Water | Resources
Is Coffee Bad to Drink?
Question from Terri
Hi Debra,
Hello, my name is Terri. I’m in quite the conundrum, should I stop drinking coffee or not. Does coffee have toxins such as metals. Does Tea have metal toxins Does organic tea have metal toxins. Or even other toxins I should worry about. Any help I would love. Thank you.
Debra’s Answer
In my opinion, it’s OK to drink organic coffee. I drink it occasionally, not every morning.
Recently the World Health Organization (WHO) reversed their position on coffee.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) had previously rated coffee as “possibly carcinogenic” but has changed its mind.
It’s latest review, however, found “no conclusive evidence for a carcinogenic effect” of coffee drinking and pointed to some studies showing coffee may actually reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer
At the same time, IARC presented other scientific evidence which suggests that drinking anything very hot—around 149 degrees Fahrenheit or above—including water, coffee, tea and other beverages—probably does cause cancer of the oesophagus.
If you are going to drink coffee, organic is best, to avoid the toxic pesticides, and decaffeinated is even better.
Read this pros-and-cons article on the health effects of coffee.
Here’s the info on toxics in tea: Q&A: Tea Steeped in Toxics
And I would always make organic coffee or tea with filtered water.
Not All Organic Food is Grown From Organic Seed
Organic standards require organic food to be grown from organic seed, but a new report from Organic Seed Alliance (OCA) found that the supply of organic seeds isn’t keeping pace with the rising demand for organic products. In 2015, sales of organic products totaled $43 billion.
Organic farmers say that organic seed does need to be used because all seed is not the same.
Most commercial seed is bred to rely on the high fertilizer inputs of industrial agriculture. Organic farmers need seed bred to thrive on the slow release of nutrients from organic soil amendments.
THE US Department of Agriculture (USDA) allows some leeway for certified organic foods and fibers due to lack of supply.
Though the supply of organic seed is increasing, today only 27 percent of organic farmers use 100 percent organic seed.
If you are growing an organic garden, use organic seed for best results.
Silica, Silicon and Silicone
Update June, 2020: Read more about silicone in The Toxicity of Silicone read more…
BPA Linked to Hyperactivity in Children
A study of 460 children across the United States, aged 8 to 15 years old, found that 11 percent of those with BPA levels higher than the median level had ADHD. In contrast, 3 percent of those children with BPA levels below the median had ADHD.
The research, published online last week in the Environment Research journal, adds to evidence that children’s BPA exposure may alter brain development and lead to behavior problems such as reduced attention and hyperactivity. ADHD is the most common behavior disorder in U.S. children, causing them to have trouble concentrating and controlling their behavior.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH NEWS:
Hyperactivity in children linked to plastic additive, BPA
Cattails Woodwork
Beautiful wooden kitchenware in simple yet artful designs. Wood Mason jar tops, rolling pins, spurtels, door stops, ceramic burr coffee grinders with wood lids and hand crank, breadboards, knife racks, cake pedestals…”Each piece is skillfully crafted from solid wood to create something that is not only beautiful and soft to the touch but it will last for generations. My belief is that we should buy and use things that are wonderful to both the hand and eye, very functional works that do not have to be replaced, heirlooms to be enjoyed for generations. These special works made from wood bring a warm touch of nature into our lives. love my job..EVERY SINGLE DAY.” This is just how I live, All my day-to-day things have to be natural and beautiful. This website is in Canada, but I had to make an exception.
Natural Linens
Oh wow! Here you can just replace much of the disposable paper/plastic in your house with reusable organic linen—paper towels, coffee filters, sandwich bags, facial rounds—and of course, towels and washcloths.
Good Linens
100% linen towels for bath, kitchen, beach and travel. Why a linen towel for your body? Fast drying, exfoliating, absorbent, antibacterial, long-lasting, and they just get better with age. 90% unbleached, undyed fibers with 10% colorful stripe. “When I found myself washing three full loads of cotton terry towels each week for a family of four, we tried linen bath towels. For the first time, my children reused their quick-drying towels, reducing the bath towel laundry burden to under one load a week.”
Back to Organics
Flavored salts made from the purest salts and fresh herbs and zests. “Back to Organic Fresh Herb and Zest Salts are blended in small batches using the finest, mineral rich sea salts, organic spices, citrus zests and fresh herbs. By using fresh herbs and citrus zests, we preserve the flavor and natural, essential oils in the salt. Essential oils contain many vital vitamins and antioxidants to remove free radicals, boost the immune system, and improve circulation and digestion. Our gourmet salts are so flavorful you only need a pinch to create simple and delicious meals.” Packaged in glass.
Teeny Tiny Spice Company
Certified organic spice blends from around the world—common and unusual. Like chocolate chili, British curry, Oaxaca Adobo…“We hand blend and package the cleanest, most flavorful spice and herb blends available. Our seasonings cover a broad array of world cuisines and cooking styles from curries to barbeque to dessert, and include salt free and low sodium products. All of our products are pure food. Nothing is hidden with all ingredients listed on every package so that you know exactly what you are putting in your body. We also provide over 150 recipes on our recipe site.”
Urban Flax
Plain and simple 100% linen towels, tablecloths, placemats, napkins, aprons, in natural linen color and darker grey. Handmade in Colorado.”Most items are made one at at time and are hand cut, sewn, washed and air dried with great attention to detail and pride in craftsmanship. The end result is soft, clean linen that will not shrink further and is ready to use.”
