Is coffee a survival essential? Why you need to pack some beans in your cache

Do you start every day with a nice cup of joe? Even if you’re not a coffee aficionado, you may find that having coffee beans in your survival cache will benefit you when things go south. (h/t to MyFamilySurvivalPlan.com.)

A lot of people rely on caffeine in coffee to start their day with an energy boost. Can you imagine what life would be like post-SHTF and coffee isn’t as readily available?

In a survival scenario, life is sure to be more difficult and stressful, especially since you might need to scavenge for supplies like food and water. It’s important to keep up your strength and stay sharp-witted, and you can easily get a much-needed boost from coffee.

Why is coffee crucial when SHTF?

Here are some reasons why you need coffee in your survival food supply.

Coffee supports overall health.

Studies show that coffee offers some health benefits, but this only applies to freshly brewed coffee; the processed kind may have lost their nutritional properties.

Based on data from a 2012 study by the National Institute of Health, coffee drinkers have a higher life expectancy. Coffee contains antioxidants that can help minimize inflammation and lower the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The 2012 study also determined that drinking coffee can prevent other health problems such as infections, diabetes, and stroke.

In a separate study, Italian researchers confirmed that coffee consumption can reduce the risk of liver cancer by at least 40 percent. The study findings also imply that drinking three cups a day can further reduce liver cancer risks by more than 50 percent.

Dr. Carlo La Vecchia, the study’s lead author from the Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri in Milan, noted that these findings support previous claims that “coffee is good for your health and particularly the liver.”

Other studies suggest that coffee can:

• Prevent premature death.
• Protect against cirrhosis, colorectal cancer, and multiple sclerosis.
• Reduce mortality.

Coffee can boost your energy and alertness.

Caffeine in coffee is the main source of energy that helps you stay active every morning. Caffeine stimulates the adrenal gland that releases the steroid hormone called cortisol.

Cortisol taps into the sugar reserves in your liver, which results in a quick burst of energy. This energy boost is temporary, but it’s enough to help you jump-start your day.

Coffee can also improve your alertness, which can help you think clearly and be more aware of your surroundings. This is one good reason to stock up on coffee beans before SHTF. (Related: Why coffee is an essential prepper item – even if you’re not a regular coffee drinker.)

Coffee can boost your morale and alleviate depression.

When disaster strikes, a cup of coffee can help improve the general mood of your survival group. Things may seem bleak, but having a comforting cup of joe will help everyone feel a sense of normalcy in an otherwise changed world.

A reassuring cup of coffee smells and tastes good, which can help you maintain a good mood. If your morale is high, it can help keep depression at bay. Some studies hint at a direct correlation between lower rates of depression and suicide and drinking two or more cups of coffee a day.

Keep these benefits in mind, and start stocking up on coffee beans so you can make things more tolerable if and when SHTF.

You can read more articles about other crucial survival items and supplies at FoodSupply.news.

Sources include:

MyFamilySurvivalPlan.com

MedicalNewsToday.com