Health Benefits and Risks of Your Morning Brew

The past twenty-five years or so, research on coffee?s effect on the body has grown significantly, and scientists have every reason to be curious since almost a half billion cups of coffee are consumed every day. For sometime, healthcare professionals warned that partaking of coffee was bad for your health yet recent research has somewhat altered that view.

Caffeine, the active ingredient found in your coffee is consumed for its stimulating properties. For many, this can lead to a spike in blood pressure, increased heart rate and, hence, heart arrhythmias or irregular beating. However, scientists now believe that these effects are not too important as they are not lasting.

On the other hand, new research shows coffee consumption in a positive light as it can aid in many aspects of your well-being. For instance, new evidence suggests that coffee decreases your chances of contracting colon cancer. To get this benefit, however, you would have to drink at least four cups a day, which might really be harmful to your health.

However, moderate consumption has some incomparable benefits. Coffee is rich in antioxidants, which can help prevent heart problems as well as certain types of cancer. Antioxidants work to clear the blood of free-radicals which can cause cancer. Researchers report that the levels antioxidants in coffee are higher than that found antioxidant-rich produce. On the other hand, doctors would point out that eating fruits and vegetables that contain antioxidants will also supply your body with other necessary vitamins and minerals.

Other research suggests that drinking coffee, whether decaf or regular, cappaccino or espresso , reduces the onset of type-2 diabetes. In addition, some results show that coffee might lower the risk of contracting a kidney stone. Overall, there seem to be numerous benefits to the digestive system. Caffeine causes the stomach to secrete acid, which speeds along digestion.

For those who battle asthma, caffeine has been proven to open up the airways when consumed moderately. Theophylline, a bronchodilator which aids lung functioning, is also found in coffee.

Of course, there are risks to take into account as well. For instance, heavy coffee consumption has been linked with reduced fertility in men. Also, coffee has been associated with high blood levels of homocysteine, which has been linked to coronary heart disease. Further research shows increased LDL-cholesterol, which is the kind you try to limit. Furthermore, cafestol is in coffee, which has been proven raise cholesterol levels.

Overall, most scientists agree that the benefits of moderate coffee consumption counter the risks. For those heavy drinkers thinking of cutting back, colas contain a third of the caffeine per ounce. On the other hand, consuming too much soda is has its own drawbacks.

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August 25 2008 | coffee | No Comments »

How to Always Have Fresh Coffee Nearby

Fresh roasted coffee is every coffee drinkers dream. Not every coffee drinker understands the process of how coffee is made, including the roasting process. To understand it a little better lets go through the basics.

Processing

A good coffee always starts with a good bean. This is where coffee starts to differentiate as far as brands are concerned. Some places use processors that will was the beans to remove the fruit of the bean and separate out the different densities of beans. Less dense beans will float to the top where they can be easily removed. Some use a slow dry process. Dry processed beans have a subtle acidity compared to the higher acidity of wet processed beans. The acidity level is what gives coffee its flavor. Without acidity it tastes flat. An important factor of good processing is that it should leave the bean with a good moisture content so that the flavors can develop in the roasting process.

Roasting

Roasting allows the beans to produce levels of acid, aroma and other flavors. The first stage of roasting turns a green bean into a yellow color and creates a smell similar to popcorn. When the next stage is reached, at 338F-392F, the sugar in the beans starts to caramelize. It is important that the sugars caramelize or the coffee will be too sweet once brewed. At 400F the next stage begins and the beans double in size and lighten in weight. The temperature will rise to 428F the bean reduce further in weight and release CO2. At 446F the beans become oily and there is usually a pop sound. This is a critical stage where the beans can be over roasted if the roaster is not careful. The oils and aroma start to boil off and combine with air if this is overdone then the beans will lose flavor and take on a burnt taste. Achieving a balance of bitterness, acidity and other characteristics is the goal in this final stage.

The Perfect Taste

Tasting guides will often use the term body to describe the kinds of proteins and fibers in the final brew of coffee. It refers to how the brew tastes on the roof of the mouth. It is determined by the roasting process. Too light of a roast will be too bitter, while too dark of a roast will take on the aforementioned burnt taste. Neither is considered the perfect roast. It should fall somewhere in the middle with a good balance. The type and brand of espresso maker can make a difference as well.

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August 22 2008 | coffee | No Comments »