Coffee

To those who may not be aware, caffeine content in coffee acts as s stimulant and it increases our alertness and keeps us awake when consumed in substantial quantities. For those who wish to enjoy good coffee but want to avoid consuming caffeine, decaf of decaffeinated coffee is the obvious choice. Bear in mind that decaf coffee is by no means less flavorful or inferior in quality to the normal coffee. With certain flavor additives, decaf flavored coffee can be extremely delicious.

It is possible to extract caffeine from the bean without affecting its flavor, aroma and taste. But using chemical solvents for this purpose can create health problems over a period of time for coffee drinkers. Instead it is safer to remove the compound is by immersing the coffee beans in hot water.

But different companies adopt different methods and it is necessary for you to find out the method used to ensure that you are getting correctly processed coffee beans. Proper infusion of flavors and appropriate methods of removal of caffeine will make decaf coffee as a healthy and refreshing beverage to drink.

There are four major process methods used to remove caffeine from coffee -

o Conventional decaffeination.
o Natural decaffeination using chemical Ethyl Acetate.
o Water decaffeination.
o Carbon Dioxide decaffeination.

Each of these methods removes the caffeine from coffee but there are significant differences in the taste of the decaffeinated coffee.

Conventional decaffeination uses the chemical Methylene Chloride – Although Methylene Chloride levels in the coffee bean are reduced to residual levels that are legally safe, many health-conscious consumers still consider these residues unacceptable. Many connoisseurs of coffee complain that the flavor of coffee decaffeinated by Methylene Chloride method is somewhat insipid.

Ethyl Acetate decaffeinated coffee is generally referred to as Naturally Decaffeinated coffee because Ethyl Acetate occurs naturally in orange rinds and other fruits. Ethyl Acetate used in decaffeination is a man-made chemical. The decaffeination process is essentially the same as in conventional Methylene Chloride decaffeination, except Ethyl Acetate replaces Methylene Chloride as the solvent. The practice to label the beans naturally decaffeinated makes it a powerful marketing tool.

The advantage of the water decaffeination over conventional methods is that no chemicals are used. Most people seem to agree that the water process produces a slightly more flavorful cup of coffee – though water process coffee is more expensive. Water decaffeination is specially favored by those who are sensitive to health and environmental issues.

CO2 decaffeination produces the most flavorful decaffeinated coffee. There are no harmful chemicals or by-products of the process. But the fact is the setting up of a CO2 decaffeination plant is quite high and as such this process is primarily used to decaffeinate large volumes of commercial grade coffee. In view of the growing market for a safe and flavorful decaffeinated product, CO2 decaffeinated specialty grade coffees are popular and widely available.

In order to retain maximum flavor during the decaffeination process, it is necessary to use green coffee beans. This may mean paying more for the coffee, but the extra cost is worth it. It is a fact that there are many shelf brands of decaffeinated coffee available but genuine coffee lovers will find more satisfaction in the beans that have been carefully processed exclusively for decaf lovers.

Samehta is a Copywriter of Flavored coffee, flavored tea.She written many articles in various topics such as decaffeinated flavored coffee. For more information visit: http://capellaflavordrops.com.

Author: Samehtas S Capellas
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Low-volume PCB Assembly

If you have not discovered the ease and popularity of coffee pods yet, you do not know what you are missing. Coffee pods are single serving, pre-measured coffee enclosed in little pods. The pods are specialty paper that is used to keep the roasted, ground coffee contained and look much like tea bags you might find in the stores. These coffee pods are typically perfect for making instant coffee.

With coffee pods, you no longer have to measure the right about of coffee or even worry about that mess you might make with the grounds all over the counter. These pods allow you to simply skip all of that, saving both time and money on wasted grounds. They come in various sizes, which is perfect for whatever strength or amount of coffee you want and it even keeps your coffee machine that much cleaner, which lowers the amount of maintenance it needs.

Coffee pods even have their own machines. These coffee makers are specific to coffee pods and cater to the needs of any fussy coffee drinker. Many people prefer the coffee pods to traditional means of making coffee because it just saves time and effort. All you have to do is fill the coffee maker with water, put the coffee pod right in, and turn it on. In just a few short minutes, you will have made a great cup of coffee, ready for drinking.

Coffee pods come in a variety of your favorite coffee flavors. You can choose from Irish cream, hazelnut, or vanilla. Of course, traditional coffee flavors such as regular or decaffeinated coffee can be found in coffee pods as well. Depending on the flavor of the pod, as well as the specific roast types, the prices will vary accordingly. Coffee pods can be found in the aisle of your favorite coffee shop or local supermarket.

If you want to read more about coffee pods, [http://www.fullcitycoffee.com/Folgers_coffee_pods.html] visit Danny Brown’s site at http://www.Full City Coffee.com.

Author: Danny Brown
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Anti-angiogenic Food

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
Tissot virtual reality

Drinking coffee is as common as eating and has become almost a national pastime since it punctuates many important events such as dinners, banquets, socials, and home gatherings. Whole businesses are made around this product such as coffee houses, delis, bars and donut shops. Manufacturers would be lost without coffee beans to process into its many forms that include not only the hot beverage, but injected into other food items such as pies, cakes, icecream, energy drinks and smoothies. There is an endless stream of products that us some form of the coffee bean to enhance, flavor and provide a shot of caffeine to eager consumers.

With so much use of coffee beans over the last 50 years, there are many questions that are asked by consumers as to the use and/or abuse of the product. There are conflicting statements made by health professionals all the time as well. Research has been conducted while consumers continue to use the product in some form or other. There is no denying that coffee is a powerful manufacturing product because it is a favorite among people worldwide. Obviously, it is here to stay. But what about the many questions that are often asked about its use? Here are a few important questions and some answers given by coffee experts that may offer you some information when deciding whether or not to drink that extra cup of coffee or eat that coffee laden ice cream pie.

Q: Are all coffee products natural or are there any chemicals used to process them?

A: It is undeniable that many chemicals are used to process many gourmet blends and flavored coffees. Companies use propylene glycol to flavor beans after roasting. This chemical is necessary to inject various flavors into the beans. If you are looking to drink coffee or use coffee products without chemicals, you would best stick with organic coffee beans and do your own grinding and blending.

Q: Does decaffeinated coffee still retain some caffeine?

A: Yes, generally, all decaffeinated coffee still retains some caffeine although most is removed. Generally, between 97% to 99% of decaf coffee is without caffeine.

Q: Are chemicals used to decaffeinate coffee?

A: Yes, a solvent called methylene chloride is used to remove most of the caffeine. Another method is to wash away the caffeine with charcoal and water. There is some concern about whether or not the solvent is completely washed away before packaging or if some residue will be ingested by consumers. By using the Swiss method of removing caffeine by passing it through charcoal and water can alleviate concerns about chemicals. Obviously, you will lose some flavor by decaf methods. If you want to go completely chemically free, you can try an organic, green coffee bean that has not been treated that will give you as close to the taste of a ‘real’ cup of coffee as you will find, but with very little caffeine. It is also a bit more expensive.

Q: Is it possible to make low acid coffee if you have stomach problems from drinking regular coffee?

A: Yes, if you suffer from problems such as acid reflux, you can purchase some ‘low acid’ coffees, but there is a method called Toddy Cold Brew System that purports to make coffee with over 60% less acid than typical coffee. You don’t have to purchase processed low acid coffee which may also have chemical residues and may not taste as good.

Q: Could drinking coffee cause a heart attack?

A: There are many medical opinions on this subject and it is best to heed the general warning that drinking too much coffee is not good for anyone because it can cause general anxiety symptoms to worsen which cause the heart rate to go up sometimes. That said, a recent study also reports that drinking coffee in moderation can actually be good for heart health.

These are just a few of the questions that come to the mind of many coffee lovers who want to continue to enjoy their hot beverage every day if possible. Obviously, coffee in its many forms will continue to be a part of the worldwide culture. As with any beverage or food, its wise to consume in moderation without giving up one of life’s simple pleasures.

P.S. Orr has been writing articles for 6 years on a variety of topics of interest. Come visit the latest website at http://www.singleservecoffeemakerstore.com/ which helps people find the best deals on travel coffee makers and more information about gourmet coffee machines.

Author: P.S. Orr
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Awe Inspiring Pictures

There are plenty of coffee lovers out there who do not only appreciate coffee in the morning, but all day and into the evening. Coffee can be a great after dinner drink. However, drinking coffee later in the day can prove to be difficult to some people. The caffeine can disrupt people’s sleep patterns. It all depends on the specifics about how coffee affects the system. This is where the decaffeinated coffee comes in. Decaffeinated coffee is a great way to enjoy the taste of coffee without the consequences of the caffeine. Coffee should be enjoyed whenever possible by the people who love it without any negative consequences. Sleep can definitely be a very important aspect of people’s lives and no one wants to choose between sleep and their love of coffee. Anyone who is sensitive to caffeine should definitely try decaf coffee to see if it works for them.

Sometimes when people run out of decaffeinated coffee in the evening, they have a favorite place to get their fix from. A common place is Dunkin Donuts. Their decaffeinated coffee tastes like caffeinated coffee. There is no difference detected. In fact, decaffeinated iced coffee is also popular during the hot nights of the summer time. It is an excellent treat to cool down, get your coffee fix, and not lose any sleep.

Caffeine can be described as a natural molecule found in the coffee bean. Removing the caffeine from the coffee can be done in two different ways. There is a chemical process and there is a water process. The water process is a natural way of removing the caffeine from the coffee. It is a process that happens to the full bean not to the ground. Decaf coffee can be sold in both bean and grind form and therefore removing the caffeine from the coffee is not done in the liquid process. No matter how the caffeine is removed, it is still an excellent solution for the coffee lovers of the world who do not wish to have sleepless nights. Decaffeinated coffee can come in the same tastes and flavors as the caffeinated coffee because the process does not alter the taste of the bean in any way.

Coffee shops are usually very careful about making sure that their decaf coffee is brewed in different machines and served in different carafes to ensure that caffeine is not accidentally added to the coffee. To ensure that the coffee remains decaf, the best way is to always keep decaf coffee in the house or kitchen. This way, the coffee is made by you and you are aware of whether caffeinated coffee got mixed with it in the coffee maker. The other worry is that when someone wants caffeinated coffee that they will accidentally get decaf and therefore not get the kick they need from it. Regardless of caf or decaf, coffee is loved by many and should be available any time of the day or night.

Peter Wilson writes at large for http://www.coffee-espresso-maker-tips.com , a web publication about quality coffee makers , coffee makers and other subjects. You might find out more about his articles on coffee makers and coffee maker over at http://www.coffee-espresso-maker-tips.com .

Author: Peter I. Wilson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Cool mobile gadgets