other plants as well as animals. Acres of land are restored to their original wonder with the help of organic coffee farming.
Benefits of organic coffee
These are the benefits of organic coffee:
1. It is almost completely free of chemicals.
As mentioned above, organic coffee is grown without the use of synthetic chemicals which could pose serious health risks. Chemicals such as pesticides, fertilizers and hormones can have negative effects. Compared to chemically-treated coffee, organic coffee is almost free of these harmful chemicals making it a healthier alternative for coffee drinkers.
2. It promotes eco-friendly practices.
Since organic coffee farms are committed to organic actions, they are also actively preserving and protecting the environment. Other environmentally-friendly ways that organic coffee companies may contribute include the manufacture of recyclable products and the use of renewable resources.
3. It has organic nutrients and natural compounds that are beneficial for the body.
Organic coffee contains nutrients that are found to be effective for reducing stress, enhancing moods, boosting the metabolism and strengthening the immune system. This could be mainly due to the lack of synthetic and man-made chemicals.
Factors to consider when choosing an organic and low acidity coffee
These are the factors to consider when choosing an organic and low acidity coffee:
The country of origin.
Certain countries are renowned for their organically-grown and low acid coffees. These countries include Peru, Sumatra, Mexico and Guatemala.
Also, organic coffee grown in high elevations tends to become more acidic compared to those planted in a low altitude area.
The roast intensity.
Dark roasts tend to be less acidic compared to light and medium roasts. This could be due to the release of certain chemical compounds during the roasting process that inhibits the acids. Dark roasts are dark brown and even close to a blackened color with an oily surface. Dark roast coffee has a robust and full body with a bold and smoky taste.
The brewing method.
Opt for the cold water extraction or cold brewing method. This method involves mixing ground coffee with cold water and steeping the mixture overnight inside the refrigerator. The next day the mixture is strained, leaving a strong concentrate. It can be served right away but it can also be stored and will last for at least two weeks.
This method maintains a colder temperature during the brew so the oils in the coffee beans are never released. This makes the cold brew method 70% less acidic compared to traditional drip coffee and ideal for coffee drinkers with stomach issues.
Is organic coffee healthier?
According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, they were unable to confirm if organic products like organic coffee are healthier compared to regular foods. The American Dietetic Association seems to agree with this and claims that both organic and regular products share the same amount of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They further note that organic coffee is not necessarily any healthier compared to regular coffee.
Recommended low acid organic coffee
- Kava Acid Neutralized Instant Coffee
- HealthWise 100% Colombian Supremo, Low Acid Ground Coffee
- Puroast Low Acid Ground Coffee
Conclusion
You can still enjoy coffee despite having a sensitive tummy by consuming organic, low acid coffee. Organic coffee is not necessarily less acidic although it is grown in a healthy and chemical-free environment. Other factors that should also be considered in determining if coffee is less acidic include the country of origin, the roasting process and the brewing method.
Image: istockphoto.com / Rod Esca