Archive for December, 2009

What are the Health Benefits of Coffee?

According to a large and growing number of studies, the health benefits of coffee cannot be denied. As a coffee drinker, that comes as welcome news to me. I look forward to my morning brew and afternoon pick-me-up. I enjoy the taste and certainly enjoy the added energy boost that it gives me.

But, I've always felt a little guilty about drinking it. People have always told me that coffee is harmful to your health - it will stunt your growth, it can damage your heart, it could lead to a stroke, etc. So I began looking at the evidence and here is what I found.

There are Some Negatives

I could find no evidence to support that coffee will stunt your growth - not so much of worry, as I'm not a kid anymore. And I was relieved to find out that there is no evidence to support that coffee increases blood pressure or leads to cardiovascular disease - which have always been my chief concerns. But there are some drawbacks.

If you drink a lot of unfiltered coffee (French Press, percolated, espresso), then you might want to cut back or limit it. It can lead to elevated levels of cholesterol. Filtered coffee, like most people drink, poses no such danger.

People with irregular heartbeats need to limit their intake of caffeine - and coffee contains a whole lot of it. These folks need to drink the decaf variety.

If you suffer with osteoporosis, then you should limit your intake of caffeine. Caffeine acts as a diuretic, which leads to frequent urination. This excess loss of fluids can mean the loss of vital minerals and nutrients which are essential to maintaining bone density. Decaf coffee is the wisest choice if you still want your coffee.

Drinking too much caffeine (coffee has a lot) can lead to shaking, nervousness, and anxiety. So be sure to drink your coffee in moderation - don't overdo it.

Many people put a large amount of cream and sugar in their cups of coffee - which can lead to health problems. Although this can't be blamed on coffee - it sometimes goes along with it.

The Positives of Drinking Coffee

In my research, I found it very difficult to find any negatives related to coffee consumption - it seemed to all be positive. Here are some of the things I found.

Coffee drinkers have a much lower risk of developing type-2 diabetes than non-drinkers. This may be related to the high levels of caffeine or the high levels of antioxidants; or both.

There are studies that show a decreased risk of developing liver, rectal, colon, and breast cancer in coffee drinkers. This probably has much to do with the large levels of antioxidants contained within coffee.

Male coffee drinkers have a much lower risk of developing Parkinson's disease than non-coffee drinkers.

There is a new Italian study that shows an anti-cavity and anti-bacterial connection with coffee consumption.

In Conclusion

After all of my research, I have to admit, I was surprised. I expected to find many more negatives than positives when it came to coffee - but the opposite turned out to be true. The health benefits of coffee far outweigh the few risks associated with it. I am so happy that I can drink my coffee with a clear conscience.

With all this great news about coffee, you're going to need a quality coffee maker. Read about the highest rated single serve coffee makers at http://www.coffeemakerspoint.com.

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December 21 2009 | coffee | No Comments »

Opting For The Correct Coffee Maker Made Easy

The ideal coffee brewer doesn't have to cost very much. The marketplace has plenty of inexpensive brewers that may perhaps reach the characteristics of rather luxurious brands. You merely have to take a seat and realize which one works appropriately for you.

Here's a breakdown of the steps to follow in choosing the best brewer for your needs.

Step 1: Knowing the right coffee brewing size.

How many cups of coffee do you drink in a day? How many in your house are fond of drinking coffee? If you normally consume only one or two cups of coffee a day, a single or two cup coffee maker would be a good pick for you. If that doesn't work for you, get a bigger coffee maker. If you know exactly what your needs are and the size of the coffee machine you require, it will narrow considerably the range of choices.

Step 2: Select the right kind of technology.

Is it a non-automatic coffee brewer or a fully programmable one that would suit you best? Programmable coffee makers are great for busy people, because it provides good brewing with the touch of a button instead of intensive operation required by other coffee machines.

Step 3: Understand Your Financial Plan.

Before you go to choose a brewer, have a plan and be sure of how much you are able to spend. Being aware of your budget assists you in keeping your eye on the cost. By doing this, you can save yourself from exceeding your budget and spending too much money.

Step 4: Read Reviews.

Prior to finishing the purchase, you should learn more about the specific brand you are buying. Read reviews so you can find out if other people are satisfied with their purchase. A high-quality brand typically has an regular rating of four out five. Another advantage of reading reviews is the tips. You can get assistance by way of tips from consumers, on adjusting the settings of your brewer to get the desired flavor of coffee.

Step 5: Know The Warranty Details.

You should find out about how long the warranty lasts so you know how long you can take advantage of it, and how long you can file claims. If the coffee machine you got is faulty, you can use this.

Step 6: Know Your Features

Research and obtain additional information about the features of the coffee maker. This can also help you compare as to which brewer is better. Some coffee brewers are more expensive because of the features. Compare features with other brands so you will know which one has the features you want most.

If you are on the lookout for a gourmet coffee-brewer that makes the best cuppa every time, the Keurig B60 Single-Mug Maker is the ideal system to buy. You may see more about the Keurig B60 here.

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December 20 2009 | coffee | No Comments »

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