Dr. Rhonda Patrick

Now, how common are these mycotoxins actually?

Large-scale global surveys involving thousands of coffee samples show that more than 95% are well below international safety limits for OTA.

Importantly, roasting your coffee beans destroys roughly 70% to 90% of any existing OTA, and brewing removes even more, leaving the final amount in your cup extremely low, far below any scientifically established health risk.

In fact, epidemiological studies consistently show coffee drinkers have a reduced risk of liver and kidney diseases, exactly the opposite of what you'd expect if a low-level OTA mycotoxin exposure was a significant issue.

So the reality is, for most coffee drinkers consuming moderate amounts, any mycotoxin exposure is minimal and far outweighed by coffee's proven health benefits.

But if you're still concerned and it's reasonable to want to minimize any potential risk, you

Here are some of the best practices you can follow.

One, choose specially grade coffee beans from reputable roasters.

Specially coffee is carefully screened, tested, and graded, dramatically reducing mold risk.

Two, opt for washed, wet-processed coffees.

Washed coffees from regions like Ethiopia or Colombia have lower mold risk due to the removal of surface contaminants during processing.

Three, make sure you store your beans properly.

Keep coffee beans in an airtight container away from moisture and heat to prevent mold growth.

Ideally, consume them within about a month of roasting.

And number four, use paper filters when brewing.

Paper filters can help capture residual compounds, including potential trace mycotoxins, which further reduces exposure.

So in summary, yes, molds can occasionally grow on coffee beans, but good sourcing, storage, roasting, and brewing practices reliably eliminate any meaningful risk.

I think the bottom line here is coffee's proven cardiovascular, metabolic, cognitive, and neuroprotective benefits far outweigh any theoretical mycotoxin concern, especially when you source and handle your beans with these simple precautions.

Now let's talk about coffee additives.

Many people ask, does adding dairy to your coffee blunt its beneficial effects?