Coffee For Life: How The Polyphenols In Coffee Might Promote Longevity

By Emma Loewe

mbg Contributor

Emma Loewe is the former Sustainability and Health Director at mindbodygreen. She is the author of "Return to Nature: The New Science of How Natural Landscapes Restore Us" and the co-author of "The Spirit Almanac: A Modern Guide To Ancient Self Care." Emma received her B.A. in Environmental Science & Policy with a specialty in environmental communications from Duke University. In addition to penning over 1,500 mbg articles on topics from the water crisis in California to the rise of urban beekeeping, her work has appeared on Grist, Bloomberg News, Bustle, and Forbes.

December 13, 2024

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Last year, the Blue Zones Netflix Documentary gave us a glimpse into the lives of some of the oldest people in the world. The show spanned from the highlands of the Mediterranean to the coasts of Central America, but there was one drink that appeared in wrinkled hands across the globe: You guessed it, coffee.

"In Nicoya, Costa Rica; Sardinia, Italy; and Ikaria, Greece, people live statistically longest. And they all drink coffee," Blue Zones founder Dan Buettner previously told mindbodygreen.

It's not a mere coincidence that some of the world's longest-lived people enjoy a daily cup of joe. Besides helping enhance energy and focus, coffee has been tied to a lower risk of premature death1 by heart disease and cancer. In one study on nearly 500,000 adults2, drinking up to eight cups of coffee (both decaf and caffeinated) a day was inversely associated with mortality.

Some research has found that habitual coffee drinking may reduce one's risk of Type 2 diabetes3 and obesity4.

So, what's behind coffee's longevity benefits? For starters, the caffeine in coffee can increase energy and reduce fatigue, which may help people stay more physically active5. It's also been shown to rev up metabolism6 and enhance fat burn7 in some cases.

But the fact that decaf has also been associated with a longer life span means there must be more to the brew's benefits than caffeine alone.

To get a full picture of what makes coffee healthy, you need to look at its polyphenols.

Meet coffee's wide array of polyphenols

Polyphenols are downright amazing compounds produced naturally in plants. Coffee plants are packed with thousands of phytochemicals8, which help protect them from being damaged by outside threats like insects, fungi, and diseases. Interestingly enough, when we eat (or drink) said plants, some of these protective mechanisms seem to be passed along to us, too.

The antioxidant polyphenols in coffee help protect our cells from free radicals and oxidative stress9 that damage them. Each class of polyphenol seems to have its own unique properties, and there's still a lot we have to learn about each one.

For example, chlorogenic acid, one of the most widely studied polyphenols, has been shown to improve cardiometabolic health10, as well as act as a central nervous system stimulator11. Ferulic acids have been found to reduce oxidative stress and improve inflammatory status12, while rosmarinic acid is being studied for its potential protective effect on the liver13. Other polyphenols of special interest to researchers include coumaric acid for mood support14 and caffeic acid for inflammation reduction15. In a good cup of coffee, all of these diverse plant compounds come together in a delicious way.

The volume and diversity of polyphenols will vary in different coffee products. That's because the roasting method, storage technique, and even brew type can all influence the composition of the final cup. Where and how coffee beans are grown also have a huge impact on their polyphenol count.

If you want to get the most benefits from your brew, it makes sense to choose a coffee that is grown and processed to protect these all-important plant compounds. clean coffee+ is one such blend.

mindbodygreen's new whole-bean coffee is organically grown in nutrient-dense soil and hand-picked at peak ripeness. It's then roasted and dried in a way that prevents mold and mycotoxins (which are surprisingly common in coffee) but promotes an impressive array of native polyphenols with antioxidant benefits for whole-body health. We know this because we rigorously tested the beans for mycotoxins, pesticides, and solvents, as well as total polyphenols.†

"If I'm going to drink coffee, I want to make sure I'm getting as much of those polyphenols as possible—it's like getting extra credit every time I make a cup," mindbodygreen's co-founder and co-CEO Jason Wachob writes of the product. "Our beans are grown and processed in a way that retains more of their beneficial plant compounds."

The careful production process also lends to a standout flavor: Rich, smooth, and slightly sweet, it's a blend that sippers everywhere are loving for much more than just its longevity perks.

The takeaway

Coffee is one of the most significant sources of polyphenols16 in the world, and these plant compounds give the brew some impressive health benefits. To take full advantage of them, look for beans that have tested high for polyphenols like mindbodygreen's clean coffee+.†

†Not detected or below detectable limits. mindbodygreen's clean coffee+ undergoes comprehensive, third-party lab testing in the USA for hundreds of purity, potency, and sensory tests. Rigorously tested for polyphenols, heavy metals, yeast, mold, bacteria, mycotoxins, pesticides, solvents, and more—our premium, whole coffee beans exceed industry-leading quality standards for potency, purity, and taste experience.

Vaut-il mieux manger des pâtes ou des pommes de terre ?

Ema N. Harris

Lieu : Californie (2025–aujourd'hui)L'auteur a 238 réponses et 10 M vues de réponse 1 an

Les pâtes et les pommes de terre sont toutes deux des sources de glucides, mais elles présentent des différences nutritionnelles qui peuvent influencer leur impact sur la santé. Le choix entre les deux dépend de vos besoins nutritionnels, votre mode de vie et vos objectifs alimentaires.

1️⃣ Apport en calories et en glucides 🔢

✅ Les pommes de terre (cuites à l’eau ou à la vapeur) sont naturellement plus légères, avec environ 70 kcal pour 100 g, contre 150 kcal pour 100 g de pâtes cuites.

✅ Les pâtes (surtout complètes) apportent plus de glucides complexes, offrant une énergie progressive.

2️⃣ Index glycémique (IG) 📊

⚠️ Les pommes de terre ont un IG plus élevé (surtout en purée ou frites), ce qui peut provoquer une montée rapide de la glycémie.

✔ Les pâtes al dente ont un IG plus bas, offrant une libération plus lente de l’énergie.

3️⃣ Fibres et micronutriments 🌱

🥔 Les pommes de terre contiennent plus de vitamines (C, B6) et de potassium, ce qui favorise la santé cardiaque et musculaire.

🍝 Les pâtes complètes sont plus riches en fibres, favorisant une meilleure digestion et une satiété prolongée.

4️⃣ Digestion et satiété 🍽️

✔ Les pâtes complètes sont plus rassasiantes grâce à leurs fibres.

✔ Les pommes de terre sont plus digestes et légères si elles sont consommées avec la peau et préparées sainement.

👉 Verdict : lequel choisir ?

🔹 Pour une énergie rapide et une digestion légère → Optez pour les pommes de terre cuites à l’eau ou au four.

🔹 Pour un apport plus durable et un meilleur contrôle glycémique → Préférez les pâtes complètes al dente.

➡ Le mieux ? Varier les deux en fonction de vos besoins et privilégier des modes de cuisson sains ! 🍽️😋

The Good Samaritan

October 5, 2026 Monday of the Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time Readings for Today Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos, Priest—USA Optional Memorial Saint Faustina Kowalska, Virgin—Optional Memorial

Image via Adobe Stock Video Jesus replied, “A man fell victim to robbers as he went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. They stripped and beat him and went off leaving him half-dead. A priest happened to be going down that road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. Likewise a Levite came to the place, and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight.” Luke 10:30–33 Jews viewed Samaritans as heretics, and Samaritans often harbored disdain for Jews. Though they shared a common faith in the Torah and the same lineage to Abraham, they were deeply divided over Temple worship. Jesus tells this parable in response to a question posed by a Jewish scholar of the Law, who quotes two key passages from the Torah that summarize its essence: the Shema, recited daily—“You shall love the LORD, your God, with your whole heart, and with your whole being, and with your whole strength” (Deuteronomy 6:5), and “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18). At that time, there was considerable debate among Jewish groups about the scope of the commandment to love one’s neighbor. The Pharisees typically interpreted “neighbor” as referring only to fellow Jews, particularly those who faithfully observed the Law. This narrow view allowed them to limit the demands of charity and to exclude Gentiles, Samaritans, and even fellow Jews considered sinners. In light of this debate, the scholar asks Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus does not engage the debate directly. He doesn’t limit who is considered a neighbor. Instead, He shows what it means to be a neighbor to all through the Parable of the Good Samaritan, in which He radically expands the concept by making a Samaritan the model of compassion. This would have shocked His audience. Samaritans were seen as religious outsiders and impure. By choosing a Samaritan as the example of true neighborly love, Jesus teaches that the call to charity must extend to all people without exception. Mercy—not ethnicity, religious identity, or social status—is the true measure of love. In identifying the true neighbor as a Samaritan, Jesus reveals the universal scope of divine charity and invites all who follow Him to imitate that same boundless compassion. Who is your neighbor? Your neighbor is anyone you encounter who is in need of mercy, compassion, or love. To be a neighbor in the sense Jesus teaches is to be moved with compassion and to act with generous love, even when it is inconvenient, uncomfortable, or countercultural. The Good Samaritan teaches us that true charity knows no boundaries and that eternal life is found not only in knowing the law, but in living it through concrete acts of mercy. This parable is not meant to inspire a vague or generalized love for others, but to challenge us to love in practical and concrete ways. The man who fell victim to robbers is a symbol of everyone around us who carries some form of need that we can help meet. For example, it may be the lonely elderly neighbor who needs a visit, the overwhelmed parent who could use encouragement, the co-worker struggling silently with anxiety, or the family member burdened by grief. Each of these is “half-dead” in some way—wounded emotionally, spiritually, or materially—and placed along our path not by chance, but by divine providence. Reflect today on those whom God has placed along your path. Who is “half-dead” and in need of your compassion? Who is wounded by loneliness, rejection, fear, or suffering? The first grace we need is the grace to truly see them: to notice their presence, to perceive their dignity as children of God, and to recognize the spiritual and moral duty we have to show love. Resolve to act, not out of obligation, but out of a heart moved by a mercy that reflects the very heart of Christ. Most merciful Lord, You are the true Good Samaritan, pouring the ointment of Your grace into our wounded souls for healing and relief. May I share in Your works of mercy by becoming a true neighbor to all in need. Help me to see the dignity of every person and to treat each one with the love that flows from Your Sacred Heart. Jesus, I trust in You.

The New Vineyard of Grace

October 4, 2026 Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A) Readings for Today

Your Word is a Light, by Lawrence OP, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0. Video Jesus said to them, “Did you never read in the Scriptures: The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; by the Lord has this been done, and it is wonderful in our eyes? Therefore, I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit.” Matthew 21:42–43 The Parable of the Wicked Tenants is rich in Old Testament imagery. The image of the vineyard comes from the Prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 5:1–7) and represents the people of Israel. The landowner is God, who, from the time of Abraham, has lovingly and intentionally cultivated His people. The hedge, tower, and winepress symbolize God’s providential care, protection, and the structure He established for their spiritual growth, respectively. The tenants are the religious elite of Israel who were entrusted with guiding the people in holiness. The servants sent by the landowner are the prophets—faithful messengers consistently rejected and mistreated. Finally, the son is Jesus Himself, sent by the Father as the culmination of His divine outreach. The parable ends in tragedy with the son’s murder. Yet from that tragedy arises a new beginning: “The kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit” (Matthew 21:43). Though Jesus was addressing the religious leaders of His time—the scribes, Pharisees, chief priests, Sadducees, and elders—His enduring promise of a new beginning speaks to us today. We are invited to be part of the people to whom God now entrusts His vineyard, the Church. Today, the hedge, winepress, and tower represent the Sacraments, the teaching authority of the Church, Sacred Scripture, and the communion of the faithful. God continues to cultivate His vineyard with great care, expecting it to bear fruit through our lives of holiness, fidelity, charity, and truth. Each of us, as members of the Body of Christ, is called to receive this trust with gratitude and to labor diligently for the Kingdom, never forgetting the price paid by the Son who was cast out and killed for our redemption. Sometimes, when we speak of “the Church,” we do so as if it were some distant institution. Our minds may turn immediately to the Vatican, the pope, or the local bishop. While these shepherds hold crucial and foundational roles within the vineyard, we need to understand the Church in a more encompassing way. To use the image from today’s parable, the vineyard and the fruit it is meant to bear are not equated exclusively with the tenants, the servants, the son, or even the landowner. The vineyard itself represents the entire people of God. The fruit it produces is the grace-filled witness of lives transformed by faith. This includes all of us: clergy, religious, and laity alike. Every member of the Church is a laborer in the vineyard, called to work together, under the guidance of Christ, the true Son, and to offer to the Father a rich harvest of justice, mercy, and truth. Reflect today on how to make this parable your personal calling. The Kingdom of God has been partly entrusted to you to be one who will labor for the salvation of souls—“people that will produce its fruit.” The work of evangelization is an ongoing and urgent mission. In what ways is God calling you to work in His Divine Vineyard? Is it through faithful prayer, by which the vines of grace are pruned and nourished? Is it through the work of harvesting, where you draw others to Christ by your words, your witness, and your works of love? Is it through quiet perseverance in suffering, offered in union with the Crucified One? However God calls you, do not delay. Receive His trust with humility, and labor with joy. The vineyard is His, but the fruit depends, in part, on you. My glorious King, You have called us to Yourself and made us members of Your Kingdom. You have also sent us forth to labor in the vineyard of Your Church and help draw many souls to Your Sacred Heart. Please reveal to me the role and mission You have entrusted to me. May I listen attentively to Your gentle commands and respond with a heart full of generosity and faith. May Your Church—of which I am a living member—continue to bear abundant fruit through the grace You pour forth. Jesus, I trust in You.

Are You Keeping Track Of Your Bathroom Visits? You Should Be

By Mercey Livingston

September 22, 2026

You know what “normal” looks like when it comes to your personal bathroom routine. But is your “normal” healthy? We have plenty of cultural assumptions about what “healthy” looks like, but digestive patterns can vary significantly from person to person. Even with the increase in focus on gut health, some of us aren’t yet connecting the dots between these everyday data points and the bigger picture.

So how can you better understand your baseline and what it means for your health?

It’s more helpful to understand your own personal baseline than to compare yourself to some arbitrary ideal. One way to find yours is by tracking your everyday bathroom routine with Kohler Health’s Dekoda.

 

How often should you really be having a bowel movement?

You may be wondering how often you should really be having a bowel movement. Every day? Multiple times a day? What about if you’re less regular than that?

It turns out that going every single day isn't necessarily the only marker of regularity. Research1 shows that having a bowel movement up to three times per day and as infrequently as three times a week is considered normal. So going every single day is certainly not a bad sign, but it’s not the only pattern that signals healthy digestion. 

Other than medical factors such as medications, digestive conditions, or IBS, there are several factors that can influence bowel movement frequency. 

What influences bowel movement frequency?

How often you have a bowel movement can truly vary from person to person. Research shows that several factors influence bowel movement frequency, including:

• Diet
• Exercise
• Gut microbiome
• Lifestyle factors

All of the factors above can influence frequency, but understanding your baseline and what consistency means in your routine matters. When you know your normal, you can get a better picture of what suboptimal means for you. This is why healthcare professionals will look for trends when they ask about your health—they are less interested in a one-time event (unless it’s extreme) than what your day-to-day looks like. 

What should healthy stool consistency look like?

Stool consistency may be something you haven’t spent much time thinking about (unless you’re feeling unwell). But it actually is an important detail to pay attention to when considering gut health and keeping tabs on your overall well-being. 

The Bristol Stool Form Scale is considered one of the health industry’s go-to tools for helping medical professionals (and everyday people) determine what to look for when understanding bathroom habits and evaluating stools for signs of health, or signs that something may be off and require expert guidance.

In general, per the Bristol Scale, stool types 1-2 (hard) are considered constipation, 3-4 are considered normal, healthy stools (that is, if you are passing type 3 or 4 stools at least 3 times per week, and no more than 3 times per day), and type 5-7 (too soft, mushy, or entirely liquid) are considered diarrhea. 

The biggest thing to look out for with stool consistency and form is what your normal looks like. It’s not necessarily a cause for concern if you occasionally deviate from type 3 or 4 stools. But if your normal stool is almost never or rarely a type 3 or 4, then that may warrant a conversation with your doctor.

How much variation is normal?

So, now you have an idea of what your normal looks like for you. What is considered normal variation and when do you know when it’s time to talk to your doctor if things seem off? 

Variation in your bathroom routine is not a cause for concern in itself. Life, travel, work, and stress can all affect your bathroom habits and routine–which is totally normal. Even everyday factors such as hydration, the food you eat, how much sleep you get, your workouts, and if you are sick or take any medications are all factors that can change your normal from time to time. 

Again, this is where better understanding your baseline is ideal, so you can track any changes over time and determine if there is a pattern forming to take note of. And if that pattern persists, then you can bring your concerns to a trusted healthcare provider.

What can your bathroom habits tell you about hydration?

Where your stool falls on the Bristol Stool Scale can be affected by your hydration level. Hydration is key for so many areas of well-being — it’s connected to focus, energy levels, performance, recovery, and more. In fact, hydration status is a key factor in determining your bathroom patterns. Taking a deeper look into these bathroom patterns can help give you more insight into your hydration levels, beyond simply counting how many glasses of water you had in a day.  

Why your personal baseline matters

There is a wide range of “normal,” which is why knowing your own patterns can be so valuable. Taking the steps to track your routines and gather data is one way to have better insights and tools to help you optimize your health. 

Empowering yourself with a better understanding of your baseline can make it easier to recognize meaningful changes and provide more useful information to discuss with a healthcare provider when appropriate.

The easier way to understand your “normal”

Kohler Health’s Dekoda is an intelligent bathroom device designed to help you establish and understand these patterns over time. Dekoda is a toilet-mounted health tracker that turns your everyday bathroom habits into empowering health insights. It was named a winner of Fast Company's 2026 Innovation by Design Awards in the Health and Wellness category, and has also earned a 2026 iF Design Award Gold and a Reviewed Editor's Choice designation.

Dekoda can help you track key bathroom health signals without requiring you to manually log every visit, which means it’s a passive and efficient way to gather data and translate that data into personalized trends and insights through the Kohler Health app.

Dekoda monitors your everyday bathroom activity for patterns and trends. It can monitor hydration status, spot digestive patterns, and alert you if there are any signs of blood in your stool. 

The takeaway 

We spend a lot of time trying to figure out whether our health metrics measure up to what's considered “normal.” 

When it comes to digestive health, one of the most useful benchmarks may be the one your own body establishes over time. That’s why using a tool like Kohler Health’s Dekoda can be a powerful part of a proactive approach to your everyday health. 

Don’t flush away valuable information that can give you better insight into your health. Why not use this information to help give you a better picture of your digestive health over time?

A 2.3M-Case Analysis Found This Unexpected Cancer Risk Factor.

By Zhané Slambee

October 01, 2026

An HPV vaccine can feel like protection against an infection. A hepatitis B shot can feel like another routine vaccine.

And a screening test might just seem like one more appointment to check off your list. But these forms of preventive care can also help lower your risk of certain cancers.

In a recent analysis1, researchers looked at how much of the world's cancer burden could be linked to infections. The findings highlight an often-overlooked part of cancer prevention.

About the analysis

Researchers used global cancer data to estimate how many new cancer cases in 2024 could be attributed to 12 infectious agents known to cause cancer in humans. The analysis included bacteria, viruses, and parasites and examined differences by country, sex, age, and region.

Importantly, this doesn't mean an infection directly caused every individual cancer case in the analysis.

Researchers estimated the proportion of cancer cases in the population that could be attributed to these infections based on established evidence linking them to cancer.

2.3 million cancer cases were linked to infections

The analysis estimated that 2.3 million new cancer cases worldwide in 2024 were attributable to infections. That's about 12% of all new cancer cases, or roughly 1 in 8.

That's where prevention comes in. Some of these infections can be prevented through vaccination, while others can be detected early through testing and, in some cases, treated.

Addressing an infection earlier can create an opportunity to reduce its long-term consequences.

RELATED READ: Is This The Best Supplement For Energy?

A few ways to lower your risk

You don't need to completely change your health routine. A few familiar preventive-care steps can help:

• Check your vaccine status: HPV and hepatitis B vaccines can prevent infections associated with several cancers. If you're unsure whether you're vaccinated or need another dose, ask a health professional.
• Stay current with screening: Cervical cancer screening can detect HPV-related changes before they develop into cancer. Depending on your health history and risk factors, testing for H. pylori, HBV, or HCV may also be appropriate.
• Ask about testing: If you have risk factors for one of these infections or aren't sure whether you've been tested, bring it up at your next appointment. Some infections can be treated or managed, potentially reducing their long-term health consequences.

The takeaway

Some cancer prevention starts long before cancer is on the radar. Vaccination, screening, and timely treatment can help reduce the impact of several infections tied to millions of cases worldwide.