Many studies suggest that drinking 4 to 6 cups of coffee is good for your health and well-being. The potential benefits from drinking coffee are varied and likely came from the vitamins and minerals within the coffee beans. Because coffee contains soluble fiber and prebiotic properties, coffee drinkers tended to have more microbiomes in their gut, which improves digestion. Coffee contains other compounds that slows cognitive decline and lowers the chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Coffee drinkers was also found to have lower risk of developing certain cancers. There are compounds found in coffee like kahweol and cafestol which stopped the growth of prostate and kidney cancer cells in a laboratory study. Different studies have also shown that coffee is a significant source of polyphenols, a type of anti-oxidant that helps reduce risk of health conditions not only cancer but diabetes and obesity as well.
Indeed, coffee brings a range of health benefits, but did you know that it could also transform people’s lives? Since 2000, the Common Ground Co-operative, a charitable service organization, has been creating social enterprise opportunities for adults with Autism, Down Syndrome and other developmental disabilities. They are a social enterprise café operated in partnership with people with developmental disabilities. Their kiosks offer a wide variety of crafted hot and cold coffee and tea beverages including snack items and baked goods. With the support of Job Coaches who provide an effective learning environment, their partners who are persons with developmental disability can use their skills and talents to develop their own social enterprise.
To learn more about the Common Ground Co-operative and the work they do, please visit their website at www.coffeshed.ca.
