Advertisement
Could There Be Mold In Your Coffee? A Cardiologist Explains
Coffee drinking is an integral part of our culture, with more coffee consumed in the U.S. than any other country. While there is existing scientific literature on coffee's health benefits (although, you should always have a balanced amount of caffeine, which looks different for everybody), one question remains unanswered: Could there be molds in our coffee?
Here, we break down the science.
Here's the thing about coffee: It may contain a specific toxin from a fungi called ochratoxin A.
Ochratoxin A is a type of mycotoxin (meaning, a toxic chemical product produced by fungi), but the affects it can have on humans remain contested1. However, varying levels of this fungi could explain why some people may feel totally fine after drinking coffee, while others can experience negative effects. Also, perhaps this is why some studies show benefits and others show harm from coffee, based on varying levels of the mold.
Here are six important facts about this type of mold in coffee:
- Ochratoxin A is produced by two fungi and can be found in foodstuffs, including coffee. It's described in scientific literature as a neurotoxic, immunosuppressive, genotoxic, carcinogenic, and a teratogenic topical polluter2 of human foods. Well, that doesn't sound so tasty, does it?
- Ochratoxin A can damage kidneys in all mammals3, acutely and over the long haul. However, much more research is needed before we can make the same correlation in humans.
- The EU established a limit on the amount of ochratoxin A permitted in foodstuffs, but there is no limit in the United States. That said, there's some concern that contaminated beans can be preferentially shipped to the U.S. and end up in our grocery stores at lower price-points.
- Roasting coffee beans may destroy ochratoxin A4, but it may depend on the type of roasting and particle size.
- The safest way to avoid ochratoxin A is to make sure you're buying coffee beans that are properly stored. However, there is currently no labeling to know if this occurs when you're buying your beans at the grocery store.
- There are no routine measures of ochratoxin levels in coffee purchased in the US, but many artisanal coffee shops indicate there is no ochratoxin A in their coffee, particularly organic producers.
What does all this mean? Is this much ado about nothing? Or something?
It's important to note that while high levels of mycotoxins like ochratoxin can lead to negative health effects5, a bunch of other foods can also contain these tiny toxins—the hard truth is that we're probably already consuming them in small amounts6.
That said, ochratoxin A might not be as great of a health risk as the amount of sugar people might add to their coffee. Like so many aspects of our food chain, there is incomplete information. That said, I wouldn't sound the alarm yet, but I you might want to start being a coffee snob, or a qualitarian.
Until we have more data, I will continue to drink coffee, despite it's potential ochratoxin content. The bottom line: It's always best to ask questions and do your research about the food you put into your body, and coffee is no exception.
Dr. Joel Kahn is the founder of the Kahn Center for Cardiac Longevity. He is a summa cum laude graduate of the University of Michigan School of Medicine and is a professor of medicine at Wayne State University School of Medicine. He is owner of GreenSpace Cafe in Ferndale, Michigan. His books, The Whole Heart Solution, Dead Execs Don't Get Bonuses, and Vegan Sex are all available for sale now.
More from the author:
Functional Nutrition Training
Check out Functional Nutrition Coaching
A cutting-edge nutrition deep dive taught by 20+ top health & wellness experts
Learn moreMore from the author:
Functional Nutrition Training
Check out Functional Nutrition Coaching
A cutting-edge nutrition deep dive taught by 20+ top health & wellness experts
Learn moreDr. Joel Kahn is the founder of the Kahn Center for Cardiac Longevity. He is a summa cum laude graduate of the University of Michigan School of Medicine and is a professor of medicine at Wayne State University School of Medicine. He is owner of GreenSpace Cafe in Ferndale, Michigan. His books, The Whole Heart Solution, Dead Execs Don't Get Bonuses, and Vegan Sex are all available for sale now.
Watch Next
Enjoy some of our favorite clips from classes
Enjoy some of our favorite clips from classes
What Is Meditation?
Mindfulness/Spirituality | Light Watkins
Box Breathing
Mindfulness/Spirituality | Gwen Dittmar
What Breathwork Can Address
Mindfulness/Spirituality | Gwen Dittmar
The 8 Limbs of Yoga - What is Asana?
Yoga | Caley Alyssa
Two Standing Postures to Open Up Tight Hips
Yoga | Caley Alyssa
How Plants Can Optimize Athletic Performance
Nutrition | Rich Roll
What to Eat Before a Workout
Nutrition | Rich Roll
How Ayurveda Helps Us Navigate Modern Life
Nutrition | Sahara Rose
Messages About Love & Relationships
Love & Relationships | Esther Perel
Love Languages
Love & Relationships | Esther Perel