Last updated on January 15th, 2024 at 06:43 pm
Here are 10 interesting known facts about coffee that you may not know:
Coffee beans are coffee plants’ seeds. They are cherry-like berries that can grow on flowering coffee shrubs. Coffee is the second most traded commodity in the world. To health professionals, coffee is a controversial beverage. Some advocate its many health benefits. Others say it is terrible for people’s health. Coffee does have many health benefits for people, but it also depends on how a person’s body reacts to caffeine.
Table of Contents
Coffee Supports Brain Health And Power.
The combination of caffeine and glucose could act as stimulants for a person’s central nervous system and trigger the release of adrenaline. As a result, the person’s heartbeat increases, and blood pressure rises. The body feels an extra energy boost. Drinking coffee will help improve one’s attention and concentration power. [1]
Coffee Has Almost No Calories.
According to studies, 100 grams of coffee contains about 0.5 kilocalories and has no fat. A 2015 study conducted in the US showed that the participants who drank two to three cups of coffee daily had lower risks of developing hepatocellular carcinoma.[2]
Coffee Can Reduce The Risks Of Chronic Liver Disease.
The research papers also showed a positive connection between coffee consumption and reduced risks of liver cancer or cirrhosis. Drinking coffee may provide some health benefits for the liver. However, do not drink tons of coffee just because it might protect one’s liver, everything in life should be taken in moderation![3]
Coffee Might Help Fight Depression.
Some studies suggest that coffee’s anti-inflammatory properties may decrease depression. Caffeine is believed to block the mood-depressing chemicals in the brain by binding with a chemical called adenosine. However, depression is a serious medical condition, one always needs to see a doctor before any self-medication. Drinking coffee may lift one’s mood but it is not a cure for depression.[4]
Coffee Increases One’s Fiber Intake.
One or two cups of coffee can bring a person closer to reaching his/her recommended daily fiber intake since a few studies suggest that 100 milliliters of brewed coffee contain up to .75 grams of dietary fiber. However, one should not rely only on coffee for fiber, a healthy and balanced diet with fruits, apples, avocados, berries, beans, and broccoli is a much better and consistent option.[5]
Coffee Can Reduce The Risk Of Gout.
The main cause of gout is the excessive amount of hyperuricemia, which contains uric acid. Uric acid is a byproduct of purine, a chemical compound that occurs naturally in the human body. Research has shown that coffee can increase the rate at which one’s body excretes uric acid by competing with the enzymes that break down purines in the body. One of these studies indicates that drinking one to three cups of coffee can lower the gout risk by 8%. If the dose increases to four or five cups a day, drinking coffee can drop the gout risk by 40%.[6]
Coffee Could Improve Your Immune System.
Caffeine may aid one’s immune system. Coffee contains phenolic compounds which are rich in antioxidants. If anyone likes to benefit from these special compounds of coffee, the natural ground coffee type is the way to go. Instant coffee contains chemical additives that are not good for the body. Coffee in the morning should be fresh and natural, which brings one a bright and productive day.[7]
Coffee Can Help One Lose Weight.
According to recent research, coffee can help one lose weight by altering his/her fat storage and supporting gut health. A few studies show that a high intake of coffee is linked to reducing body fat in the human body. Another study shows that if a person drinks one or two cups of coffee per day is 17% more likely to perform certain physical activities at optimum levels. Coffee can improve a person’s energy levels and physical performance. More physical activities lead to burning more calories which results in losing weight faster.[8]
Coffee Might Decrease The Risk Of Developing Parkinson's Disease.
A 2017 analysis indicated that regular coffee consumption can lower the risk of Parkinson’s disease. The study also suggested that regular coffee drinkers are less likely to suffer from depression or other cognitive conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease even among smokers. More research is needed on this topic. There are scores of observational studies, involving almost 30,000 people, that suggest that coffee consumption can lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Also, several other studies suggest a positive link between moderate coffee consumption and lower risks of dementia or cognitive decline. [9]
Coffee May Decrease The Risk Of Developing Type 2 Diabetes.
Some studies indicate that drinking coffee regularly may be related to a decreased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the long term. For example, according to a study led by the Harvard School of Public Health researchers, people who drank more than one cup of coffee over a year had an 11% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes than those who drank just One Cup of coffee daily. Another study showed that the coffee compound “Cafestol” could improve the type 2 diabetes markers in mice. More research is needed, however, so far coffee looks like it can impact insulin sensitivity, inflammation, and metabolism.[10]
Here are a few interesting facts about coffee. Even though there are over 100 coffee species in the world, the two main types that are produced and sold all over the globe are coffee Arabica and coffee Robusta. Arabica is the most popular, primarily because of its taste. Robusta is bitter because it contains almost two times more caffeine than Arabica beans. The extra amount of caffeine acts as a natural defense mechanism against insects and other parasites, so Robusta is easier to farm. Thus, it is generally less expensive than Arabica.
Nowadays coffee makers blend the two to keep the cost down while still maintaining the aroma and other good characteristics of the Arabic beans. For example, the Italian espresso blend contains Robusta and Arabic coffee beans, and the Robusta beans improve the crema of the coffee drink. Coffee is not only an artistic magic drink but also a science. Having a cup of coffee in the morning can make one’s day more productive and enjoyable.
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