My Coffee Journey: From Village Myths to Healthy Coffee for a Better India
In our childhood, coffee was never a daily drink. It was a remedy. Growing up in a village, coffee was brewed only during specific situations, mainly as a solution for loose motion. Among Gujaratis, it was widely believed that coffee caused constipation, which is why tea became the preferred beverage. This belief shaped our habits for years, with tea becoming the go-to drink in our daily lives.
However, as I grew older and became more aware, I began to notice how these everyday habits of consuming tea and coffee were unknowingly contributing to widespread health problems. The caffeine in these beverages, especially when combined with milk, is considered harmful in Ayurveda. It creates acidity in the body, leading to digestive issues, bloating, and, over time, constipation—a root cause of many stomach-related diseases.
In India, diseases like diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and cholesterol have become alarmingly common. Many of these illnesses are linked to poor dietary habits and the overconsumption of caffeine, sugar, and unhealthy additives in tea and coffee. It was clear to me: something needed to change.
The Turning Point: A Vision for Healthy Coffee
The COVID-19 pandemic was a time of reflection for everyone, and for me, it brought clarity to my purpose. During this period, the idea of “Self-Sufficient India” (Atmanirbhar Bharat) gained momentum, inspiring people to look inward and prioritize local solutions for global challenges.
It was then that I realized I wanted to create a product that could address both the health challenges facing Indians and support our farmers. I envisioned a healthy coffee alternative that would:
1. Replace harmful caffeine with beneficial ingredients.
2. Address common health issues like diabetes, obesity, and high cholesterol.
3. Support local farmers by using indigenous crops.
This is when I thought of fenugreek (methi). Fenugreek has long been recognized in Ayurveda for its numerous health benefits, such as regulating blood sugar levels, improving digestion, lowering cholesterol, and aiding weight management. Incorporating fenugreek into our coffee blend would not only make it healthier but also benefit Indian farmers by creating a demand for this crop.
From Idea to Reality: A Step Toward Self-Sufficient and Healthy India
Turning this vision into reality was a journey full of challenges. At the time, I was working in the textile industry, and my brother was running a struggling textile business. With no funds to start, it seemed like an impossible dream. But the start-up schemes introduced during the pandemic gave us hope. We decided to take a leap of faith.
I left my textile job, and my brother closed his loss-making business. Together, we committed ourselves to this mission, pouring all our energy into research and development. The idea was simple yet ambitious: to create a coffee alternative that wasn’t just caffeine-free but also enriched with fenugreek and other Ayurvedic ingredients to combat common health issues.
Research, Development, and Challenges
The journey of developing this healthy coffee was anything but smooth. We faced several hurdles, including:
• Limited Funds: With no capital to start, every step—from sourcing ingredients to testing blends—was a financial struggle. but we relied heavily on our savings and also had to take with interest
• Ingredient Sourcing: Finding high-quality, sustainably grown fenugreek and other herbs required building relationships with local farmers and ensuring fair practices.
• Product Development: Creating a blend that replicated the taste and aroma of coffee while offering health benefits was a complex process. We experimented with combinations of fenugreek, coco powder and other Ayurvedic herbs.
• Market Education: Introducing a product like this required educating people about the harmful effects of traditional tea and coffee, as well as the health benefits of our alternative.
Despite these challenges, our determination kept us going. Every small success in product testing and every bit of positive feedback gave us the motivation to move forward.
A Coffee That Does More
The result is a healthy coffee alternative that is more than just a drink. It’s a step toward:
• Fighting Diseases: With ingredients like fenugreek, it helps regulate blood sugar levels, supports weight loss, lowers cholesterol, and reduces acidity.
• Supporting Farmers: By using indigenous crops like fenugreek, we create a sustainable demand, empowering Indian farmers and promoting local agriculture.
• Self-Sufficiency: This product aligns with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, reducing dependency on imported products and creating opportunities within India.
• Healthy India: With rising awareness about health, our coffee alternative encourages people to make mindful choices that improve their well-being.
One Step at a Time
This journey has taught me that change doesn’t happen overnight. It starts with a single step, a single thought. From leaving the textile industry to facing financial struggles, every moment has been worth it to create a product that can make a real difference in people’s lives.
As we continue this mission, I hope to inspire others to reflect on their habits and choose health over convenience. Healthy coffee is not just a product; it’s a movement toward a healthier, more self-reliant India.
To anyone reading this, remember: small changes can lead to big transformations. Whether it’s in your lifestyle or your dreams, all it takes is the courage to start.
