Coffee Aide

All About Coffee

Jitter juice, cupped lighting, liquid energy, black gold – these are just a few names used to refer to one of the world’s most beloved drinks, coffee. For most people, coffee is an essential part of their daily lives. It gives them the necessary kick to start off another day. This is the reason why there’s a coffee shop at almost every city corner. There is also a rising demand for instant coffee especially for people who are always on the go. It may be the bittersweet taste, the hotness or coldness of the drink, the smell, or the way each ingredient in your cup of joe blends with each other that makes this flavorful beverage a favorite among many.

Some people just can’t live without coffee. Their mornings will never be complete with a hot cup of this beverage. According to studies, Americans drink an average of 2 cups of coffee a day. It is no wonder then that the coffee industry has earned over $85.1 million this year. It is estimated that the coffee industry will continue to grow at a rate of 4.2% per year. Coffee remains to be one of the top beverages consumed by Americans. But what exactly is coffee? What benefits do people get from this drink and what exactly does it do to our body? Is it safe to drink coffee every day? If not, is there a healthier alternative to coffee? How did coffee come to play an important role in a person’s day to day existence?

Is coffee good for your health?

With all the fuss about this drink, one might wonder if the amount people spend on coffee is a worthwhile investment in their health. Coffee is rich in antioxidants. In fact, it is a better source of antioxidants than other fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants are good for the body because they fight free radicals or those harmful compounds in our body that can cause major illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Coffee also has other essential nutrients. A cup of coffee contains Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), Vitamin B1 (thiamine), Vitamin B3 (niacin), folate, manganese, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus. With these components in mind, it is safe to say that there is some good in coffee.

Is coffee a fat burner?

There is a growing demand in the market for coffee and other caffeine products because they are said to help in weight reduction. They gained support from a recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Nottingham’s School of Medicine which showed that drinking a cup of coffee could indeed help a person lose weight. This is because coffee directly affects the brown fats in a person’s body and stimulates them to generate heat and increase metabolism by burning the calories. However, experts are quick to say that this finding is far from conclusive. At best, it can just offer possibilities. This means coffee may or may not help you lose that belly fat and coffee alone would not be sufficient to maintain a long-term weight loss regimen. Exercise and proper diet are still your best recourse if you want to shed those extra pounds.

What is the healthiest coffee?

The coffee industry is growing bigger. There are various kinds of coffee in the market. There’s espresso, double espresso, Americano, Long Black, macchiato, cappuccino, café latte and a whole lot more on the coffeehouse’s menu. Which one is the healthiest to drink? Does drinking coffee make you fat? Not necessarily. Is decaf coffee worse than regular coffee? We can’t really say at this point. There have been limited studies on decaf coffee to substantially say if it is better or worse than regular coffee. Decaf coffee is made from coffee beans whose caffeine content has been removed. It is better for those people experiencing acid reflux when drinking coffee and the better option for those who don’t like the bitter taste of this beverage. Caffeine, which has been removed from decaf coffee and can only be found on regular coffee, offers many benefits such as mood improvement, an increase in metabolic rate, and a lower risk of liver damage. But again, the extent of studies done on decaf coffee is insufficient for us to say which one is the better coffee.

So, should you opt for tea instead? There has been quite a debate on which drink is better – coffee or tea. Well, there shouldn’t be because both are healthy drinks when taken in moderation. They are both rich in antioxidants that fight off bad cells in our body. They both increase a person’s energy and can possibly aid in weight loss. It all boils down to one’s preference and caffeine sensitivity if he or she would choose tea over coffee.

While it is difficult to identify specifically which one is the healthiest coffee in the market, here are some ways to make your coffee healthier. First, mind the temperature. They say hot coffee is better than cold coffee because it has more antioxidants. Second, take note that no sugar is best. The less sugar content, the healthier your coffee is. Sugar not only makes you fat but also causes chronic diseases. Third, keep it simple. Of course, it follows that the more you add in your coffee, the more calories it will have. For those who want creamers in their coffee, avoid the artificial ones. Go with whole milk or cream instead. It is also better to add a dash of cinnamon or cocoa to your coffee instead of sugar as these are healthier alternatives. Both are rich in antioxidants and offer other health benefits, therefore, making your coffee healthier. Fourth, make sure your coffee is organically-known so that it is free from harmful chemicals. Lastly, drink your coffee in moderation. Yes, coffee offers lots of health benefits but there are also some adverse effects on our body. Experts say that drinking 2 to 3 cups a day should be fine, just enough to satisfy your need for coffee but not so much as to make you dependent on it. So, keep everything in moderation so that you can enjoy its benefits and avoid suffering from its harmful side effects. After all, coffee is a healthy drink meant to be enjoyed like the other good things in life.

What are the benefits of coffee?

Coffee is generally good for you when taken in moderation. It is rich in antioxidants which are essential in fighting harmful compounds found in our body. It is also rich in nutrients that can help keep our bodies strong and healthy. The caffeine in your coffee can give your body a momentary energy boost, increase brain function, and speed up the rate of metabolism. It is also said that coffee can lower the risk of developing cirrhosis and liver cancer. Other studies claim that coffee drinkers are less likely to acquire Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia when they reach old age. Drinking coffee can also lower the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. Coffee drinkers are also less susceptible to depression and have a lower risk of committing suicide. Long-term studies even show that coffee drinkers live longer life. Drinking coffee can actually be good for our body as long as it is done in moderation.

Since many people enjoy drinking a cup of coffee, it has led to some studies that explore the other effects of this beloved drink in the body. For example, some people feel the need to use the bathroom after drinking coffee. Is coffee a natural laxative that makes coffee drinkers poop right away? Research shows that caffeine in coffee can activate the colon and intestinal muscles which aids in pushing the food that you ate into the rectum. Other studies also demonstrate that there are certain compounds in coffee like chlorogenic acids that may also stimulate bowel movement. However, this is not yet conclusive and researchers say it could also just be a coincidence because other factors could also be at work here like a person’s body clock for example.

What exactly is coffee?

We’ve been talking about coffee all this time but we haven’t really defined what coffee is yet. What is this beloved drink made of? Let’s get to know coffee a little bit more. Coffee is a drink or beverage made from brewing roasted or ground coffee beans. These coffee beans are seeds of the fruit called coffee cherry which grows from the plant family called Coffea. These plants can vary in size from little shrubs to tall trees. There are two main coffee species being sold commercially. These are Arabica and Robusta coffee. The Arabica variety is more expensive. The beans are elongated and flatter. They also have less caffeine. The Robusta variety is easier to cultivate that is why this one is less expensive. The beans are smaller and rounder. These are often used for instant coffees and blends. There you go. Now you know more about coffee. But coffee has become more than just a beverage. It has become a part of our culture, a robust industry contributing to the economy, a passion for some, an art and a science in itself. Yes, coffee is all that and more.

Is coffee addictive?

Some people that demonize coffee cite that it is an addictive drink or habit to support their claim. Well, it turns out there is some truth behind this. The caffeine in coffee acts as a stimulant to our central nervous system. It is a mild painkiller in itself. Regular coffee intake can cause a mild case of physical dependence on this drink that’s why some people feel the need to keep drinking it. If you do decide to stop drinking coffee altogether, you might experience mild withdrawal symptoms such as headache, fatigue, anxiety, and irritability. But that’s just that. It doesn’t directly cause harmful effects to a person’s physical health and social relationships like addictive drugs to do. The most harm it can do is to your wallet as you might be surprised by the amount you spend on coffee each month! However, one should still exercise caution when drinking coffee and keep in mind about taking it in moderation. Drinking too much coffee, aside from affecting your budget concerns, can cause heart palpitations, anxiety, and panic attacks. Those who have a low tolerance to caffeine are well-advised to avoid drinking coffee so that they will not experience these unwanted side effects. Another well-known disadvantage of drinking coffee is its effect on one’s sleeping pattern. Since coffee is a stimulant, those who drink it before going to bed have a hard time sleeping. It is not recommended to have coffee intake later than 2 pm so as not to disrupt one’s sleep. They say that drinking coffee increases a person’s blood pressure and diuretic level. These are generally the bad side of coffee. When taken in moderation, it is safe to say that coffee is not toxic to the body and has more benefits for the body. With these precautions, the American Academy of Pediatrics says that children below 12 years old should not be given coffee while those between 13 to 18 years old should limit their consumption to a single 8oz cup per day. There are fewer studies on the effects of coffee on children so it is best to err on the side of caution by limiting their coffee intake.

Why do people drink coffee?

There are many reasons why people drink coffee. Some turn to coffee in their belief that it can help them lose weight and burn unwanted fats. As mentioned earlier, there might be some truth to this but it is still best to get adequate exercise and proper nutrition to help with weight loss. Coffee is an integral part of our culture. It is more than just a cup of joe. You can find coffee inside and outside people’s homes. It has become a part of our lifestyle. People drink coffee for the things it does to their body – be it a boost in energy or their daily dose of calm. There are people who drink coffee to socialize and have a good time. They talk about things over a cup of their favorite coffee, just chill, and enjoy the blend of coffee and companionship and the wonderful feeling that it brings.

Is coffee good for the liver?

Different studies have been done about the benefits of coffee to our bodies. There is some evidence pointing to its benefits to the liver. Research shows that coffee drinkers have a significantly lower risk of developing cirrhosis or the final stage of liver damage. They also have lower chances of having liver cancer, which is the second deadliest kind of cancer in the world.

Does coffee detox your body?

Detox or cleansing your body is all about getting rid of harmful substances in your body. This is why only healthy juices and foods rich in antioxidants are allowed during detox. Coffee is actually rich in antioxidants but if you want to drink it during your detox, you would have to go black. This way you won’t take in additional carbs. Coffee during detox may be good for your body as it will give you the much-needed energy boost to help you last throughout the day. Coffee can also help increase your metabolic rate and help you burn fats faster. Just be mindful of your coffee intake so that you can avoid its adverse side effects such as sleep disruption, anxiety, and increased blood pressure.

Does coffee detox your liver?

As it turns out, coffee is good for your liver. It reduces your chances of acquiring liver cancer and developing cirrhosis. This means that coffee can help detoxify your liver from harmful substances that can cause severe damage to it. As for the kidney, doctors do not prohibit those with kidney disease from drinking coffee as long as it is done in moderation. If this is the case, then it is safe to say that your daily intake of a cup or two of coffee will not hurt your kidneys. However, it might be an issue of what you put in your coffee that can cause health concerns. Beware of additives and artificial creamers and sweeteners which can contain harmful substances for your body.

If you’re still worried and want to be sure about your liver’s health, here are 10 signs of liver damage that you should look out for:

Jaundice or having yellowish skin and eyes
Pain and swelling in the abdominal area
Swelling of legs and ankles
Having itchy skin
Dark-colored urine
Pale, bloody, or tar-colored stool
Chronic fatigue
Vomiting or nausea
Loss of appetite
Tend to bruise easily

Should you experience any of these symptoms, it is best to consult a doctor right away. Well, at least after you poured yourself a delightful cup of coffee to help give you energy and uplift your mood.

Coffee is more than just a drink or beverage that has captivated the whole world. It is a staple, something that people don’t want to live without and for a good reason. So, go ahead and enjoy a cup of your favorite coffee and fill your body with goodness. And as your senses revel in its smell and flavor, it might even be good for your soul.