Background and Perspective of Amish Coffee Consumption
Amish people, who are members of the Anabaptist group of the Mennonite church, observe a strict lifestyle that shuns modern technology and conveniences – this includes the consumption of coffee. The Amish lifestyle is based on the teachings of the bible, and participants strive to lead a pious life rooted in simplicity, humility and hard work. Coffee, being a widespread, imminently available food item, does not fit into such an ideal.
The Amish notion of “rumspringa” – which is the period of rebellion in teenage years – is the closest to any form of coffee consumption by Amish people, where teens often experiment with alcohol, drugs and coffee, while supervised by the community. Despite that, Amish adults still partake very little in the consumption of any kind of caffeinated beverages and some abstain from them entirely, citing health-related or religious beliefs.
It is also important to note that, while coffee is prohibited to some extent, most Amish communities also have their own interpretation of the church’s teachings. According to 2015 figures, out of the 325,000 Amish people living in the United States, around 50% consume coffee on a regular basis.
Coffee History and Caffeine Consumption
Coffee’s popularity can be traced back to the 15th century, when it first began to be cultivated in Yemen and Ethiopia, before being introduced to Europe in the 17th century. Since then, coffee has been a widespread popular source of caffeine and is increasingly consumed worldwide.
The effects of caffeine – a stimulant that can help focus and alter mental states – have been studied in depth and it is suggested that moderate coffee consumption (1-2 cups per day) can have positive effects on cognition, mood and concentration.
What are the Benefits of Caffeine?
When taken in small quantities, caffeine may have mild positive effects on short-term memory, reaction time and alertness, as well as decreasing stress and improving overall mood. Long-term positive effects of coffee consumption include reduced risk of some chronic diseases, such as liver cancer and type 2 diabetes and lower risk of depression and suicide.
However, it is important to bear in mind that the effects of caffeine are dose-dependent. Caffeine overdose can result in physical and psychological intolerance.
Moral and Health Perspectives on Coffee and the Amish Lifestyle
The moral objection to coffee consumption stems from Amish doctrine, which states that any worldly deviations from the Bible’s teachings are “ungodly”. Consequently, the consumption of “worldly goods” – such as coffee – has been discouraged by the Amish community.
When it comes to health-related perspectives, Amish believe that their diet should be naturally-infused and not rely too heavily on processed goods or items that are not produced by their own people. This explains why many Amish do not consume soft drinks, mass-produced dairy products, or fast food.
Health Research Concerning Amish Coffee Consumption
Interestingly, a comprehensive health-related 2018 study showed that some Amish groups do consume coffee and that their level of consumption does not significantly impact their health. For example, when compared to those who do not consume coffee, those who drank one to three cups of coffee per day had a slightly lower risk of hypertension and coronary heart disease.
On the contrary, those who drank four to six cups of coffee per day had a higher risk of hypertension, while those who drank seven or more cups of coffee had an even higher risk of cardiovascular problems.
Behavioral Aspects of Caffeine Consumption
In addition, behavioral studies have shown that coffee consumption in Amish people can have both positive and negative effects. Those who consume more than the recommended amount of coffee per day – four to five cups – could become more susceptible to anxiety, depression and other mental health issues.
However, the factors that contribute to behavioral consequences in humans are often intertwined with genetics, environment, lifestyle and socio-economic status, thus making it extremely difficult to isolate and pinpoint the influence of coffee alone.
Cultural Aspects of Coffee Consumption
When it comes to cultural aspects of coffee consumption, it is important to note that some Amish communities tend to view coffee as a more acceptable beverage than alcohol or other stimulants. This is especially true for “Sunday mornings” when a number of Amish families will gather to drink coffee and converse, often above board with the church’s elders.
Discussion and Debates
Despite various perspectives and opinions on the matter, it is still widely debated whether coffee consumption is healthy or acceptable in an Amish lifestyle. This is mainly due to the discrepancies between the church’s teachings and the fact that some communities take advantage of modern technology, while at the same time being opposed to it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the amount of coffee consumed or abstained from is up to the individuals and families within the Amish lifestyle. It all depends on their personal interpretation of the church’s teachings and the example that they would like to leave for their children.
