How Mickelson changed his life thanks to coffee
When Phil Mickelson’s health deteriorated, he decided he needed to do something about it. So he started For Wellness, a brand focussed on high quality wellbeing products. Ben Outhwaite takes a closer look
Did you know that humans have been drinking coffee since the middle of the 15th century?
That was a long time ago, and ever since there have been mixed messages about its effect on human health for decades.
As with anything, too much of something makes it bad for you. But there has been a stigma around coffee for quite some time now.
Early evidence – in particular from the 1980s and ’90s – concluded that people who drank coffee had a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. But the research has evolved since then.
In fact, modern-day evidence suggests quite the opposite. “The overall evidence has been pretty convincing that coffee has been more healthful than harmful in terms of health outcomes,” Frank Hu, chair of the Department of Nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health, explains.
As well as reducing stress levels, Hu also said that drinking coffee in moderation – about 2-5 cups a day – is linked to a lower likelihood of:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Heart disease
- Liver and endometrial cancers
- Parkinson’s disease
- Depression
And the good news doesn’t stop there; it’s also possible that people who drink coffee can reduce their risk of early death!
Which brings us to the star of the show: For Wellness.
What is For Wellness?
Coffee fans, this one goes out to you. And if you’re a golfer, well, it’s one you won’t want to miss out on.
For Wellness is a brand of coffee created by legendary golfer Phil Mickelson alongside his long-time friend and performance coach Dave Phillips.
In 2010, Mickelson was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, which came after a combination of emotional stress and poor health choices took a toll on his body.
Mickelson and Phillips discovered the solution was closer to home than either of them would have ever thought.
Coffee.
How did it work?
Most of you have probably seen Phil Mickelson drinking coffee at some point during a round of golf by now.
Now in his 50s he is still winning tournaments and it looks like he’s is onto a winner with For Wellness.
“I really believe coffee has changed my life”
Phil Mickelson
With the help of Phillips, Mickelson began to understand the many health benefits that coffee could provide.
Mickelson decided to take on the next decade fuelling his mind and body with coffee. As soon as he started, his physical and mental health improved drastically.
From acting as a powerful antioxidant that could fortify his body against degenerative diseases, it’s given the six-time major champion a completely new lease of life after a tough period in 2010.
“I really believe coffee has changed my life,” he explains. “I’ve made it the foundation of my overall health and wellness.
“In all honesty, I haven’t been sick in 12 years.”
Phil Mickelson
While we can’t prove it will prevent you getting sick, the scientific research tells us coffee is rich with antioxidants which protect your cells from the damage that makes you unwell, while caffeine boosts your metabolic rate which helps you burn fat and counteracts inflammation which is in turn associated with 90% of diseases.
It also puts you in a better mood, increases energy levels and reaction times.
The brand
Phil Mickelson founded For Wellness with Phillips with an aim to create high-quality health products that are not just great for your mind and body, but taste great too.
But it doesn’t stop at coffee. For Wellness offer a full range of tools that can help people take care of their health, such as the Superfood Energy Bars, or the headline act, The Good Stuff, a powerhouse powdered supplement perfect for enhancing coffee, smoothies, shakes, and more. It’s what you’ll see Mickelson drinking during his rounds.
If you want to find out more about For Wellness, check out their website which will give you an insight into why Lefty was inspired to create this game-changing supplement, along with a shop from which you can buy all the products.
We’ve chosen our four favourite For Wellness products that stood out from the exciting new range, so keep reading to see what we liked – and we’ve also included links to take you straight there.
Happy shopping!
Our Top 4 favourite For Wellness products
The Good Stuff Performance Blend
The flagship product in the range, The Good Stuff is what Mickelson and Phillips add to their coffee to help them take accountability for their health.
It’s known as The Good Stuff because it makes your coffee taste delicious without containing any of the bad stuff, like sugar or dairy creamers.
The ingredients in this coffee blend were carefully formulated over the past 10 years and helped Phil Mickelson improve his health to the point where he was not only able to perform at the top level of golf, but to win his sixth major tournament and become the oldest player ever to win a major in at the 2021 PGA Championship.
Health benefits:
- Increase metabolism
- Improve focus
- Promote skin health
- Reduce inflammation
- Boost hydration
Superfood Energy Bites
The new Superfood Energy Bites taste like a moist chocolate brownie (with a hint of coffee, naturally!) but are packed with health benefits and none of the bad stuff. Plus, they’re only 90 calories.
They contain high-quality ingredients designed to satisfy your mid-morning or afternoon craving.
They are cold-pressed rather than baked to ensure they maintain a higher nutritional value and they are nitrogen hermetically sealed to ensure long-lasting freshness.
For Wellness SIC Coffee Tumbler
As used by Phil on the course!
Keep your coffee at the perfect temperature – hot or cold – and let everyone know you’re part of the For Wellness community.
K-Cup Coffee Pods
The For Wellness team have crafted this medium-dark roast coffee to bring out flavour notes of a dark chocolate covered macadamia nut with hints of graham cracker and tangerine. A walnut fragrance leads to a pleasant, lasting finish with mellow acidity.
This coffee has been created without any additives or flavour enhancements.
Pair this coffee with a scoop of The Good Stuff to perform at your best each day.
Ben Outhwaite
Ben is National Club Golfer's Marketing Editor and the latest addition to our golf equipment review team.
He specialises in testing golf bags, beginner golf club sets, apparel and golf accessories. He also collates our buying guides so you know which are the latest and greatest bits of golf equipment on the market.
Ben picked up his first golf club when he was five years old – which was in fact a left-handed set of clubs!
He is a member at Rudding Park Golf Club and has a handicap of fifteen.
