Coffee is the bliss we all crave when we open our eyes in the morning. No matter if it’s a bright, sunny morning or a cold, winter afternoon, having a cup of coffee is an essential part of our day!
If you are a coffee lover, the thought of eating coffee grounds must have crossed your mind multiple times. But is it okay to eat it? Can you digest it, or will it affect your health negatively? Read on to find out.
Can You Eat Coffee Grounds?
The good news is that coffee grounds are edible, and you can eat them anytime. However, it’s essential to keep track of what you are consuming and how much since it will directly affect your health.
Also, store-bought coffee grounds may have some preservatives and flavorings. This can be harmful to health if consumed in excessive amounts. So, always double-check what you are purchasing and be careful of your intake.
Are There Any Dietary Restrictions to Consider When Eating Coffee Grounds?
Fortunately, there isn’t any solid dietary guideline regarding coffee grounds that you should be worried about.
But, general guidelines say that you should not ingest more than two tablespoons of coffee grounds on a regular basis. If you consume more than this, you may eventually develop gastrointestinal issues.
Just make sure that your daily consumption does not exceed 400 milligrams of caffeine as prescribed by the FDA caffeine limit. So, take a chill pill and enjoy eating coffee grounds!
Is it Safe to Eat Ground Coffee?
This question might have been bothering you for ages, but don’t you worry!
We have all the answers to your questions. Coffee grounds are absolutely safe to eat, and you can enjoy them anytime you want. You just have to make sure your intake does not exceed the prescribed limits.
Generally, coffee grounds can provide many health benefits since they contain a high level of antioxidants. It also keeps you alert and can function well for heart and liver diseases.
So, enjoy the coffee grounds in moderation, and you will have nothing to worry about!
Potential Health Benefits of Eating Ground Coffee
There are several striking benefits of eating coffee grounds. Some of the scientifically proven benefits are discussed below;
1. Uplifts Energy Levels
To all the lazy and dizzy souls, coffee grounds can spark your energy levels when you consume a certain amount. Please note, however, that there are precautions and limits on how much you should consume.
As we all know, coffee grounds contain caffeine, which acts as a stimulant for the nervous system and helps keep your energy levels up and resist fatigue.
According to research, caffeine also helps well in sports activities. It improves performance and boosts energy levels. Hence, the consumers feel more passionate and confident instead of getting exhausted easily.
2. Improves Mental Health
Due to constant workload and pressure, we get exhausted and frustrated. At times like these, coffee grounds become the only escape our minds can think of!
According to the studies, coffee grounds can protect us against neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
Some of the studies also suggest that moderate consumption of caffeine may lower the risk of a severe disease called Dementia. So, take a shot of coffee and let it wipe away all your negative energy!
3. Maintain Weight and Good Physique
If you are someone who is conscious of your weight, coffee grounds help with weight loss and keep your body in shape.
Studies found that coffee grounds can alter fat storage and it also promotes gut health. Luckily, both of these things are quite beneficial for maintaining a good body shape and weight. It also decreases the body fat in women.
So, go ahead if you want to maintain your weight. Enjoy coffee grounds without worrying about your tummy getting bigger!
4. Lowers Levels of Depression
Whenever our heart feels lonely and we have negative thoughts, the only thing that calms our mind is a cup of coffee.
According to some studies, consuming coffee grounds can possibly lower the risk of anxiety and depression. This is when it’s consumed in moderation. However, other studies contradict this, so it’s important to listen to your own body and see what works for you.
Be it a fact or not, a weary mind can use a cup of coffee to function well. So, eat a few coffee grounds and let the negative emotions take a back seat while you’re ready to face a new day!
5. Protection Against Liver Diseases
In addition to all the other benefits, protection against liver disease is one you should know about in detail. The research found that drinking two or more cups of coffee regularly provides you resistance against liver cancer and liver scarring.
Another recent study discovered that drinking coffee is linked to decreased liver stiffness, a parameter used by medical practitioners to gauge fibrosis and the development of scar tissue in the liver.
6. Keeps your Heart Healthy
Have you heard of the phrase that an apple a day keeps the doctor away? Just like that, coffee grounds can keep your heart healthy if you consume it within a prescribed limit.
According to several studies, consuming caffeine may be good for your heart. In fact, research indicated a 15% lower risk of heart disease was associated with consuming 3 to 5 cups of coffee daily.
Additionally, a study conducted on more than 21,000 individuals revealed that increasing coffee consumption was linked to a noticeably lower chance of heart failure.
On the other hand, caffeine may also impact blood pressure levels, especially in those who have unregulated blood pressure. If this resonates with you, it’s important to decrease or limit your coffee intake. Otherwise, you might face the negative effects of caffeine consumption.
7. Helps Athletes Improve Performance
When athletes want to boost energy and performance, they frequently use coffee as an ergogenic aid.
According to research, consuming coffee before exercise increases endurance and lowers perceived exertion. Another study of 126 people revealed that coffee consumption is linked to better health as well as greater gait speed.
Additionally, a thorough analysis found that consuming small quantities of coffee might marginally increase the power output of athletes. However, there were mixed findings. The researchers emphasized that different people have different reactions to caffeine.
8. Increases Longevity
Who knew coffee would actually become a reason to live?
Due to its numerous potential health advantages, some studies show that coffee may help increase longevity.
According to research, consuming 1.5 to 3.5 cups of coffee regularly tends to decrease the risk of mortality.
Similar findings were made in another study of 1,567 individuals. During this study, they discovered that consuming caffeinated coffee was linked with a decreased risk of mortality after twelve and eighteen years of follow-up.
In short, coffee grounds keep you healthy if you consume it in moderate amounts.
Health Risks of Eating Ground Coffee
While it might sound like a bizarre idea to some, many people must have curiously wondered, “Can you eat coffee grounds?” after noticing the residual coffee grounds left in their cup of coffee.
While coffee grounds are completely edible and do come with some health benefits, it’s worth noting that there are some downsides to eating coffee grounds.
1. Digestive Issues
Coffee grounds can potentially cause a plethora of digestive issues. The caffeine in the coffee increases acid production in your stomach, causing acid reflux and heartburn. It can also cause nausea and abdominal pains.
Moreover, coffee absorbs water from your body and can lead to dehydration. If you don’t drink enough water or if you consume a lot of coffee, you can get seriously dehydrated, causing gastrointestinal problems like constipation and even kidney or urinary tract infections.
2. Oils
Cafestol and Kahweol are two compounds found in coffee beans. If taken in huge amounts, these substances can increase your cholesterol levels.
Since the amount of these substances is very low, anyone with a normal cholesterol level is at minimal risk. However, people suffering from high cholesterol should be careful about how much coffee grounds they consume.
3. Premature Aging
Coffee can increase the inflammation in your body. This can speed up your body’s aging process. There is some evidence that coffee can increase your amount of gut bacteria.
An increase in certain types of gut bacteria can speed aging along.
4. Choking Hazard
Another risk could be choking, especially if ingested by children or by the elderly who have impaired swallowing. If taken in large amounts, coffee grounds can be a choking hazard.
5. Toxicity
Coffee grounds are not generally toxic. However, they may contain pesticides or traces of heavy metals like cadmium or lead.
If taken in large quantities, coffee grounds can cause indigestion and other health risks. If you must eat coffee grounds, make sure you are using organic coffee grounds to reduce your intake of harmful chemicals.
How to Store Coffee Grounds?
Whether you are grounding coffee beans yourself or buying coffee grounds from the store, storing them properly is important.
The freshness should be maintained for as long as possible. Consider the following tips to ensure fresh coffee grounds for as long as possible:
1. Check the roast date
You should check both the roast date and the expiration date on the coffee packaging. However, the roast date is more important. The expiry date is when you can no longer use the coffee at all.
If you want that fresh aroma of coffee, grind and drink your coffee beans within a month of the roast date.
2. Not in the refrigerator
Keeping the coffee grounds in the fridge may seem like the best idea. But coffee and humidity do not get along.
The moisture in the coffee can evaporate due to high levels of humidity. This will leave you with stale coffee and a bad taste in your mouth.
3. Grind them fresh
If you plan to store your coffee for a long period of time, store it as beans. Grind them only when you know you will drink them within one or two weeks. Coffee beans will remain fresh longer than ground coffee.
4. Freeze the grounds
If you have a large amount of coffee grounds that you cannot drink within a few weeks, store them in your freezer. This is the best place to store them long-term.
Just make sure to defrost your grounds before you use them, even if you are making a cold coffee.
5. In an airtight container
Many store-bought coffee grounds come in vacuum-sealed packaging because this is the best way to store your coffee. If you are grinding your own coffee, keep it in airtight containers. Make sure you close the lid properly every time you use the coffee to maintain freshness.
6. In a dry place
As mentioned earlier, keep your coffee safe from any sort of moisture. This will increase the shelf life of your coffee.
If you are also using airtight containers, this will help your coffee last even longer. You can store it in your cabinets or in your freezer, but refrigerators are a no-go place.
FAQ’s
Do Coffee Grounds Expire?
An unopened coffee ground package will remain fresh for longer than an opened one, i.e., for 5 to 6 months in a cool, dry place.
After opening the package, consume them within one or two weeks. Store them in a dry and cool place, preferably in an airtight container. This will increase the shelf life.
Can You Eat Coffee Grounds For Caffeine?
Yes, eating coffee grounds will give you the shot of caffeine you need. However, if taken in large quantities, it may cause several health risks, including high cholesterol and indigestion.
Can Your Body Digest Coffee Grounds?
Your body can digest coffee grounds; however, if eaten in large quantities, it can cause dehydration and indigestion. Also, be careful of any sensitivities or allergies you may have since store-bought coffee grounds may contain preservatives and artificial flavors and colors.
Does ground coffee taste good?
Store-bought coffee grounds do not taste as good as the coffee you grind yourself. This is because freshly ground coffee has more oils in it, which gives the coffee a richer aroma and taste.
Is Nescafe better than ground coffee?
Instant coffee is convenient and quick. However, ground coffee tastes better and also has a slightly higher amount of caffeine.
Final Words!
If the thought of eating coffee grounds has ever crossed your mind too, then hopefully, your curiosity has been satiated.
Enjoying coffee grounds on occasion and in small quantities is harmless. In fact, it can even have some benefits.
However, be careful about the quantity you’re ingesting and the consequences it can have on your health. Only consume it in moderation along with a healthy, well-balanced diet.
