Coffee

Coffee has been a popular start to many people’s day for many years. Though coffee is often looked on negatively due to the caffeine in it there are actually many health benefits to coffee.

Antioxidants are contained in coffee and many people are unaware. Coffee contains these health boosting antioxidants no matter if you are drinking straight coffee or a varied drink such as a cappuccino. Coffee is actually good for you like many things as long as you drink it in moderation.

Often people may avoid drinking coffee due to its effects on the body from the amount of caffeine contained. Caffeine however is not the only ingredient and unfortunately many overshadow the other ingredients in coffee, which are beneficial. The antioxidants in coffee have been proven to boost your immune system and help to ward off illness. Antioxidants are also proven to decrease the likelihood of developing heart disease.

Antioxidants also reduce the risks of developing liver cirrhosis leading to liver cancer. This is good news to many especially when so many medicines increase the risk of liver problems. Drinking coffee is not a replacement for regular checkups and screening from your family doctor. Drinking coffee is however a helpful tool to reduce the likelihood of developing these issues.

Coffee has also been proven to increase alertness and concentration in adults. This is especially good news since many people drink coffee specifically for the reason of staying alert or concentration. It is a common sight to see many people starting their day with a hot cup of coffee.

Although there is many benefits to drinking coffee drinking too much coffee has been related to insomnia, and ulcers. This is mainly due to large excess amounts of coffee. It is recommended that you consume between two and three cups of coffee per day in order to reap the benefits of coffee without causing adverse side effects.

A few other diseases that coffee has been shown to reduce are colon cancer, Alzheimer’s, Type II diabetes and Parkinson’s disease. This is been scientifically proven in various government based studies along with many private health studies.

Due to all the benefits of drinking coffee it is no wonder that coffee has increased greatly in sales in recent years. People are drinking coffee more and more due to the availability and the benefits. As more people realize some of the natural health benefits of coffee it will surely increase in sales once again.

The additional medicinal benefits of coffee are yet to be found. Other countries have recognized the use of coffee as a medicine in the past; with sufficient research it is possible that coffee may prove to be beneficial as an additional source of help for some diseases.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about this as well as gourmet flavored coffee [http://www.coffeeandjavashop.com] at [http://www.coffeeandjavashop.com]

Author: Gregg Hall
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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You’ll be pleased to learn that many of the foods and drinks you love are not just “okay” as an occasional indulgence–they’re good for you! Let’s begin with coffee and tea…and I invite you to read my related articles on wine and beer, and on chocolate.

Coffee is made from the roasted and ground seeds of several tropical trees or shrubs of the genus Coffea.

An Arabian legend tells of a goatherd who made a beverage from berries growing on strange shrubs, and after drinking it experienced extraordinary lucidity and wakefulness. The shrubs were said to have been planted by the descendants of the Queen of Sheba, who came from Ethiopia, where Coffea arabica originates.

Nearly 20,000 scientific studies to date have been conducted on coffee or caffeine. Here, in a nutshell, are the results: not only is drinking coffee in moderation no threat to health, it actually can be a boon. It is harmless even during pregnancy, and children are no more sensitive to caffeine than adults.

The average American consumes about 200 milligrams of caffeine daily, roughly the equivalent of two cups of coffee (a figure that of course includes those who drink none at all). “Moderate” consumption is generally defined as 300 mg daily–two to five cups of coffee, or four to eight cups of hot tea, depending on the size of the cup.

Which has more caffeine, coffee or tea? It depends. On a pound-for-pound basis, tea has more. But because less tea is required to make a cup of tea, generally a cup of coffee has more caffeine–approximately twice as much. There are also significant variations in the variety of coffee or tea and the brewing method used. Dark-roasted coffees may contain less caffeine than more lightly roasted beans; arabica beans tend to have less caffeine and milder flavor than robusta.

“Decaffeinated” coffee and tea contain about 5 mg per cup.

Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant. While individuals vary in their sensitivity to caffeine, some generalizations apply. Caffeine can increase the speed of rapid information processing, alertness, energy, endurance, motivation, and concentration. All this has important implications especially for night shift workers and for drivers, as well as for anyone wanting to remain productive on the job after lunch. This alertness-enhancing effect also can relieve the malaise associated with the common cold. (Now, that’s good news for those of us who prefer coffee but feel obligated to switch to herbal tea with the onset of a sore throat or stuffy nose!)

Caffeine soothes headaches by constricting blood vessels in the brain, which in turn reduces cranial pressure. So it’s no surprise that it’s an active ingredient in headache relievers.

Some studies have linked caffeine consumption to a decline in levels of depression and anxiety.

Caffeine has long been known to help asthmatics, many of whom have found regular consumption of coffee to have a moderating effect on attacks. That’s no surprise, either, thanks to the ingredient theophylline–a drug prescribed for symptomatic relief of bronchial asthma.

Higher caffeine intake is associated with a significantly lower incidence of Parkinson’s disease. That’s because caffeine intake reduces the amount of dopamine depletion, one of the characteristics of Parkinson’s.

Last but not least, caffeine stimulates metabolism.

Caffeine aside, coffee has a complex chemical composition. A characteristic of many plants is the abundance of compounds with antioxidant properties, and coffee is no exception. Flavonoids are particularly widespread in plants and likewise important in disease protection.

Antioxidants reduce the risk of cancer and prevent good (HDL) cholesterol from turning into bad (LDL) cholesterol, a cause of heart disease. Antioxidants neutralize the effect of “free radicals,” highly reactive molecules that travel around the body causing chemical chain reactions that can damage cells, by binding with the extra electrons. Free radicals also have been implicated in strokes, cancer, and the aging process. Substances with antioxidant activity are found to be generated in the roasting process.

Coffee is a good dietary source of potassium. That makes coffee a good choice as a diuretic; potassium loss is an undesirable side effect of most diuretics. Coffee can reduce the risk of cirrhosis of the liver.

Tea is made from the leaves of a shrub of the Camellia genus.

The Chinese first gathered tea leaves in the wild, and have cultivated the tea plant at least as far back as 350 AD. The court of England’s Charles II in the 17th century established tea as a fashionable drink for the elite.

The firing, fermenting, and/or oxidizing that is done to the leaves determines whether the tea will be green, black, or oolong.

Tea is a source of vitamins A and B6, thiamin, and riboflavin; nicotinic, pantothenic, ascorbic, and folic acids; manganese, potassium, and fluoride.

Flavonoids are found in all types of tea; green tea has the highest concentration. Tea is being studied for its benefits in enhancing immune function, lowering LDL and raising HDL levels, reducing blood pressure, thinning blood, reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and cancer, increasing longevity, aiding digestion, and promoting dental health.

There is convincing evidence for a protective effect of both coffee and tea against colorectal cancers, the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. High coffee intake decreases the excretion of bile acids, which are suspected carcinogens to the colon. Because of its diuretic properties, caffeine may help lower the risk of bladder cancer.

Greater intakes of coffee and tea, both regular and decaffeinated, were associated with a decreased risk of kidney stone formation, significantly more so than water. (A slight advantage was found in caffeine-containing coffee over decaffeinated.) Interestingly, increased consumption of apple and grapefruit juices correlated with increased risk of stone formation.

One study has found that people who drink coffee are less likely to suffer heart disease than are tea drinkers. This may not, however, be a straight cause-and-effect relationship: possibly people who choose to drink coffee have more youthful/healthful lifestyles in other respects.

Science has debunked the dark myths that caffeine contributes to breast cancer, bladder cancer, ulcers, indigestion, and osteoporosis.

Is there any reason not to consume caffeine? In some patients, caffeine is associated with temporary rises in blood pressure, so people with high blood pressure might be advised to avoid caffeine during high-stress times.

Moreover, those more sensitive to caffeine may not be able to drink coffee or tea late in the day because caffeine delays the onset of sleep. Worse, some people may not be aware that they are not as rested the following day as they should be, and thus may be more prone to fatigue-related accidents.

Is it possible to become addicted to caffeine? Coffee drinkers do not exhibit the behaviors that define addiction–severe withdrawal symptoms, tolerance, the need to consume the addictive substance at all costs, and antisocial behavior including crimes. Neither coffee nor other products containing caffeine are classified by drug dependence experts as addictive.

Nevertheless, giving up caffeine suddenly can be unpleasant. The most common withdrawal symptoms include headaches, fatigue, drowsiness, irritability, depression, and flu-like feelings. Weaning oneself gradually–say, over a week–should minimize the discomfort.

So drink up–without the guilt.

About The Author
Lisa J. Lehr is a freelance writer with a specialty in business and marketing communications. She holds a biology degree and has worked in a variety of fields, including the pharmaceutical industry and teaching, and has a particular interest in health matters. She is also a graduate of American Writers and Artists Institute (AWAI), Americas leading course on copywriting. Contact Lisa J. Lehr Copywriting www.ljlcopywriting.com, for help with your business writing needs. This article Lisa J. Lehr 2005.

Author: Lisa J. Lehr
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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A question that is often asked is “does a serving of espresso have more caffeine than a serving of regular coffee?” It is not possible to state exactly what the serving size of coffee is because that varies based on personal choice, type and shape of cup or mug used, among many other factors.

However, it is reasonable to state that the average serving size of a cup of regular coffee is 8 ounces and the average serving of espresso is about 3 ounces. Based on such straightforward comparison, a cup of brewed coffee has more caffeine than espresso. However, this comparison is not exactly accurate because it does not take into consideration the amount of caffeine per ounce served.

From a concentration perspective; that is, in terms of caffeine per ounce served, it turns out that espresso has more caffeine than brewed coffee.

• Brewed coffee has about 65 to 120 milligrams of caffeine per 8 ounces serving.
• Dividing 65-120 milligrams by 8 ounces results in about 8.125 to 15 milligrams of caffeine per ounce.
• Espresso, on the other hand, has about 25 to 50 milligrams of caffeine per 3 ounces serving.
• Again, dividing 25 to 50 milligrams of caffeine by 3 ounces results in about 8.3 to 16 milligrams of caffeine per ounce.

Therefore, from this concentration perspective, espresso has more caffeine than brewed coffee based on the amount of caffeine per ounce. However, the total number of cups of either brewed coffee or espresso per day is actually what will determine the total amount of caffeine consumed per day.

Ultimately, total volume is what matters in evaluating the amount of caffeine consumed per day. Espresso cups may be smaller in size but it does not take long for a frequent espresso drinker to consume much more caffeine per day than a moderate brewed coffee drinker.

Caffeine is also assimilated more quickly when taken in concentrated dosages, such as an espresso cup.

• This is why drinking a shot of espresso can give a “jolt” faster than drinking a full 8 ounce cup of brewed coffee. The espresso method of preparation allows the coffee drinker to have fresh coffee “in a hurry” by forcing very hot water under pressure through the finely ground coffee.
• This method extracts the coffee’s aroma, flavor and body in a way that requires a special blend and a roast level of coffee, called espresso roast, instead of the roast levels used for the “regular” ways of brewing coffee.
• A great tasting espresso should be sweet, very aromatic and have a flavor similar to freshly ground coffee. The taste should be enjoyable without any additives but, if adding milk, the espresso taste should be bold enough not to “disappear.”
• Several minutes after consumption, the coffee drinker should still taste the pleasant and aromatic aftertaste on the palate.
• It is not possible to have a good espresso without a good espresso blend which should feature aromatics, sweetness and smoothness associated with espresso. The espresso blend should be fresh and not roasted too dark to prevent bitter, charcoal taste.

As a recommendation, grind and dose espresso on demand for one shot, dose properly, tamp and brew to enjoy each drop. The water pressure is responsible for the “crema” which is a unique feature of espresso and adds to the unique taste and drinking experience. Preheating the espresso cup with clean hot water prior to filling the cup with the espresso brew is always a good idea. Doing this helps retain the aroma and heat of the freshly prepared espresso. Deciding to drink 1 to 3 or more cups of espresso per day is a coffee drinker’s prerogative. Doing things in moderation is good advice to remember and is the way to control total caffeine consumption.

The best way to ensure preparing a great specialty coffee beverage is to apply exact standards of water quality, brewing temperature, and coffee to water ratio as much as possible.

• This is true whether the coffee is prepared as an espresso or as brewed coffee. The choice of coffee beans and flavors offer many opportunities for coffee tasting experiences and memorable times with family and friends.
• Brewing coffee is an art and a science. To coffee lovers, brewing coffee is fun, relaxing and enjoyable. Coffee drinking is both a habit and a ritual. It is a rewarding activity to several personal senses; literally, from the tongue to the nose and to the mind! In just about any language and culture, coffee is a very popular beverage.
• On a per serving basis, regardless of whether it is espresso or brwed coffee, the average cost of a cup of coffee is more affordable than the cost of drinking an equivalent amount of fresh juice, milk, bottled water, wine, beer, and soft drinks.

In addition, there are many health benefits from drinking coffee. Coffee has two main ways of improving the health of your body: antioxidants and caffeine.

• Both of these substances have health and anti aging benefits.
• Antioxidants help your body repair damage to cells caused by free radicals.
• These free radicals are produced as a by-product of cells through normal daily activities.
• The health benefits of coffee are many and the research supports the claims.

Obviously, check with your own physician regarding any medical conditions, treatments, diagnostics, pregnancy or special dietary plans for you.

Go ahead and drink coffee, brewed and espresso. They are both great tasting and varying the type of coffee brewed is fun. Enjoy a cup of Panama Boquete specialty coffee!

Timothy (“Tim”) S. Collins, the author, is called by those who know him “The Gourmet Coffee Guy.”
He is an expert in article writing who has done extensive research online and offline in his area of expertise, coffee marketing, as well as in other areas of personal and professional interest.

Come visit the author’s website: http://www.ourgourmetcoffee.com.

Copyright – Timothy S. Collins. All Rights Reserved Worldwide

Author: Timothy S. Collins
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Coffee, in all sorts, could be a “pick me up drink ” or a ” real downer-down the shaft-drink” depending on how the person is affected by it. But, do you know that a single cup of coffee–aside from boosting your alertness, perking you up, and even improving your concentration–can actually lead you to addiction: caffeine addiction. While many people think that drinking coffee is a “healthy” habit, some experts say that it’s very important for them to remember that coffee’s main ingredient is caffeine–a “drug” that can be abused even in mild dosages.

Although now, we all know that too much coffee is bad for our health, most of us cannot help but indulge into this addicting act. Since nutritionists cannot do anything about the world’s addiction to coffee, most of them continuously search for alternatives to give people better options. And one of these breakthrough alternatives is Gano coffee.

Made from Ganoderma extract, Gano coffee is considered to be nutritious and healthy beverage. Recognized as the first known “healthy coffee,” in the world, Gano coffee is produced by growing and processing organically without the use of chemicals, pesticides, hormones or artificial fertilizers. Gano coffee gives you an energy boost – not from caffeine, but from the ancient healthy ingredient called “Ganoderma Lucidum,” that has been recognized for it’s amazing properties.

Being a coffee that that has a lower caffeine amount compared to commercially processed decaf coffees, Gano coffee is now one of the most popular coffee crazes to catch up on the modern coffee drinking world. Contrary to the common conception, Gano coffee is not a “substitute coffee” but an “alternative coffee” that gives you the richer flavor than fully-caffeinated coffee. Gano coffee also allows you to continue savoring the full-bodied flavor you are getting in a premium instant coffee while providing you more energy than your usual caffeinated drink.

Proven as a delicious and nutritious drink, Gano coffee gives you more vigor while reducing you stress and fatigue. Among the so many benefits of drinking gano coffee include the detoxification and rejuvenation of your body while strengthening your immune system. Aside from helping you boost your energy level, Gano coffee also contributes to the improvement of your sleeping patterns while increasing the oxygen to your brain, and helps balance your weight. Since Gano coffee contains less net caffeine than most of your other favorite caffeinated beverages, you can actually enjoy the benefits and delicious taste of a “healthy coffee” that is good for your wellbeing. And with every cup of gano coffee you drink, you are making it as a healthy habit.

With every cup of gano coffee you drink, you are getting a “caffeine jumpstart” that will last for hours without the caffeine. Aside from making gano coffee as a good habit, here are some hints on how you can keep your coffee habit as healthy as possible especially if you are an avid coffee lover.

Although you are a person that has higher “caffeine urgency” than the others, you must still listen to what your body says. When it says it can no longer take an extra cup, learn not to let your urgency control over you. If you still don’t resort to drinking healthy coffee like gano coffee, always be aware of the caffeine content of your coffee since it varies widely depending on brewing and roasting methods. And though most research says that drinking 1-3 cups of coffee a day does not seem to have any negative effects in most healthy people, always make sure that you know the level of caffeine intake especially if you are undergoing any medications.

Terry Dunn is Webmaster of http://www.Ganoderma-Online.com – a Informational Resource about Ganoderma

Author: Terry Dunn
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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