According to Wikipedia, “Non-dairy creamers are liquid or granular substances intended to substitute for milk or cream as an additive to coffee or other beverages.  They do not contain lactose and are therefore not considered dairy products……”.   These so called “dairy substitutes” contain sodium caseinate, corn syrup or other sweeteners and flavorings, and partially hydrogenated soybean oil.  What I do know about these is you don’t have to store them in the refrigerator.  That always scares me.  Like that yellow cheese my Mom used to make grilled cheese when we were kids that was stored on the shelf!

Let’s break down these ingredients and then you can decide for yourself if you’d like to continue using them for your coffee.

On nutrition labels, the ingredients are listed in order, from the greatest amount contained in the product to the least amount.  The principal ingredients in all non-dairy creamers are sugars and vegetable oils.  In powdered “milk”, the first ingredient is corn syrup solids.  This is dried corn syrup, the same ingredient found in soft drinks and processed food that is one of the causes of obesity in children and adults.  This ingredient accumulates in the liver and has a direct effect on our triglycerides, sending them straight up.  A good boost first thing in the morning, no?  NO!

Partially hydrogenated soybean oil is next.  This is a trans fat.  Even though the label states “0g of trans fat”.  The labeling laws say if a product has less than .5g of trans fats per serving, the manufacturer can claim there are NO trans fats in it.  Manufacturers make their serving size small enough so they can claim “no trans fats”.  This would benefit the food industry, not your health.  Not only do these chemicals boost your triglycerides, but also increase your chances of cancer, heart disease, high cholesterol, and liver disease from hydrogenated soybean oil, the most highly processed, genetically modified oil on the market.

Sodium caseinate is a milk protein, but does not contain lactose.  According to Vegparadise News Bureau, “The sodium caseinate’s purpose is to provide a hint of dairy flavor as well as to create a thickening and whitening for a creamy look and feel.  Sodium caseinate is obtained from fresh and pasteurized skim milk by acid coagulation of the casein, neutralization with sodium hydroxide, and drying in a spray dryer.”  Even though the label reads “non-dairy”, the label also reads, “milk derivative” and states it “contains: milk, soy“.  Sodium caseinate is actually a glue used to put a label on a bottle of beer.  Also the glue that holds together wood furniture.  Your body sees this casein as a foreign protein and you produce histamines that end up as mucus.

Not convinced yet to read more of your food labels?  Dry, non-dairy creamers are also flammable.  The powdered substance becomes dispersed in the air and a small spark can set fire to it.  The rest of the label is hardly pronounceable.  We all know that if we can’t pronounce it, it probably isn’t good for us.  Oh, and the shelf life of these products?  Two years!  Be a label reader.  Be proactive.

Just found this song by Third Eye Blind, the chorus is, “So what’s it going to be?  Are you real to me?  Or are you nondairy creamer?”

Let me tell you something. Coffee comes from God. There’s no two ways about it. That’s probably why, when I roll out of bed, I head straight for the coffee maker instead of hitting my knees. And lo my morning prayer/meditation routine doesn’t really get started until I’ve had at least half a cup. You see, it’s that sixth sense guiding me to help pry my third eye open so that I may commune more completely with… Or maybe I’m just an addict. Regardless, if you’re a coffee fiend like me, you’ve got nothing to be ashamed of. And yes, I’m happy to say, your health can even benefit from the beverage of that divine bean.

So, in addition to its incredible taste, clearing the fog of sleep, and making everything good come your way, what exactly can coffee do to assist in a healthy lifestyle? I’m glad you asked. For starters it can lower your risk of diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and colon cancer. It can lift your mood, treat headaches and even lower your risk of cavities.

Sound too good to be true? Well researchers with very big brains at Harvard don’t think so. After analyzing data on 126,000 people for as long as 18 years, they determined that one to three cups of caffeinated coffee daily can reduce diabetes risk by single digits AND having six cups or more each day slashed men’s risk by 54% and women’s by 30%. And that’s just one of hundreds of studies suggesting that coffee may be something of a health food — especially in higher amounts.

Over six studies have shown that people who drink coffee on a regular basis are up to 80% less likely to develop Parkinson’s, with three showing the more they drink, the lower the risk. Other research shows that compared to not drinking coffee, at least two cups daily can translate to a 25% reduced risk of colon cancer, an 80% drop in liver cirrhosis risk, and nearly half the risk of gallstones. There’s also evidence that coffee may help manage asthma and control attacks when medication isn’t available.

Is it a miracle? I think so. But there are scientific reasons for all this good as well. Oddly enough many of coffee’s benefits are a direct result of its high caffeine content. There is very strong evidence that the risk reduction for Parkinson’s disease is directly related to caffeine and in fact, based on this evidence, some Parkinson’s drugs are now being developed that contain a derivative of caffeine. Caffeine is also what helps in treating asthma and headaches and it can also be a powerful aid in enhancing athletic endurance and performance. It stimulates the brain and nervous system making you more alert and boosting concentration. A study in Brazil even found that children who drink coffee with milk each day are less likely to have depression than other children.

Be cautious however and pay attention to what your own body says. In some, coffee can increase nervousness, hand trembling, and cause rapid heartbeat. Coffee may also raise cholesterol levels and contribute to artery clogging. But most recent large studies show no significant adverse effects on most healthy people. (Pregnant women, heart patients, and those at risk for osteoporosis may still be advised to limit or avoid coffee.)

Another reason for all these incredible health benefits comes from the fact that coffee is loaded with antioxidants, some of which become especially potent during the roasting process. A certain group of antioxidant compounds called quinines, when administered to lab rats increased their insulin sensitivity which partially explains why studies have shown that those drinking decaf coffee but not tea beverages also showed a reduced diabetes risk (though it was about half as much as those drinking caffeinated coffee). Another Italian study showed that another compound called trigonelline, which gives coffee its aroma and bitter taste, has both antibacterial and anti-adhesive properties which is what helps to prevent dental cavities from forming.

Halleluja! I think I’ll have another cup.

Be Well,

Juicy Josh

877MyJuicer.com