Is Civet Coffee Bad For You?
Also Known As: kopi luwak, civet cat poop coffee
Short answer
Drinking Kopi Luwak in moderation can provide your body with a plethora of health benefits. It is not bad for you, but it is expensive!
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Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
You've most likely heard of Kopi Luwak (or civet coffee), even if you've never tried it before. Originating from Ethiopia and being produced with the civet cat's excrement (poop), this coffee is the most expensive in the world. It can cost 50 dollars for a single cup. But is Kopi Luwak bad for you? Studies show that three cups of this coffee can help prevent breast cancer - especially among women who are approaching the age of menopause. The coffee can also protect the skin, with studies showing that two cups of Kopi Luwak can reduce the risk of getting skin cancer by nearly 20%.
Kopi Luwak can also be beneficial when protecting the teeth from bacteria that can cause cavities. Many people swear by this coffee for improving their oral hygiene. Packed full of antioxidants, Kopi Luwak can also help to prevent life-threatening illnesses from developing later on in life, such as diabetes and Parkinson's.
Although Kopi Luwak might be a very healthy coffee variety, the same health precautions should be taken as when drinking any other type. This coffee contains caffeine, which can increase mental clarity and give you a boost of energy when you need it the most. However, too much caffeine can be a big no-no. Some of the side effects include jitteriness, elevated heart rate, and even migraines. Although this particular coffee is not bad for you, you should try and limit your caffeine intake. Doctors recommend no more than 2 to 3 cups of coffee per day.
Possible short-term side effects
- jitteriness
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increased heart rate
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insomnia
Possible long-term side effects
- increased blood pressure
-
circulatory strain
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
- fights breast cancer
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decreased risk of skin cancer
-
fights cavities
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decreased risk of diabetes
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decreased risk of parkinson's
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Don Pablo Signature Blend
- Medium Dark Roast
- 100% Arabica Beans
- Low Acidity Coffee
- Non-GMO
- Whole Bean Freshness
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Written by Healthy Living 35
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Healthy Living 35
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 12-15-2023
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