Clouds In My Coffee: What's Actually In Your Cup? 🧐☕️

Why you need to read labels, and no butts about it.

5 min read

AVOCA-DOH!

News: Big Food doesn’t always tell the truth. Kidding, that’s not news. Unfortunately, this particular truth hurts. You may recall my earlier roundup of kitchen oils in the Grease Is The Word issue, and my love of avocado oil for all its neutral-flavored, high-heat cooking goodness. So imagine my dismay to learn that many retailers are selling “avocado” oils that are actually a variety of cheaper seed oils masquerading as avocado. Not only some slippery business on the part of these sellers, but adulterated (their word, not mine, but oh, it hits) oils can pose a serious risk of illness or allergic reaction to folks with nut and seed sensitivities. Among the offenders are oils from Walmart, Sprouts (!) and even my beloved Trader Joe’s. Sigh. Check out the infographic in that piece for a fascinating look at the how this oil is made. If you don’t have time, the shortcut is: look for labels that read “unrefined,” “extra virgin” or “virgin,” except at Stop-N-Shop ‘cuz they lie about that too! As always, read up and make your own decisions. Gross is the word. 🥑

BUTT DIAL

When I asked what you were interested in reading more about- i.e. sleep stuff, gut stuff, butt stuff, etc, you answered and I’m listening (lookin’ at you, Burnie): Dead Butt Syndrome, aka gluteal amnesia, is a thing, and to no one’s surprise, it comes from spending too long sitting. It sounds cute and silly but it can lead to sciatica, shin splints, deep vein thrombosis and bursitis. Less cute, no? Keeping your glutes firing is the only way to ensure you’re not overcompensating with smaller muscle groups. A simple test is to lie on the floor and do a hip bridge exercise- if your hamstrings burn, you’re not working your glutes enough. All the more reason to get up and get moving for every hour spent at a desk. It gives new meaning to “use it or lose it.”

HERE’S A TIP, MAKE THE CHANGE

You guys click a LOT when I write about coffee. I get it. It’s an integral part of the day for hundreds of millions of people. Some might even say it’s the best part of waking up. 🤗 And it makes you nervous when I write about it ‘cuz you think I’m coming to yuck your yum. But it’s precisely BECAUSE you love it so much and drink it so often that I want you to have all the info. So here are a LOT of tips you might find useful:

• In the current climate of sticker shock at the supermarket, it’s understandable to want to cut some corners. But with coffee, you get what you pay for. In this case: pesticides and mold. The jury is out on whether toxic molds (mycotoxins) are a true cause for alarm or just marketing fodder for “mold-free” brands, but logically, the bigger (and cheaper) the production run, the more suitable the conditions for mold growth of any kind. And, while pesticides are sadly a part of our entire food system, conventional coffee from industrial plantations is known to be one of the most heavily chemically treated crops in the world (right after tobacco), and that includes the dreaded glyphosate, a known carcinogen and endocrine disruptor that the US still allows in big farming. Yes, the roasting process degrades the presence of both mold and pesticides, but given that you consume this every day, usually more than one cup at a time, choosing coffee labeled organic, “farm-direct,” or “small farm,” can minimize your exposure to all these nasties.

• My fellow decaf addicts, take special precaution: look for organic or “Swiss water process” coffee; otherwise it’s been chemically decaffeinated. 😝

• If you’re wondering why you are sweaty, irritable and can’t sleep, the maximum daily recommendation of caffeine is 400mg, which is less than two grande Starbucks cold brews at 205mg each.

• Grand finale from the sad trombone section: those cute little K-Cups that Keurig promised were recyclable and not damaging to the environment? Fake news, to the tune of a $1.5M settlement.

Sorry to serve you clouds in your coffee along with your favorite oat milk. 🫤 I’ll make it up to you with extra goodies and special deals normally reserved for paid subscribers. Read on!

ASK AN EXPERT: SUPPLEMENT SPOTLIGHT

For this issue of Ask An Expert, I had the chance to interview Dr. Neil Paulvin, a physician in the functional and performance medicine arena with an expertise in healthy aging and longevity (yes, please!), and I asked him for a tip on the supplements we need to live longer and stronger. He believes CoQ10 is an essential component of healthy aging, for its powerful antioxidant properties and its important role in mitochondrial health; literally providing the energy for your cells to power up and keep you going. It’s our bodies’ natural powerhouse for heart health and cognitive function, and spoiler: it declines as we age.

He likes Mitoq in particular, for its advanced formulation and superior absorption. My interest in piqued, check it out and let me know what you think.

FOLKS, HERE’S THE DEAL

A roundup of all the goodies and deals I’ve collected for you, dear upgraded subscriber: 🫶🏻

• Guac star: This might be the coolest thing you can order online. Perfectly, and I mean PERFECTLY, flawless avocados right to your door, and you can even pick the stage of ripeness. Get a free avocado with your first order at Davocadoguy, your freebie will be automatically added. 🥑🥑🥑

• Happy Snacking: My favorite low-carb, high protein snacks masquerade as classic favorites like Chex Mix and Nutter Butters at Catalina Crunch. Use the code ERICA20 at checkout for 20% off your first order!

• It’s Electric! If the buzz on the world’s first electric flosser has your interest piqued, head to Flaus and use the code SAM20 at checkout for 20% off your order!

• That’s Hot: Get the benefits of heat without the sunburn from our friends at Higher Dose

• 🧠 Brain Trust: If you are familiar with the brain-supporting benefits of nootropics, then you may be interested in checking out this new customizable kit from Thesis— Get 15% off your first order (subscription OR one-off) with the code ALLTOOWELLPOD

• What’s Cooler than cold plunge in BK: Bridge & tunnel rejoice! No need to cross the river when you can do it all at Recoverie Brooklyn. Use the code ERICA10 when booking for 10% off your first service.

• That Glow Tho: My favorite illuminating sunscreen is from Solara Suncare, a clean mineral-based formula that doesn’t leave a white mask behind but actually amps up the glow.  Get 20% OFF using the code ALLTOOWELL at checkout. 

• Sweatiest Cardio Workout in TX: Hive & Honey Austin’s Bounce & Sculpt class.  There is no way to not have fun bouncing on a mini-trampoline.  It lifts the spirits, it’s easy on your joints, and you will achieve all your high-intensity heart rate goals for the week.  Register online and use the promo code ALLTOOWELL for a FREE drop-in workout!

• Stay Gold: Turmeric supplements FTW. Fusionary Formulas offers one of the most potent blends on the market, and you can get 15% off your first order with the code ALLTOOWELL at checkout.

• I lovvvve LMNT stick packs for morning hydration, post-workout and delish mocktail/cocktails. Tasty flavors, balanced micronutrients and ZERO sugar. Pro tip: a little goes a long way, so one packet should last you for 3-4 servings. Use this link and get a free sample pack with your first purchase!

• Detox Your Home: Don’t get me started on environmental toxins in home cleaning products—seems like an oxymoron, no? For best in class products and information, head to Branch Basics, use the code ALLTOOWELL for 15% off Starter Kits and Hand Soap. 

Photo by Math on Unsplash