Coffee – what’s really in it? Poles drink it every day

It’s not just the well-known effects of an overdose of caffeine. The problem is different: coffee beans can contain dangerous toxins with a complex and harmful effect on our health. This does not mean that we should give up coffee. However, it is worth buying grains from a reliable source (the presence and concentration of toxins depends, among others, on the pesticides used on a given plantation), and not overdo it with the number of cups you drink every day. These are the substances that may be present in the black, stimulating infusion.

It is a dangerous mycotoxin, a toxic compound produced by fungi, mainly orange squash and brushwood species. Unintentionally, we meet with them relatively often, because they (but not only) are responsible for the formation of mold on food products. When we see a characteristic scum on food, we usually get rid of it as a matter of urgency. For some products, however, we do not have this option, because the molds they contain are invisible to the naked eye. This may be the case with coffee. The main source of mold in grains are the husks, under which a dangerous coating accumulates. They are removed during the coffee processing process, but some ochratoxin passes into the final product. One study found this compound in 13 out of 25 commercial green coffee samples. Ochratoxin A is mutagenic, toxic to the kidneys, and animal studies confirm its carcinogenicity.

It is the main weapon in the fight against the coffee tree bark beetle – one of the largest pests in coffee plantations. Endosulfan, like the famous DDT, is an organochlorine pesticide. It accumulates in the natural environment, as well as in the organisms of animals and humans. Due to its harmfulness, it has been banned in over 80 countries around the world, incl. in the countries of the European Union and the United States. In 2013, its use was banned by Brazil, the largest coffee producer in the world. Unfortunately, it is still in use in many other countries. Among others, India, which is one of the largest consumers of this substance – and the seventh largest producer of coffee in the world. Endosulfan is a very dangerous agent. It is responsible for a significant proportion of deaths in pesticide poisoning. It is a neurotoxin for both insects and mammals, including humans. It is also a xenoestrogen that causes disorders of the endocrine system. It is also suspected of being carcinogenic, although it has not been clearly proven.

It is also an organochlorine compound with a long half-life. Its residues in the soil are detected even 14 years after its application. It is classified as a persistent organic pollutant (POP), i.e. substances capable of spreading in the environment and accumulating in the adipose tissue of animals and humans. Heptachlor is used as an insecticide, incl. by Colombian coffee growers. Its safety has been questioned since the 60s, but the relationship is still used – albeit to a limited extent in many countries. For example, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) allows its use only for … combating anthills in underground transformer stations. Heptachlor is extremely difficult to remove from contaminated food. Research shows that roasting coffee seeds helps get rid of only 0,72 percent of the fat. this relationship. Heptachlor is known to increase the risk of developing diabetes and has carcinogenic and neurotoxic properties.

A fungicide used in various branches of agricultural production. It is used to fight rust – fungi that cause havoc, among others on coffee plantations in Central America. Their increased activity is related to climate change and contributes to the increase in coffee prices on world markets. Research shows that triadimhephon is toxic to the liver and thyroid gland. It also disturbs the estrogen metabolism, which may have a negative impact, above all, on women’s health. It is also known that this compound adversely affects reproductive health. It is also suspected of having a neurotoxic effect. It has also been classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans. However, most of the concerns associated with the use of triadimhephon are related to its effects on fetal health and the development of birth defects. This is confirmed by animal studies. In humans, chronic exposure to medium or high concentrations of this substance may lead to such consequences.

Decaf coffee advocates are even more of a concern. They must add dichloromethane (methylene chloride) to the above register of harmful compounds. It is a substance used in the decaffeination process, i.e. removing caffeine from coffee beans. Previously, a liquid called trichloroethene was used for this purpose. However, studies have shown that it has strong narcotic and carcinogenic properties. The problem is that dichloromethane is also not indifferent to human health. Studies in laboratory animals have shown that it may affect the development of cancer of the lungs, liver and pancreas, as well as breast and salivary glands. This substance can also cause heart problems in people with cardiovascular diseases, as well as nervous system ailments and skin diseases. Although the concentrations of dichloromethane in coffee are very low, its effect on health may depend on the individual sensitivity of the body.