Do Seventh Day Adventists Drink Coffee?
Coffee consumption is one of the most popular beverage traditions across the world. It is made from roasted coffee beans and has an average of 95mg of caffeine per cup. For some it is an essential part of life and a definable factor to starting their day in the right way. It is ingrained in our societies and cultures.
For the Seventh Day Adventists, the consumption of coffee is a contentious topic. Roots of the movement originate from the early 19th century, in which the Sabbath was a central part of its teachings. Practices, such as abstaining from caffeine, are a part of the lifestyle of a Seventh Day Adventists. Therefore, the questions remain: do Seventh Day Adventists drink coffee?
It is important to note that Seventh Day Adventists hold no official doctrine on coffee consumption which maintains the view that it is not “a matter of salvation”. The church does not explicitly prohibit the consumption of coffee, rather makes recommendations based on their beliefs. This can be seen to allow members the freedom to make their own decision on coffee consumption. Taking this side of the church into consideration, it can be said that it is possible for some Seventh Day Adventists to drink coffee.
To be able to fully understand what is and is not recommended by Seventh Day Adventists, it is important to look into the beliefs of the church. Considerations such as physical and spiritual health, as well as clean habits lead the church to make the following recommendations. Moderation in caffeine consumption, as well as refraining from all other non-alcoholic stimulants is a key part of their doctrine. The church advises against the use of tea, caffeinated drinks and drugs.
In terms of physical health, Seventh Day Adventists often abstain from caffeine and other non-alcoholic stimulants as it can create long-term effects on the health of adherents – such as headaches, tremors, high blood pressure and digestive discomfort. In terms of spiritual health, their preference is for ‘clean lifetstyles’ – meaning that members abstain from any substances that may alter their natural and spiritual states – including the likes of tobacco, alcohol and stimulants.
Thus, it is clear that whilst Seventh Day Adventists do not explicitly prohibit their adherents from consuming coffee, they do advise their members to look into their own lifestyle and make decisions based on considerations of physical and spiritual health. These considerations lead those within the church to either choose to drink coffee in moderation, or refrain entirely.
Alternative Cafes and Restaurants
Those who decide to abstain from coffee do not have to miss out on the atmosphere of a cafe. In recent years, there has been an increasing number of alternative cafes and restaurants that provide cozy, cafe-like atmospheres, but without anywhere near the same levels of caffeine. Drinks such as mate and guarana can be enjoyed for their therapeutic effects and their variety of health benefits.
More and more establishments are finding ways to offer their customers alternative and healthier options to their usual coffee-based menu. For those looking for caffeine-free options, smoothies and juices can be a delectable alternative. Many cafes, restaurants and bars are finding new and inventive ways to keep their menus interesting and to meet the needs of all of their customers.
Cafe and restaurant owners are seeing real success in appealing to those who prefer non-caffeinated drinks and snacks. Many entrepreneurs have decided to embrace the growing trend, and are serving drinks such as turmeric lattes and yerba mate to meet the demands of their customers. This is yet another sign of how quickly the world is shifting to have healthier diets and a healthier lifestyle.
In the cafe-loving society of today, alternative cafes and restaurants can be an invaluable option for those who don’t wish to consume caffeine, but still want to enjoy the atmosphere of a coffee shop. From smoothies to juices, there is an ever-expanding range of coffee-free options available in cafes, restaurants and bars.
The Rise of the Coffee Alternative
Of course, alternative drinks don’t just have to be enjoyed in a cafe – they can be enjoyed anywhere. In recent years, many coffee alternatives have been growing in popularity on their own. Drinks like herbal tea and hot cocoa are still great tasting, but also caffeine free. These days, it’s easy to find herbal teas that come in a variety of flavors and styles, making it easy to tailor to individual tastes.
While traditional coffee is still popular, it is clear that coffee alternatives are growing in popularity. Those who prefer a caffeine-free lifestyle are turning to alternative drinks to satisfy their cravings. One of the biggest draws of these alternatives is that they are free of caffeine, so those who choose them can still have the same sensory pleasure of coffee without the same unpleasant side effects.
Cocoa is in many aspects a great coffee alternative. Not only does it contain none of the uncomfortable reactions caused by coffee, but it is also known to boost one’s concentration and alertness without the jolt. It also contains high amounts of antioxidants, which can help protect the body from metabolic diseases.
Herbal teas, the well-known favourite of tea-lovers, is also a great alternative to traditional coffee. With its rich history across various cultures, herbal teas come in various tastes and flavours, as well as in both hot and cold forms. Most herbal teas also contain medicinal benefits, like an improvement to sleep quality or overall general health.
The Organic Movement
Organic coffee has become increasingly popular in recent years, as more and more people are turning to organic and healthier alternatives. This has led to organic coffees becoming available on a much wider scale, making them accessible to more people than ever before.
Organic coffees offer a healthier alternative to regular coffee, as they are naturally balanced and free from many of the harmful substances and chemicals that can be found in other types. Organic coffees also allow drinkers to reduce their caffeine intake without sacrificing the taste of a regular cup of coffee.
Organic coffees can also introduce a variety of new flavours and aromas to the coffee-drinking experience. Alternatively, for those who wish to fully abstain from caffeine, there are many caffeine-free organic varieties on offer. These range from decaffeinated bean-based coffees, to herbal-based drinks such as berry-based teas.
The demand for healthier and organic alternatives to coffee has undoubtedly raised the bar for coffee-drinkers. Organic coffee is becoming a more and more attractive option, as people are looking for healthier and tastier alternatives to the traditional cup of joe.
Benefits of Abstinence
Coffee carries with it side effects such as headaches and sleeping difficulties, as well as the feeling of increased anxiety and stress. Coffee acts as a stimulant, so those who are sensitive to caffeine may find it necessary to adopt a lifestyle without coffee. Those who abstain from coffee can still enjoy the atmosphere of a cafe, and the social bond that comes with it, whilst also avoiding all the associated anxieties and stresses.
Alternative drinks can offer a range of health benefits that can help ease everyday stress, and support a healthy lifestyle. Guarana and mate, for example, have a energising effect due to their naturally occuring caffeine content, but fewer of the potential side effects that can come with regular caffeine-based beverages.
Cold-pressed juices also offer a great range of health benefits. As they are extracted from real fruits and vegetables, they are full of highly beneficial vitamins and minerals, whilst still being a caffeine-free alternative to coffee. The natural sweetness of these drinks can often be a great substitute for sugar-based drinks.
Whilst coffee is undoubtedly a popular choice for many, those who decide to opt for an alternate lifestyle often find that the decision pays off. Lower consumption of caffeine has been linked to better mental and physical health, as well as more alertness during the day. Abstaining from coffee completely can also reduce caffeine cravings and increase the body’s natural ability to sleep.
Final Thoughts
The Seventh Day Adventists have a clear position on coffee consumption and suggest the importance of moderation to those within the church. Whilst they do not explicitly prohibit coffee consumption, their doctrine of a ‘clean lifestyle’ and their considerations of physical and spiritual health lead them to recommend abstinence. For those who do choose to drink coffee, organic varieties can provide a healthier alternative.
There are many options for coffee-drinkers who decide to reduce or eliminate caffeine from their lifestyles. Alternative drinks and establishments allow those to enjoy the atmosphere whilst still abstaining from coffee. There are many health benefits involved in abstaining from caffeine, and those who make the transition often find that it pays off.
