Coffee

Did you know that coffee can actually do a lot more than simply give you a boost in the morning? There are actually a number of health benefits to drinking coffee regularly. So, before you make the switch to herbal tea, read on to learn more about what coffee can do for you and your body.

Reduced Gall Stones

The Harvard School of Public Health recently published a study indicating that drinking caffeinated coffee on a regular basis can dramatically decrease the incidence of gall bladder disease and gall stones in both women and men.

Reduced Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease

Two studies, one published in the European Journal of Neurology, have shown that individuals who drank about 2 cups of caffeinated coffee per day were less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than individuals who drank no coffee or a small to moderate amount.

Reduced Risk for Parkinson’s Disease

Studies have shown that the amount of coffee and caffeine consumed could be inversely related to an individual’s likelihood of contracting Parkinson’s disease. This means the more coffee you drink, the lower your chances are for developing the disease.

Antioxidants and Cancer-Fighting Properties

Coffee is a powerful source of antioxidants – agents that combat cancer-causing free radicals. Coffee is chock full of the compound methylpyridinium, which can’t be found in many other food items and not at the level available in coffee. You can get antioxidants from both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee as long as the beans are sufficiently roasted.

Increased Cognitive Ability

Studies have shown that regular coffee drinkers frequently score significantly higher on cognitive ability tests, spatial awareness exams, IQ tests, and short term memory studies.

The effects of coffee on an individual’s cognitive ability appeared to be more pronounced in elderly study participants and women.

Bowel Stimulation

Coffee is a stimulant and also a laxative. Some alternative practitioners even prescribe coffee enemas to stimulate the lower colon.

However, because coffee is also a diuretic, it can cause constipation in some individuals.

Reduced Risk for Gout

A large study of over 45,000 men that was conducted over a 12-year period showed the amount of coffee consumed was inversely related to their risk or likelihood of developing gout.

Remember, everything should be practiced in moderation, and health concerns should always be discussed with a medical professional. So, while a moderate amount of coffee has its benefit, an excessive amount can also cause problems. Heavy coffee drinking can lead to irritability, anxiety, sleep deprivation, cardiovascular problems and higher cholesterol levels.

For additional informative details on coffee and enticing flavors that explode your taste buds, please visit http://www.coffeetryst.com a popular site providing great insights on coffee options, such as organic flavored coffee, Kona blend coffee, and many more!

Author: Wesley Johnson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Coffee makers have been around nearly as long as coffee itself. The Turkish Ibrik is the original coffee brewer and is still used in the Middle East. This simple copper container with a long handle and grooved tongue produces a rather strong brew considering it does not filter.

But, for those who prefer to drink a beverage rather than eat coffee grounds, there are many different types available from simple to the inimitable deluxe makers. Here are some of the things you will want to look for in a coffee maker.

The lower priced drip model makes up the majority of coffee makers today. You simply pour water into the top and let the water pass through the grounds as it is heated by an electric coil. Of course, the pot is resting on a heated plate to keep it warm. This is the most common coffee maker. But, beyond this basic model, a few features on coffee makers are particularly useful.

The controls on coffee makers have transformed to the point that many resemble a stereo. Display screens show the actual time, the brew time, a timer, the temperature and several other useful pieces of information depending on the model. However, the “level of brew desired” is necessary control although more rather than less control may be preferred.

Another useful feature is the auto-shutoff, especially for those who often forget to turn appliances off. This may make these models of coffee makers the inimitable choice. Most today tend to be too busy to wait for the entire process to finish, so they often remove the pot before the water has completed draining. Coffee continues to drip and splashes onto the heating plate, at least it did in the past. Automatic shut-off now solves this problem. The water flow stops when the pot is removed, thus preventing this problem.

The lighted LCD screens are also useful in the dark, perhaps in the mornings, when you have not yet found the light switch or are still not quite awake.

Cleaning is also much easier with the invention of coffee pods, which are small, individual containers of coffee that water flows through. An extra benefit is that they provide good filtering for the ground coffee. Once brewing is finished, you simply pop the pods out and throw them away. Pods are terrific for the busy coffee drinker who does not have time to clean.

Some models even come with water filters which is a great added feature for the city dweller since quality water is very important to a good cup of coffee. Filters may be a bit expensive, but waking up to a delicious cup of coffee is invaluable.

Yes, you can get a permanent coffee filter but they are less important with pods. However, there is still some debate over the effect on the environment and taste from these pods. So, do what you feel is best.

Guy Morris publishes essentially for http://www.coffee-espresso-maker-tips.com an online site covering information on single serving coffee maker, one cup coffee brewer and other areas. You might see his comments on where to buy single cup coffee makers over at http://www.coffee-espresso-maker-tips.com/single-cup-coffee-maker.html and various other sources for where to buy single cup coffee makers news.

Author: Guy J Morris
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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