10 Alternative Uses Of Coffee

After brewing a good coffee, most people usually discard the residue. However, like many other products, ground grains can have uses that we didn’t even imagine. Learning these alternatives can help you solve problems while saving a little money. Follow us and you will find out about the 10 alternative uses of coffee that you did not know.

Let’s talk about coffee

Originating in Ethiopia and the Congo and consumed since the 15th century, coffee is one of the most appreciated beans today. The coffee tree provides yellow and reddish fruits that are subjected to pulping, drying, grinding and roasting processes for use. There are multiple varieties grouped into two species:

• Arabica Coffee: Represents around 75% of world coffee production and is adapted to cool and tropical climates in mountainous areas. Some of the countries that export it are Brazil, Colombia and Cuba

• Robusta Coffee: It has a higher concentration of caffeine and the coffee obtained is stronger and acidic. It is generally used in the production of instant or soluble coffee. Some of the countries that cultivate it today are Madagascar, the Philippines and Angola.

After roasting and grinding, the traditional way of preparing the bean infusion allows us to obtain a dark, aromatic and delicious drink: coffee. However, there are many variants to prepare and consume it, from boiling finely ground coffee in water three times (Turkish coffee) to boiling water with cinnamon and cardamom (Arabic coffee). But, how would the consumption of coffee benefit us?

Benefits and contraindications of coffee consumption

Coffee is a central nervous system stimulant par excellence. It is said that a cup of coffee could ward off sleep and keep you alert. In fact, a Current Neuropharmacology study indicates that caffeine would have anxiogenic effects and stimulate locomotor activity.

On the other hand, it would have diuretic properties due to its content of potassium salts and chlorogenic acids. However, various studies have indicated that this would occur with intakes higher than usual.

It is further said that it would increase gastrointestinal movement and prevent constipation. While there is no conclusive data on this, research in mice indicates that this could be true.

If you are one of those people who like to drink more than 4 cups a day, you may be affecting your health. A high dose of caffeine, an alkaloid present in coffee in great proportion, could cause palpitations, insomnia, headaches and cardiac arrhythmias. A possible increase in blood pressure is also associated with excessive consumption.

While there is no strong evidence to suggest that too much coffee could lead to diseases such as cancer, cirrhosis, or diabetes, these possibilities are being investigated.

10 uses for coffee that you did not know

1. It would avoid bad smells

Putting some coffee in a glass and putting it in the fridge could go a long way in eliminating bad smells. Also,  if our hands have an unpleasant smell, it would be enough to rub a little coffee on them and then rinse them with warm water.

2. Skin scrub

Some people use ground coffee beans to exfoliate their skin and reduce cellulite. Thanks to its texture and caffeine content, it would have lipolytic properties that would make it useful for treating localized adiposities.

To exfoliate: It is a common practice in hammam or Turkish baths where, after a wonderful steam bath, the skin is exfoliated with coffee to remove all impurities. At home you can take a good shower with hot water and then apply the coffee grounds with firm circular movements. If you want you can mix it with a little olive oil. Rinse well and you will feel in a total state of relaxation.

To reduce cellulite: It is recommended to mix the coffee remains with a little coconut oil and then rub this mixture all over the affected area with firm and circular massages.

3. Prepare compost

Coffee grounds are also used to prepare organic compost for plants due to its high nitrogen content. It would be excellent for crops that need acidic soil thanks to the fact that it would provide them with a good amount of micronutrients such as potassium, magnesium and phosphorus. Before using it, it should ferment in a humid place for about 4 weeks.

4. It would give shine to the hair

Another alternative use for coffee would be to reuse it to wash your hair. You should make a solution of coffee and water at room temperature. The solution would be used after washing the hair, letting it sit there for about twenty minutes. Finally, it would be rinsed off.

5. Animal and insect repellent

Coffee would be an effective repellent against ants and other insects. You would only need to spread the ground and dry coffee in those places where they appear and that’s it. As if that weren’t enough, rubbing some damp coffee on your pets’ fur could help protect them against fleas. It is worth noting that we have not found any studies on this. Check with your vet before doing so.

6. Cleaning of surfaces

Because it is abrasive and acidic, another alternative use for coffee would be to use it as a surface cleaner, especially in the kitchen. To do this, it would be enough to mix the ground grain with a little soap and water on a sponge and rub the required surface.

7. Air freshener

In addition to avoiding bad smells, coffee would also function as an air freshener thanks to its penetrating and pleasant aroma. Place the ground coffee inside a bag of fiber or porous fabric and if you wish, add some type of aromatic oil or fruit peels.

8. To collect dust

In those places that accumulate ashes or a lot of dust, as happens in fireplaces, we can use wet coffee. Sprinkle it on top of the dust or ashes, they say it would be easier to collect it that way.

What do you think of these alternative uses of coffee? Do you carry out any at home? Tell us if they work for you or not, and even if you know any that we have not mentioned.