Can Coffee Prevent Swine Flu?

Pour a mug of fresh coffee to stave off the November chill, and let's chat!

Everywhere, folks are battling different versions of the flu, colds and just trying to stay healthy. Here in our Vermont based coffee roastery, we have people wander in every day. Of course, we're hand washing, sanitizing and doing all the things we need to do to avoid illness.

I received an email that's been circulating the Internet by Dr. Vinay Goyal on Swine Flu prevention tips. And yes, drinking coffee is actually on the list. Frankly, I take anything sent to me via emails with grain of salt. So ask your doctor about any of these. But number 6 really got my attention. His recommendations are to:

1. Wash your hands frequently.
2. Don't touch your face.
3. Gargle with salt water or Listerine twice a day.
4. Clean your nostrils daily with warm salt water.
5. Boost your immunity with Vitamin C.
6. Drink as many warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc) as you can.

The idea is that you can only get swine flu through your mouth and nose. The disease is nurtured there for a couple of days before it actually proliferates. They say that drinking any warm liquid washes the bacteria into your stomach where it can't do any more harm.

That seems valid. But again, I'm not a doctor so you should check with your own. Of course, I'll be drinking freshly made gourmet coffee even without the recommendation! But I do love learning more about my cup o' Joe. This morning it's a Vermont breakfast blend that, whether it's helping me to prevent swine flu or not, brings warmth and comfort to my morning.
Stay healthy, and take time to smell the coffee beans.

Until our next cup,
Sandy Riggen