Photo of organic coffee beans in a bag next to a cup of coffee. Jpg.

Learn the health benefits of organic coffee and why it may be worth switching from your usual brew.

You wake up to the sun rising on the horizon. Another glorious day ahead.

But first (as they say…) coffee.

Ahh…the smell, the taste, the sweet, sweet caffeine…your morning cup is always a welcome companion.

Then suddenly, a familiar nagging thought sets in: “Is this stuff even good for me?”

Well, friend, we have some good news. Coffee is good for you! Especially when it’s organic coffee.

And Aethereal Coffee is here to prove it, once and for all. In case we haven’t met, we’re an award-winning fair-trade organic coffee brand based in Palmer, Alaska – and we’re passionate about organic coffee.

In fact, we believe that organic coffee is so important that we only buy and sell organic. Nothing else will do.

We’re also passionate about educating coffee lovers worldwide about the benefits of organic coffee and what it can bring to your life.

Are you ready for peace of mind with that morning Joe? Let’s dive in.

What is Organic Coffee?

First, let’s take a look at what organic coffee is.

To get the coveted “organic” label, the coffee farmers who grow your beans must meet three main criteria.

1. Organic Coffee Can’t Contain Any Synthetic Chemicals or GMO’s

Organic coffee is grown without using:

Synthetic pesticides
Herbicides
Fertilizers

Instead, farms use natural methods to manage their crop, including:

Compost
Manure
Agroforestry (which means growing coffee under shade trees to provide protection from birds and insects.)
Crop rotation
Hand-weeding… and more!

…ALL to enrich the soil and decrease pests.

2. Organic Coffee Must Be Certified

For coffee to be called organic, it must be certified by recognized organizations like the USDA Organic and EU Organic, which ensures it meets strict organic standards, such as prohibiting the use of synthetic pesticides, chemicals, and genetically modified organisms, commonly referred to as GMOs.

Organic farms are visited regularly by third-party certifiers to maintain their standing, and then organic coffee brands purchase directly from the farm and roast the beans. Brands like us!

3. Organic Coffee Farmers Practice Environmental Sustainability

Organic coffee farms must also engage in sustainability practices to receive the organic label. These include things like:

Enhancing soil health
Reducing pollution
And encouraging biodiversity

The absence of synthetic chemicals also helps protect surrounding ecosystems and wildlife.

Because organic coffee farms rely on more natural methods to produce your coffee, it usually increases labor costs. That’s why you usually see a higher price tag for a bag of organic coffee beans.

So, is that higher price tag worth it? Or are you just paying for a label?

We've spelled out the benefits of drinking organic coffee for you here, and YOU can decide if it's worth its weight in gold!

Coffee beans lined up like a heart on red background. Jpg.

Health Benefits of Organic Coffee

Did you know that coffee is one of the healthiest beverages in the world?

Many scientists say that coffee has wrongly been identified as a stimulant – and should actually be considered a health beverage. [1] Pretty cool, right?

In fact, consuming any type of coffee in moderation can lower the risk of certain diseases, including Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. [2]

Coffee drinking may also:

- Reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by improving your insulin sensitivity

- Support your heart health by potentially reducing the risk of stroke

When it comes to the health benefits of organic coffee vs conventional coffee, both offer many of the same benefits. But organic coffee offers even more.

While all coffee has the benefits listed above, here’s where things start to get exclusive with organic coffee. Because the truth is: Not all coffee is equal.

Here’s where the health benefits of organic coffee really stand out: Organic coffee contains more antioxidants than conventionally grown coffee. [1]

If you don’t know what antioxidants are, we’re about to break it down for you.

Antioxidants are special substances in foods that help protect your body from getting worn out or damaged by things that can hurt your cells. Having more antioxidants is undoubtedly a good thing!

The reason why organic coffee has more of them has to do with the organic growing process. Because organic coffee doesn’t use synthetic pesticides, coffee plants develop stronger natural defenses, leading to higher levels of antioxidants.

Think of it as the organic coffee plant having super-immunity and then passing those benefits onto you.

Coffee Antioxidants: What They Can Do For You

1. Reduce Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress is the stress your body feels when it has too many free radicals floating around. Free radicals are cells that can damage your body if there are too many of them.

Free radicals are found in all bodies but can multiply under poor conditions, including pollution, sun damage, smoking, unhealthy eating, and too much stress. Antioxidants, like the ones found in organic coffee, can help to neutralize the free radicals that can lead to chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease.

2. Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Antioxidants also have anti-inflammatory properties, which can lower the risk of inflammation-related conditions such as arthritis and other inflammatory disorders.

If you’ve been struggling with chronic pain or discomfort, incorporating a morning cup of organic coffee into your diet could be a natural step toward relief.

3. Cardiovascular Health

By improving blood vessel function and reducing blood pressure, these antioxidants support heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

However, too much organic coffee may lead to increased heart rate and higher blood pressure. So, if you have heart problems, be sure tow watch your caffeine intake.

4. Neuroprotective Benefits

Antioxidants have been shown to protect brain cells from damage, potentially lowering the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Studies have also shown that antioxidants found in coffee can improve your focus, concentration, and mental sharpness. [3]

5. Improved Gut Health

Antioxidants support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, contributing to a healthier digestive system and improved overall gut health.

However, too much caffeine can irritate your stomach, so enjoy your organic coffee in moderation.

6. Anti-Cancer Properties

Antioxidants may even help inhibit the growth of cancer cells and reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. [4]

It’s clear that antioxidants found in coffee, and especially in organic coffee, can positively benefit your health. No, “ifs, ands, or buts” about it.

Photo of four different cups of coffee. Jpg.

So, Why Does Coffee Have a Bad Rap?

With all these health benefits, you may wonder why coffee has gotten such a bad rap, and here’s the truth:

Like everything else in life, coffee must be enjoyed in moderation.

If you’re drinking 4-6 cups daily, you’ll probably experience the negative effects of coffee. Things like increased blood pressure, rapid a heart rate, or insomnia (from all the caffeine!)

Additionally, as the body of research around coffee continues to grow, coffee’s reputation continues to evolve – and it’s good news for coffee lovers. In fact, a 2024 study out of China shows that moderate amounts of caffeine may enhance cardiovascular health. [5]

To sum it up, coffee has a lot of benefits – and organic coffee supercharges them. So go ahead, treat yourself!

Now that you know about the health benefits of organic coffee, let’s get to the fun stuff and talk about flavor.

Do Organic Coffee Brands Have Better Flavor?

If you aren’t already sold on the health benefits, let’s take a deep dive into flavor.

In the same way that the natural growing methods enhance the health benefits of your organic coffee, they also enhance the flavor.

Since organic coffee brands only sell coffee that isn’t grown without the use of pesticides or GMOs, it helps the natural flavor of the beans shine through.

Richness: Organic coffee tends to have a richer flavor profile, with more pronounced and layered notes, thanks to the nutrient-dense soil and natural growing conditions that enhance the development of complex flavors.

Freshness: The focus on quality and traditional processing methods often results in fresher-tasting coffee, as organic producers typically prioritize freshness from farm to cup.

Balanced Acidity: Many organic coffee brands are praised for their balanced acidity, contributing to a smoother, more enjoyable drinking experience without harsh or bitter undertones.

Full-Bodied Taste: Organic coffee often delivers a full-bodied taste, with a satisfying mouthfeel and lingering finish, making each sip more enjoyable.

These characteristics make organic coffee a preferred choice for those who appreciate a more refined and natural coffee flavor.

At Aethereal Coffee, we work directly with organic coffee farmers from some of the tastiest growing regions of the world and then air-roast your coffee to ensure you’re getting the most vibrant flavor profile out there. That’s probably why we keep winning awards. 😉

Should I Drink Organic Coffee?

So, if you’ve been asking yourself, “What is Organic Coffee, Anyway?” Now you know.

We think you SHOULD drink organic coffee.

After all, it’s better for the planet, better for your health, and tastes better too!

Whether you’re:

- A seasoned coffee connoisseur looking for the best fair trade organic coffee on the internet

- Or, you’re ready to try your first-ever bag of organic coffee…

we have a soul-warming bag of beans waiting for you here at Aethereal.

Do you prefer a more bold and soulful flavor? Try our beans from Sumatra!

Perhaps hints of raspberry and brown sugar fit your morning vibe? Check out our beans from Peru.

No matter which one you try, your coffee is air-roasted within 3-5 days after you place your order so you always get freshly air-roasted beans. Always fresh. Always organic.

Check out all of the different flavors in our store, and we’ll ship you a bag right away!

Shop

Organic Coffee FAQs:

Is organic coffee better for you?

Yes! Studies have shown that organic coffee is better for you than conventionally grown coffee.

What is the healthiest coffee brand?

Coffee brands that purchase their beans from certified organic coffee farms are definitely a good option if you’re looking for a healthy cup of joe. We consider ourselves a healthy coffee brand because we only source our beans from organic coffee farms, which means your coffee doesn’t contain any pesticides or chemicals.

What is the difference between regular coffee and organic coffee?

Regular or conventionally-grown coffee is grown with the help of chemicals and pesticides to manage things like pests, weeds, and post-harvest preservation. Organic coffee is grown without the use of pesticides, chemicals, or GMOs, which results in a healthier, better-tasting coffee.

What coffee has the least amount of chemicals?

Definitely organic coffee!

What coffee is mold and pesticide-free?

Organic coffee is pesticide-free since it’s grown without the use of pesticides. If you’re concerned about mold, look for organic coffee brands that test for mycotoxins and are labeled mold-free.

Additionally, look for organic coffee grown at higher altitudes because the growing conditions tend to have less exposure to mold-prone conditions.

Here at Aethereal Coffee, we ensure your coffee is mold-free by working with importers that test for mold – first at the origin of the coffee and again after it arrives in the United States.

Our importers also use mold-resistant bags, which are hermetically sealed to preserve freshness and inhibit mold growth to ensure your coffee beans don’t contain mold.

What is the unhealthiest coffee?

In our opinion, the unhealthiest coffee out there would be something that isn’t grown organically. Additionally, we recommend avoiding coffee drinks with a lot of added sugar, such as flavored lattes and specialty drinks with whipped cream.

What is the healthiest coffee to drink daily?

If you’re trying to be super healthy, the best coffee you can drink is coffee beans that are organically grown. Organic coffee retains its antioxidants since the coffee cherries are grown, harvested, and processed without using any pesticides or chemicals.

Which coffee is not good for health?

We think sugar-laden, non-organic coffee is not good for your health. It’s also important to make sure you enjoy coffee in moderation and always drink organic for the most health benefits.

Which coffee type is considered the best quality?

We may be biased, but we’re going to have to go with air-roasted, organic, fair-trade coffee beans that are freshly ground before you brew them – beans like ours! We have won national awards to back up our claim. Are you ready to try some? Purchase a bag of organic coffee today!