Pros and Cons of Coffee
Most people will tell you that without a cup of coffee in the morning, they cannot function. Research has shown that the cup of coffee does give an individual a slight jolt, but even without the coffee, individuals can still function. Coffee is considered harmful if taken in large dosages, but the caffeine in coffee can actually help fight disease. Coffee has more antioxidants than tea, making it a good drink when consumed in moderation. Add this to my Recipe Box.
History
Legend says that Kaldi, an Ethiopian, discovered his goats feasting on coffee shrubs. Inquisitive, he tasted the leaves and began to dance around. A passing monk witnessed the scene and took some back to his fellow monks. Later that night, the monks experienced divine inspiration. Whether the legend is true or not, the discovery of coffee dates back to 800 A.D. when Africans created a coffee-berry pulp. Soon Arabia was roasting coffee beans. By 1000 A.D., Muslims were drinking the broth to stay awake. A merchant from Venice introduced coffee to Europe in 1615. By 1696, the Dutch started growing the coffee bush in Java. By 1723, coffee plants were introduced to the Americas. And by 1908, the first drip coffeemaker was introduced. Today, coffee is the most popular drink in the world.
Types
There are more than 6,000 variations of coffee, 25 major types of coffee and 3 commercial categories according to ultimate-coffees-info.com. The three commercial types are Arabica, Robusta and Kona. Kona types of coffee beans are grown in Hawaii. They have a powerful aroma. Arabica beans provide 60 percent of the coffee. They are blended or used alone. The flavor is delicate. Robusta beans account for 40 percent of the beans and are easier to grow because they are less susceptible to disease. They have a strong flavor, so they add a good punch to any blend.
Function
Caffeine is the major chemical in coffee. It blocks adenosine, a chemical that makes you drowsy. The result is a pick-me-up or stimulation from the drink. The stimulation does not last long. And if the coffee consumption is stopped, the brain cells need stimulation to stop the sluggish feeling. Caffeine intoxication can occur if more than 400 milligrams of caffeine is ingested in a short period. This is about four to five cups of brewed coffee. Caffeine also works as a mild diuretic, and eliminates calcium through the urine. Caffeine will also cause sleep disturbances, so it should be avoided before bed.
Benefits
Caffeine has many benefits. Studies have shown that it helps cognitive skills in elderly women over 65. Women who drank three cups of coffee daily scored higher on memory tests than women who drank one cup of coffee. According to newser.com, one cup of coffee a day protects the brain by destroying toxins in the bloodstream. Coffee has antioxidants that fight disease according to webmd.com. Webmd.com's article, The Buzz on Coffee, goes on to say that "studies have shown that regular coffee drinkers can reduce their risk of Parkinson's disease by 80%, the risk of colon cancer by 25%, the risk of cirrhosis of the liver by 80%, and cut the risk of gallstones in half."
Warning
Large consumptions of coffee can cause nervousness, jitters and a racing heartbeat. It can also cause heartburn. There is a link between the consumption of coffee and osteoporosis in women. Women who drink two or more cups of coffee a day may experience loss of bone density. However, if they counteract the consumption of coffee with milk, they are fine. Because coffee is a diuretic, the urine removes calcium from the body that must be replaced. Caffeine can be addicting like any drug. The more the body consumes, the more it tolerates it. For some people, just one cup of coffee a day can become habitual.
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