Ayurveda's take on coffee/caffeine

What a touchy subject, I know. I understand people love their coffee! It is known that 30% of coffee drinkers are considered addicted and 75% of children aged 6-19 consume caffeine. Energy drinks and pre-workout supplements are all the rage right now - having upwards of 200mg or more of caffeine per serving.

In the literature, one day coffee is bad and the next it's good. It's really hard to know what to think. Many studies have shown numerous benefits on issues such as possibly reducing cancer risk, reversing the damage of Alzheimer's, and more. But being caffeine is a stimulant however, there are known drawbacks such as increased blood pressure and cholesterol, poor sleep, increase risk of kidney stones, heart arrhythmias, reflux, and its effects on the nervous system.  

Interestingly, without the caffeine, coffee holds the same benefits. It also depends on how it is processed as beans can tend to grow mold on them posing other health risks.  

So what is Ayurveda's stance on coffee/caffeine? One of Ayurveda's main goals is to protect the nervous system from over-stimulation which causes a whole cascade of health issues long term - when the body is in constant fight vs flight mode. Caffeine stimulates the nervous system. It also recognizes that what is medicine to one is poison to another. Meaning it matters who uses a plant/herb/food/medicine, how, when, etc. We are not all the same.

Caffeine causes an increase in vata. Therefore, it would make sense that vata individuals should minimize caffeine, including the caffeine in coffee. Pitta types are already overly competitive and a caffeine boost will drive them even farther. Coffee/caffeine is also very acidic and heating, which can exacerbate pitta. Kaphas, however, can use a little boost now and then. It can enhance the metabolic function of the body.  

However, as with all things - everything in moderation. You should not become dependent on any substance in order to function on a daily basis.  Practice being mindful around your caffeine habit.  

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