Does Sadhguru Drink Coffee?
In Hinduism, there are certain practices observed by a few practitioners, which is the abstention of drinking coffee as it is believed to have negative implications on one’s spiritual growth. One of them is Isha Foundation’s founder, Jaggi Vasudev, commonly known as Sadhguru. It is believed that Sadhguru does not consume coffee or any other such caffeinated product.
Sadhguru is the founder of Isha Foundation, an international non-profit organization that seeks to promote physical, mental and spiritual well-being through yoga, meditation and other spiritual activities. It is believed that Sadhguru’s abstention from drinking coffee comes from the principles of Hinduism. According to sources, Sadhguru believes that caffeine intake results in the depletion of certain natural elements within the brain and is – in effect – a form of energy depleting substance.
According to Professor Geeta Sharma, a reputed professor of ayurveda and yoga, it is believed that moderation is key in any form of consumption whether it is daily living or nutritional habits. If consumed in moderation, caffeine can be beneficial to body. However, too much consumption can harm one’s health. Professor Sharma further goes on to state that Sadhguru likely avoids coffee as he personally does not prefer caffeine.
Health benefits of not drinking coffee are numerous. According to experts, coffee consumption can adversely affect one’s sleep quality, create anxiety and mood swings, as well as cause dehydration. Additionally, coffee has also been linked to high blood pressure, osteoporosis and heart palpitations. It is said that individuals who do not consume coffee often have better overall health.
Sadhguru has not spoken about his abstention from coffee or any other caffeinated drinks. However, some Isha devotees have shared their experience with the Isha forum. According to one of the fan accounts, Sadhguru has said that “When you want to rest, don’t drink coffee because coffee is detrimental to rest.” This statement only goes to show that Sadhguru is, in fact, aware of the effects of coffee, and chooses not to consume it.
Beneficial Qualities of Not Drinking Coffee
According to health experts, coffee contains antioxidants, which can help to slow down the ageing process and increase lifespan. Despite coffee’s apparent health benefits, there are certain beneficial qualities of not drinking coffee that often gets overshadowed. For instance, abstaining from coffee can help individuals to improve their sleep quality, while those who drink coffee more than five times a day are three times more likely to experience difficulty falling asleep.
Not drinking coffee can also reduce anxiety and mood swings, as research suggests that it can increase cortisol levels, leading to a host of mental health issues. Additionally, abstaining from coffee can also reduce the risk of high blood pressure and heart palpitations as caffeine can spike blood pressure, thus posing a risk to one’s cardiovascular health.
High-caffeine drinks, such as coffee and energy drinks, are diuretics. This means that consuming high doses of caffeine-filled products can lead to dehydration. As such, those who abstain from coffee have been known to have better hydration levels. Moreover, studies also indicate that caffeine can affect calcium absorption, leading to the development of osteoporosis over time. Therefore, abstaining from it may help to preserve bone density.
It is true that long-term abstention from coffee may have its share of advantages. However, there is a certain degree of moderation that is necessary in order to ensure good health. As per certain sources, Sadhguru has hinted at preferring tea over coffee. But, he has not given any reasons why that is.
Positive Impacts ofTea
Tea, as mentioned by Sadhguru as a preferred beverage, also has several health benefits. “Tea” refers to both herbal and caffeinated teas. Professor Sharma states that herbal teas are often made with certain herbs and fruits that have holistic healing properties. For instance, lemongrass tea is said to have anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, these teas may also be beneficial for digestive problems and lack of appetite.
Caffeinated teas, on the other hand, provide some of the same benefits as coffee. Studies have shown that caffeine content in tea is low and does not have the same effects as that of coffee. Therefore, mild intake of caffeinated tea can aid in increasing cognitive performance, improving alertness and reducing stress levels. Due to such effects, some individuals consider it to be an excellent substitute to coffee.
That being said, the health benefits of tea depend on the kind of tea. According to medical experts, green and white tea are said to be effective against cancer, diabetes and heart ailments. Oolong and black tea, meanwhile, can reduce inflammation, decrease cholesterol levels and improve overall health. However, individuals should always check the ingredients of their tea before making a purchase.
Impacts of Tea on Mental Well-Being
Studies also suggest that both herbal and caffeinated tea can improve mental health. An array of psychoactive compounds such as caffeine and L-theanine is found in tea that can help with anxiety and stress management. According to Professor Sharma, caffeine often has a sedative effect on the body and can help in calming the mind of the drinker. In addition, caffeine also helps with increasing focus, motivation, and attention.
Caffeinated teas may also improve mental health and cognitive performance by enhancing brain functions. Chemical compounds present in tea, such as caffeine and L-theanine, may help delay age-related mental decline as well as improve reaction time, visual-spatial memory and alertness. Although these benefits are yet to be proven, the effects of tea on mental health are intriguing and worth further exploration.
Tea also has calming properties and has been used in various cultures and religious practices as a source of relaxation. According to some Isha devotees, Sadhguru is believed to have preferred tea as a more calming and healthy alternative to coffee. While Sadhguru has not spoken on how he chooses to modulate his caffeine consumption, there is some evidence that he may prefer herbal tea over caffeinated drinks.
Conclusion
Sadhguru does not consume coffee, and Isha devotees have reported that he has spoken about the detriments of coffee consumption. Although Sadhguru has not spoken about it, his abstinence from coffee is likely due to the principles of Hinduism. Furthermore, abstention from coffee can lead to several positive changes, such as improved sleep quality, reduction in anxiety and better hydration levels. While coffee has various health benefits, it can be counteracted by its potentially-harmful properties. To reap the most benefit, moderate consumption is vital.
Tea can be an alternative to coffee and may even provide improved physical and mental well-being. There are various kinds of tea available, with each having its own advantages. Green and white tea are said to be effective against cancer, diabetes and heart ailments, while oolong and black tea can reduce inflammation and improve health. Tea may also provide mental benefits, such as improved focus, attention, and reaction time. While Sadhguru has not spoken specifically about his choice of beverage, some believers have reported that he prefers herbal tea over coffee.
