How many cups of coffee do you drink in a day? Whether you take a cup or 10 cups, you might be risking your health consciously or unconsciously. You could be drinking more than just caffeine in your coffee.
Before delving any further, it is worth of mention that coffee makers have made it possible for the coffee aficionado to enjoy quality coffee at their convenience. With a coffee maker, you can be a barista in your home. Doesn’t it sound great to be able to brew high-quality professional tasting coffee similar to the one served in your local café in just a few minutes?
Don’t get too excited yet. If you are one amongst those people who think that a coffee machine is the best invention made by man, then you are very wrong. Otherwise, what explanation would you give for cleaning your machine manually instead of the process being automatic? Speaking of which, cleaning should be done depending on the frequency of your use.
A coffee maker that is improperly cleaned regularly starts to develop harmful bacteria. Our bodies can cope with this germs but only up to a certain level. Beyond this level, they start causing illnesses. To prove this, a swab test conducted on 28 coffee machines by KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh, in Dallas, Pittsburgh, and Chicago. Results showed that millions of molds and harmful bacteria reside in coffee maker’s water tank, spout, drip tray and coffee pod compartment.
Mold is a highly toxic substance. As it spreads, it gives off spores that make our bodies sick. And if you have a weak immune system, mold sickness will come on harder and faster that it would normally.
Here are signs that your coffee could be making you sick
Bitter tasting coffee– The first sign that your coffee machine is contaminated is if your coffee is unusually bitter.
Allergies– When the mold spores pour in your coffee from a contaminated machine, they could cause sneezing or an allergy. It happens because mold in small doses, mold acts as an irritant.
Headaches, congestion, watery and itchy eyes and also skin irritation.
Gastrointestinal issues– If you are a coffee drinker, and are experiencing bloats, discomfort from gas, and diarrhea and vomiting, it could be your coffee causing it.
Respiratory infections such as chronic bronchitis, coughing up blood and sinus infection
Memory loss– While coffee is meant to keep you more alert that may not happen if it contains mold. High amounts of mold in your body are said to cause brain damage and consequently causing long term memory loss
If you notice any of the above symptoms, it could mean that your machine is contaminated. There are six things you need to do to prevent from getting sick
- Regularly clean your coffee machine
- Use white vinegar or baking soda to kill the germs in your coffee pot
- Avoid using tap water instead use filtered water for brewing
- Always make sure to change water after every use
- After brewing, it’s good to leave the lid off in order for your coffee maker to air out.