For Coffee Lover’s ... Only!
It goes without saying that to be Italian and drink coffee is as commonplace as two peas in a pod. But it goes way beyond that, in fact, coffee has become the best-worst beverage addiction of this generation. Could there be a way to get your cake, and eat it too? Yes, indeed, for all coffee lovers please read on to discover how you can obtain your new comfort drink.
Coffee, ‘No Bueno’?
It’s a common fact that coffee is the world’s most popularized legal drug, so you might wonder – could it really be that bad? Coffee contains addictive properties in the methylxanthine groups such as caffeine. (1) This chemical, though natural, interferes with the innate neurochemistry in the body. For instance, the neurotransmitter adenosine is a key component for self-control and is necessary for when we are ready to turn off the lights. Unfortunately, caffeine is chemically identical enough that it can insert itself into its receptors sites and prevent the signaling to rest and slow down. Hence, why it can be easy to burn the midnight oil come exam time! Not so good, however, when you are preparing for bedtime.
But there’s more. According to a 2024 study from the journal Progress in Brain Research, “coffee consumption may lead to adverse effects such as....sleep issues, cardiovascular concerns, and dependency.” (2) Another study from the same journal found links to adverse effects on neurological and psychiatric health such as anxiety and depression. (3) These are the top mental health crisis issues of our day!
It’s Not Coffee, Really!
In Nicaragua, the women will collect the seeds of a special canopy tree that’s in the fig family, called Yaxon in Mayan, and turn it into heavenly goodness. The drupe goes by many names including Copomo, Breadnut, and Mayan nut, and often has been called “No es café” in Spanish because the dark roast really can fool coffee lovers. Coffee substitutes are on the rise, and as more and more realize the harmful effects of coffee upon the system, people are looking for a tasty alternative. (4) Well look no further! Ramon is you're one-stop-shop for all things coffee – without the side effects.
For starters, Ramon is a hypoallergenic nut, so no worries for those with nut or gluten sensitivities, yes!! Unlike coffee, it is also free from harmful alkaloids, tannins, caffeine, and aflatoxins. Historically, it has been used as a corn alternative for times of scarcity and famine, as well as to increase breast milk production. (5) In Costa Rica, one of the 5 identified longevity “blue zones”, it is referred to as ojoche and is used prolifically.
Nutritionally Mature
Its high prebiotic fiber load, and low glycemic index (<29) makes it an ideal warm beverage for diabetics and to improve gut health, as well. Nutritionally speaking, Mayan nut is a powerhouse. Ramon is an equal to cacao in antioxidants, phytochemicals which slow aging and eliminates free radical damage to DNA. It contains proteins with a more complete amino acid profile than other plant source! (6) In particular, its tryptophan is exceptionally high (1.12 g/100g), an essential amino acid that serves as a pre-cursor for feel-good neurotransmitters like serotonin and calming melatonin.
Micronutrient minerals are concentrated including alkaline calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These are great for strengthening the bones, whereas, the acidity of coffee tends to leach minerals from the bones as a buffer. And the taste? Well, some say the dark roast mimics the coffee flavor mingled with slight undertones of cinnamon and cocoa. But the best way to know for sure, of course, is to try some yourself!
Come on over to Paradise Fields Farm Store Juice Bar and get your Ramon-based Mushroom Elixir Latte today!
If you wish to reach out to us, call us at (289) 522-0202 or drop an email at hello@paradisefields.ca.
Sources:
1 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21432699/
2 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39168555/
3 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39168554/
4 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39385342/
6 - https://mayanutinstitute.org/maya-nut/maya-nut-cookbook/