COFFEE CONUNDRUM: COULD YOUR MORNING BREW HARM YOUR HEALTH?
Millions of Americans start their morning with a piping hot cup of coffee. There is nothing like the familiar smell, comforting warmth, and hit of caffeine to get you ready for the day. But could this common habit actually harm our bodies? For some people, consuming caffeine on an empty stomach could cause unpleasant side effects. No definitive data suggests drinking coffee before breakfast will negatively impact you in the long term. Only limited research exists on the matter, and the results are inconclusive. However, some people anecdotally report feeling worse if they drink coffee on an empty stomach, and nutritionists and dietitians believe certain people may be more susceptible to adverse side effects. People with digestive problems should be the most cautious about their morning cup of coffee. Coffee stimulates acid production in the stomach, particularly when it is otherwise empty. That is not a big deal for most people, but it can be for those with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or who are prone to acid reflux or heartburn. Coffee before food may make symptoms worse. Those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) might also beware. Scientists have long known that coffee stimulates our colon muscles and can help people have bowel movements. Some consider it a bonus, but IBS
patients are already prone to diarrhea. Coffee causes increased cramping for some, and the effect can be more noticeable on an empty stomach. Coffee can also affect us emotionally. The beverage gives some people jitters, particularly without food. Research indicates the effect is more pronounced in people with anxiety disorders, possibly because jitters mimic anxiety symptoms. Some studies suggest consuming coffee with food decreases the concentration of caffeine in our bodies and makes the effect less likely. Ultimately, whether you should rethink drinking coffee on an empty stomach is up to you. People suffering from GERD, IBS, or anxiety should consider whether their liquid pick-me-
up worsens their symptoms. The current research suggests that consuming coffee before food is probably fine for most other people, but it’s always wise to listen to your body for cues. If you feel less than your best after your morning coffee, see whether a change in routine improves the situation.
Step 2: Make the mead ‘must.’ Into your pot on medium heat, add about 1/2 gallon of filtered water. When it is warm but not yet boiling, add the honey (between 2 and 3 cups, your preference on sweetness) and stir until it is dissolved. Then, turn the heat off and add any fruit you would like. Using the funnel, carefully pour this mixture into your gallon jug. Top the jug off with more filtered water, leaving 2 inches of air at the top. Put the cap on and gently mix the jug’s contents. Step 3: Add the yeast. Check the temperature of the liquid in the jug; when it reads below 90 F, add about 1/2 of your yeast packet. Put the cap back on and shake the jug for several minutes. When you are done, add water to your airlock, then place rubber stopper and airlock on the jug. Step 4: Ferment and enjoy! Let your jug sit for 5–6 weeks so it can ferment. Then once it is ready, you can pour yourself a glass (through a filter) and enjoy! You can also bottle and age your mead, too, just like wine!
and wild yeast. You can also add fruit, herbs, and spices to your mead mix, creating unique flavors that suit your palate. Here is how to make mead. Making mead is incredibly easy and requires a few special pieces of equipment — and time.
The Art of Mead-Making
In total, to make one gallon of mead, you’ll need:
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Sanitizer (You can find this on Amazon by searching “sanitizer for brewing.”)
• • • •
Large stainless-steel pot Large stainless-steel spoon
Imagine: It is a crisp fall night, and you and maybe your friends, partner, or family are sitting outside with a refreshing glass of homemade mead. Yes, mead ! If you like wine and also enjoy a little side project or two, mead-making is the hobby for you. What is mead? Mead is a fermented alcoholic beverage traditionally made with honey, water,
Large funnel
One-gallon glass jug (including cap), plus an airlock and rubber stopper
• Honey, about 2–3 pounds • Yeast — we recommend Red Star
Champagne (Premier Blanc) or Lalvin 71B 1122
• Thermometer
Step 1: Sanitize everything. Simply follow the directions on whichever sanitizer you purchase.
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Dennis & Lisa Jones
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