What you need to know: Picking up a morning latte at the local coffee house may be a integral part of your daily routine, but it also might be a hidden source of toxins. A latte, whether made with non-organic soy or cow’s milk, can expose you to a slew of major health hitters. From hormones to antibiotics, to genetically modified proteins and pesticides, the milk provides more than a frothy fill to your cup. Unfortunately, that is only the milk. Unbeknownst to most people, conventionally grown espresso beans are a source of pesticides just like your produce. Research is revealing more ways in which pesticides are dangerous to our health, which is why we must think twice before putting in an order for a double skinny latte.
What you should avoid: Lattes are typically made with conventionally grown espresso beans, exposing you to pesticides. Pesticides are known to interrupt hormone balance, leading to infertility and cancer, while causing damage to the brain and nervous tissues. Non-organic cow’s milk, whether non-fat, skim or whole, contains a cocktail of hormones, bovine growth hormone (rBGH), antibiotics, blood cells and shall I dare to even say…? Pus. The hormones contained can be directly linked to breast, colon and prostrate cancer, and have been known to induce early puberty, as well as high estrogen in men. The exposure to antibiotics can also lead to antibiotic-resistance, which can be very dangerous when they are needed. If you opt for soy instead, don’t think that it is necessarily the better option. Almost all soy is genetically modified if not labeled organic. GMO foods have shown in animal studies to cause organ damage, gastrointestinal and immune system disorders, accelerated aging, and infertility. Soy also contains phytoestrogens which act like estrogen in the body. As a result, it can cause low testosterone, and disorders related to high estrogen such as endometriosis, PMS, migraines, abdominal weight gain, fibroids and cysts.
Avoid: non-organic beans, cow’s milk and soy milk
healthier alternatives: Don’t be completely discouraged because there is hope! While you might have to look a bit harder for the healthier option at an artisan coffee house, or health-food cafe, they do in fact exist. So what does the healthy latte look like? For one, it is made with organic espresso beans. Our favorite brand is Lively Up! by Marley Coffee. Choosing organic is also beneficial for the environment and the local communities of coffee growers, so there is more than one upside. Next up is the milk. Only use organic cow’s milk, or choose an alternative organic plant-based option such as rice, hemp, or almond (unsweetened is the ideal). If you are making it at home, we think that using Pressed Juicery’s Vanilla Almond Milk is the best that it gets. Now that wasn’t so hard was it?
Use me: organic espresso beans, organic cow’s milk, rice, coconut, hemp or almond milk
Recent studies are indicating that coffee may not be a health villain after all. It is full of antioxidants and if prepared with organic beans, like you posted here, and following some other guidelines, it just may be a good thing!
I agree, there are so many chemicals that are put onto a non-organic coffee farm, that’s why you should try and buy organic coffee if at all possible, it tastes better and is better for you.
At High Trees Estate, on our farm we are Certified Organic with ‘ACO’ here in the Northern Rivers, just out of Alstonville. Organic coffee is grown using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment. Organic production systems replenish and maintain soil fertility and do not use toxic pesticides and fertilisers, and build biologically diverse agriculture.
Certified organic coffee has to comply with Australian Government regulations, and is subject to strict controls and auditing. It encompasses all areas of farming, processing and handling. Checks are conducted along all stages of the production and distribution chain, to ensure that the food remains uncontaminated, natural, and healthy.
I have seen organic coffee, but never tried it. As I am earnestly trying to ease healthier items into my lifestyle, I will try this brand and see how we like it. I must admit, we are from New Orleans, originally and have quite a bit of CDM (Cafe Du Monde) at home. I’m going to look at and investigate what is in that. At any rate, I’ll let you know how we like it. Thank you for the insight.~~Sarita
I LOVE using cashew milk for lattes (way better than almond milk). Just soak 1 cup of cashews overnight, drain and mix with 4 cups of fresh, filtered water for about 2 minutes. No straining needed!