What is Postum and Is It Good for You?
Postum is a powdered roasted grain beverage first created in 1895. It was marketed by the cereal company Postum Cereal, meant to be used in place of coffee among those who for health reasons should avoid caffeine, or to satisfy the taste for coffee without any of its deleterious effects. But today many wonder, with so many beverage options, is Postum still good for you?
Postum's Main Ingredients
The main ingredients in Postum are:
- Wheat bran
- Wheat
- Molasses
- Soybean hulls
It is naturally caffeine-free, as it contains no coffee or tea. The dark brown color and coffee-like taste come from the molasses that is used in production. When prepared according to directions, it provides a rich, savory, coffee-like flavor very similar to having an actual cup of coffee.
Nutritional Profile
What are the actual nutritional facts of Postum? An 8 ounce serving of prepared Postum contains:
- 70 calories
- 17 grams of carbohydrates
- 2 grams of protein
It also includes trace amounts of fat, vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium and niacin. So while it does provide some nutrition, the main nutritional benefit lies in what you don't get - such as caffeine, acidity and chemical additives that coffee can contain.
The Health Benefits of Postum
When C.W. Post first created his roasted grain beverage, it was marketed specifically as a healthy, caffeine free coffee alternative. And for the most part, Postum offers several health advantages over regular coffee including:
Naturally Caffeine-Free
The caffeine in regular coffee can cause unwanted effects in many people including nervousness, sleeplessness, rapid heartbeat, upset stomach, and anxiety. By providing the coffee drinking experience without caffeine, Postum avoids these issues.
No Acidity
Coffee's high acidity can lead to upset stomach, indigestion and heartburn in some people. The low acidity of Postum is much easier on digestion while still delivering a richly satisfying flavor.
Sugar-Free
Many people add heaping teaspoons of sugar to their coffee, increasing their risk of obesity, diabetes and other diseases. Unsweetened Postum has zero sugar and zero calories, avoiding these concerns.
Non-GMO
Postum is certified non-GMO and contains no dangerous pesticides or chemicals that can sometimes be used in conventionally grown coffee beans.
Gluten-Free
The gluten-free status of Postum makes it a safe beverage for people with Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Is Postum Good for Weight Loss?
With zero fat, zero sugar and only 70 calories per serving, Postum can definitely fit into a weight loss diet by cutting calories compared to doctored coffee drinks while still satisfying your warm beverage cravings.
By switching from specialty cafe beverages like lattes and cappuccinos to Postum, the calorie savings are immense. And adding unnecessary sugar to coffee is an easy way to mindlessly consume extra calories every day.
Postum helps slim your waistline by giving you the ritual of a nice hot drink to look forward to each morning without adding fatty, sugary calories to your diet. It helps fight off hunger cravings that sabotage weight loss efforts.
Tips for Accelerating Weight Loss
To maximize Postum's weight loss benefits:
- Avoid adding sugar, honey or other sweeteners
- Use nonfat dairy or dairy substitutes if adding creamer
- Drink it black to fully eliminate calories
Does Postum Have Benefits for Diabetes?
For people struggling with keeping blood sugar levels stable, Postum provides some advantages:
No Effect on Blood Sugar
While the taste is similar to coffee, Postum has no actual caffeine or sugar. This means it has zero effect on your blood glucose levels.
Antioxidant Protection
The wheat bran in Postum delivers antioxidant nutrients which can provide protection against the cellular damage that leads to disease and diabetes complications.
Safe Caffeine Alternative
Caffeine negatively impacts insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control in some people. By satisfying the habitual act of drinking coffee without caffeine, Postum provides a safer choice.
Downsides of Drinking Postum
Of course, no drink is perfect for everyone. There are a couple potential negatives with Postum to keep in mind:
Contains Gluten
While Postum is gluten-free certified, the wheat bran it contains can cause issues for those with Celiac disease or extreme gluten sensitivity. It should be avoided by those who absolutely require a 100% gluten-free diet.
Higher in Carbohydrates
The main ingredients in Postum are wheat and molasses, giving it a relatively high carbohydrate content. In particular, people on very strict low-carb or ketogenic diets will likely want to minimize consumption or avoid it.
SomePeopleDislike the Taste
While many people love Postum and even prefer it to coffee, some think it has an unpleasant bitter or sour taste, especially if not prepared correctly. Everyone's taste buds perceive flavors differently!
Is Postum Safe for Everyone?
Postum is considered safe for the majority of healthy adults. However, there are some exceptions:
Children
While Postum contains no actual coffee, the dark color and savory taste are similar to coffee. Most pediatric nutrition authorities recommend avoiding coffee-like beverages for children altogether.
Pregnant/Breastfeeding Women
No studies have looked at Postum safety for pregnancy. Many doctors advise pregnant and breastfeeding moms to stick to plain water and milk until more research is conducted.
Those with Wheat Allergies or Celiac
The main ingredient in Postum is wheat bran, so it should clearly be avoided by anyone with Celiac disease or wheat allergies due to gluten reactions.
The Bottom Line on Postum
Postum doesn't provide much inherent nutrition, but for the average healthy adult it can provide a tasty and satisfying hot beverage with some modest benefits over coffee:
- Naturally caffeine and sugar free
- Minimizes coffee's acidity issues
- Contains some antioxidants
- Certified non-GMO and kosher
However, it does contain gluten so it is not an option for everyone. For those able to tolerate it, Postum delivers a nice way to keep enjoying your customary hot cup of morning comfort without unwanted caffeine or calories interfering with health goals.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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