Coffee Test for COVID: The Truth behind Popular Claim
Coffee test for COVID is popular in two ways. Firstly, many people who tested positive for COVID were unable to smell their morning coffee. This led to an idea that not being able to smell coffee could be a symptom of COVID-19.
Second reason of popularity is controversy. Coffee was used to test COVID-19 using LFDs (the COVID testing machine), along with other non-biological fluids, such as fruit juices. With most of the positive test results, a controversy surfaced that LFDs are schemed by the governments to scare the public. What is the result of this controversy? The answer is here in this blog, along with many other important answers you do not want to miss.
Does Coffee Protect You From COVID-19?
Coffee can reduce the risk of COVID-19 positivity, according to a recent study published in 2021. It further explains that most of the coffee drinkers shared a similar baseline dietary behavior. It comprised of more fruits, vegetables and red meat. Apart from coffee, people who drink tea or those who were breastfed as baby are also at low risk of COVID, according to the study.
This study is not funded by any coffee association. Although the study is not conclusive yet, the authors did not find any conflict of interest in it. So, does coffee protect you from COVID-19? The answer is yes, it lowers your risk of contracting the virus.
Can I Get Coronavirus from Coffee or Coffee Packaging?
We all remember washing our packaged foods before opening them during early COVID days. Sanitizing spray on grocery bags, anyone?
What are the chances of getting coronavirus from coffee or coffee packing? CDC explains that the chances of getting coronavirus from coffee or coffee packaging are none. Commercial coffee is packed days or weeks before it reaches the supermarkets. Fresh beans packed instantly at the supermarket also have very low chances of transmitting coronavirus, because the virus does not remain alive on such surfaces for a long time.
However, if you are buying from a local roastery, make sure that the roastery follows all COVID SOPs.
If you regularly drink coffee from a café or restaurant, then the chances of contracting coronavirus depend on the conditions. Cafes and restaurants that follow COVID SOPs are safe places to go for a cup of coffee.
Coffee and Veggies May Protect against COVID-19
One or more cups of coffee can help reduce the risk of COVID-19 by 10%, a study published in the journal Nutrients states. It also says that at least 0.67 serving of vegetables in any form can also help reduce the risk of coronavirus.
CDC states that although dietary and lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of COVID, vaccination is still the most effective method to prevent the risk and complications of coronavirus.
Can COVID-19 be transmitted through food or coffee?
According to the World Health Organization, coronavirus cannot be transmitted through food or coffee. It is because when food or coffee goes through cooking or brewing process, coronavirus dies at a certain temperature just like other viruses and bacteria.
It also says that coronavirus can survive on the surface or packaging of food for some time, but it needs a live host to multiply. The preventive measure in this regard is that you always wash your hands before touching the food packaging and before eating.
The World Health Organization suggests that cooked food must go through at least 70 degrees Celsius temperature to kill the virus, if it is there. Food should be carefully handled to avoid cross-contamination. Uncooked foods must be washed thoroughly before eating.
How Is Coronavirus Impacting Coffee Consumption?
Coronavirus has impacted coffee consumption both positively and negatively. During early lockdown times, people stayed at home, and consumed more coffee at home.
According to different surveys, cafes and coffee chains faced a fall of 0.9% in overall coffee consumption. It was quickly reinforced with options like home delivery. After lockdown, drive-through coffee business resurfaced, stronger in the game.
Home-coffee became more popular during lockdown. In 2020 alone, there was an increase of around 4.9% in home-coffee. 2020 also saw a hike in coffee machine sales. Pouring kettles and grinders are among the most sold coffee tools sold. Businesses have also seen a rise in the sales of pods and beans. According to reports, every one in four people in the US stockpiled coffee to avoid shortfall in case of lockdown during 2020.
The trends have changed a lot since then. With more information about coronavirus and a large population already vaccinated, the fear is lesser than early days.
The Controversy: Can Fruit Juices and Coffee Detect COVID-19 using LFDs?
Lateral Flow Devices or LFDs are used to detect COVID-19. In mid-2021, some social media users claimed that these devices are nothing but another strategy by the governments to scare people. They used fruit juices and coffee to detect COVID-19, and almost all results reported positive. However, this is not true.
According to COVID-19 researchers, LFDs work differently for biological fluids than non-biological ones, such as fruit juices or coffee. LFDs have a strip, also known as conjugation pad. It has antibodies attached with gold nanoparticles. The sample taken from nose and throat is mixed with a buffer to increase its pH. It is then dipped onto the strip, where antibodies attach with the virus in exposed biological fluid and detect it as two pink lines.
When high pH or acidic fluids like orange juice, carbonated beverages, or coffee are used to test using LFDs, the acidic content corrupts the strip. This is why, it shows positive COVID-19 test result.
They further explained that fruit juices and coffee cannot detect COVID-19 using LFDs. Saliva is the only biological fluid that can be used to test COVID through LFDs.
COVID and Caffeine Sensitivity
COVID-19 symptoms may make one to crave for an extra cup of coffee. However, too much caffeine can inversely affect COVID recovery. Here is how.
Various data analysis reports suggest that COVID-19 survivors had challenged sleep patterns during and after recovery. Some people slept more than regular, while others slept less. Some people experienced insomnia as well. However, rest is one of the key elements of COVID recovery. Drinking too much caffeine during recovery can further disrupt the sleep patterns, and may slow down recovery.
Excess caffeine can also lead to dehydration. Lack of necessary fluids and water in the body can trigger migraines and aggravate muscle cramps. It can also cause palpitation and tremors. COVID-19 negatively affects the digestive system. Dehydration due to too much caffeine can aggravate irritated digestion, and may trigger diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome.
A good rule of thumb is to drink not more than 2 cups of coffee or tea per day. We all love coffee, but excess caffeine may delay recovery from COVID-19.
However, if someone does not drink coffee and wants to take coffee test for COVID, it is safe to do.
FAQs about COVID-19 Everyone Should Know
There is still a lot to learn about the disease that took over the world and changed global scenario. We miss the carefree travels, handshakes and hugs. However, learning about latest COVID-19 facts can help build a safer world.
How long does it take for symptoms of the coronavirus disease to appear?
According to The World Health Organization, it takes 5-6 days usually for the COVID-19 symptoms to appear. However, some people who have contracted the virus may not experience any symptoms for up to 2 weeks, or 14 days. People may take coffee test for COVID at home, but the authentic test is using LFDs only.
What are the organs most affected by COVID-19?
Lungs are the most affected organs by COVID-19. The complications include acute respiratory distress syndrome, pneumonia, septic shock, multi organ failure, and death. Heart, liver and brain are the most affected organs with coronavirus after lungs.
Should you drink coffee if you have suspected or confirmed coronavirus?
If one has suspected coronavirus, then it is best to get tested ASAP rather than relying on coffee test for COVID. Up to 2 cups of coffee or tea is acceptable to drink with suspected or confirmed coronavirus. However, drinking too much caffeine can delay recovery from COVID-19. Caffeine should be avoided if someone is experiencing severe COVID-19 symptoms.
A small coronavirus testing system, called CoroNaspresso has also been developed as a cheap alternative to get instant COVID-19 result. The developments are aggressive, both in the virus and medical systems. However, LFDs are by far the most authentic machines to test COVID-19.