For many of us, we can’t wait to start our day with a delightful cup of steaming hot coffee. Sipping on a cup of coffee is extremely calming and helps many of us take on the day. Additionally, caffeine boosts energy levels and stimulates the mind. It is said that around the world, people drink approximately 2.25 billion cups of coffee per day. However, people often wonder whether drinking coffee is actually healthy. In this article, we will explore the origins, nutritional value, and different types of coffee and their impact on our health.
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What is Coffee?
Coffee is a drink made from roasted coffee beans. It is dark in color, bitter, and slightly acidic. Its caffeine content is what gives it its energizing qualities. Coffee also has one of the world's largest sales when it comes to hot drinks. When producing coffee, the seeds of the Coffea plant, which is part of the Rubiaceae family of fruits, are split to create green, unroasted coffee beans. To make a cup of coffee, the beans first need to be roasted and crushed into small particles, then soaked in hot water before being strained out. Coffee is usually served hot; however, iced coffee is also popular.
Is Coffee Healthy?
Caffeine, an impetus in coffee, has been found to improve energy and reduce tiredness and depression by changing the chemicals in the brain. Coffee may also offer protection against Parkinson’s and Alzheimer's diseases.
In April 2021, Frank Hu, the chair of the Department of Nutrition at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, said that coffee can be beneficial to one's health. According to Hu, drinking 2–5 cups of coffee a day can lower the risk of Parkinson’s disease, type 2 diabetes, depression, heart disease, and liver cancer. A new study suggests that caffeine may also improve memory. Furthermore, a nutrition specialist from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine said that coffee may reduce internal inflammation because it contains polyphenols, which are a type of antioxidant. Coffee is also said to help support weight management.
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Nutritional Value of Coffee
Coffee contains a decent amount of minerals and vitamins. Black coffee is also low in calories; one cup has about 2 calories. Furthermore, an average cup of coffee contains about 95 mg of caffeine, depending on the brand and type.
| Serving Size 1 Cup | Recommend Daily Allowance |
|---|---|
| Potassium and Manganese | 3 % |
| Pantothenic acid Vitamin B5 | 6 % |
| Riboflavin Vitamin B2 | 11 % |
| Niacin B3 and Thiamine B1 | Niacin B3 and Thiamine B1 2 % |
Potential Risks of Coffee
In addition, while coffee does have some potential health benefits, it is important to consume it in moderation and consider some potential risk factors.
- Too much caffeine can cause irritability and can also interfere with your sleep patterns; those who are sensitive to caffeine should limit their intake before bed.
- It is recommended that pregnant women should limit themselves to no more than 2 cups of coffee per day. Extravagant amounts of coffee may lead to miscarriages and low birth rates.
- If consumed in excess, coffee can lead to dehydration. This is because it is a diuretic, so it is important to drink a lot of water to stay hydrated.
- Those with existing heart conditions should limit their amount of caffeine because it can cause a rise in blood pressure and heart rate.
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Types of Coffee
Each type of coffee has a unique brewing method and flavor. Let's take a look at some of the different types of coffee:
- Arabica: This is the most popular coffee bean and is usually used for black coffee. It has a rich flavor that ranges from sweet and floral to dark chocolate. To add, even though this bean is famous, it doesn’t have as much caffeine as the robusta coffee bean. This coffee plant enjoys tropical climates and is grown in Colombia, Ethiopia, Brazil, India, and Guatemala.
- Robusta: This bean has a bitter flavor and is more acidic than arabica. It is perfect for coffee mixes and espressos, it is also cheaper than arabica and has more caffeine. Robusta plants grow in Indonesia, India, and Africa.
Types of Coffee Drinks
Throughout the years, coffee has grown tremendously in popularity. Because of this, many coffee shops are coming up with new and different ways for consumers to enjoy their delicious morning beverages. Here are a few of those variations:
Black Coffee
Also known as Café Noir, it is the simplest kind of coffee. The ground coffee beans are immersed in hot water and served warm. This is because it is served black and usually isn’t sweetened with sugar or milk. It is best to choose a good quality.
Latte
The well-known latte coffee drink is made with steamed milk, a dash of foam, and a shot of espresso. It can be ordered with a flavor shot or plain.
Cappuccino
This is a latte that is made with more foam than steamed milk and often has cinnamon or cocoa powder on top.
Doppio
For an extra boost, this double-shot espresso is perfect to start your day.
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Americano
While similar in taste to black coffee, the Americano has a shot of espresso mixed with hot water.
Frappuccino
This popular drink is an espresso, whisked or shaken with iced coffee and a cream base.
Espresso
It is used as the base for most coffee drinks and can also be served on its own.
Red Eye
Made with an espresso, this very strong, full cup of hot coffee will get you up and going in no time.
Lungo
This means “long” in English and is a bigger Italian-style single espresso shot with extra water.
Cortado
This is the perfect balance of warm steamed milk and a shot of espresso. The espresso is less acidic by adding milk.
Galão
This hot coffee drink originated in Portugal and is similar to a latte and cappuccino. The only difference is that galão has twice as much foam and is served in a tall glass.
Mocha
This delicious warm drink originated in Yemen and is served in a glass instead of a mug. It is layered with chocolate, espresso, and steamed milk. It's a favorite among all chocolate lovers.
Macchiato
The name means spotted or stained in Italian and is made by adding a tiny drop of steamed milk into a single shot of espresso.
Ristretto
This drink is stronger than a traditional espresso because it uses a little bit of hot water about 15-20 milliliters.
Irish coffee
The perfect drink for a cold winter's night, Irish coffee is prepared with hot coffee, and then cream, sugar, and whiskey are poured into it.
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Final Thoughts
Finally, waking up to the fresh aroma of a hot cup of coffee can be a great way to start the day and boost your mood. While coffee does have some health benefits, it is important to consume it in moderation because it is high in caffeine. Keep in mind that soft drinks, black tea, and green tea also contain caffeine. So whether you are a simple coffee drinker who enjoys black coffee or a coffee enthusiast who welcomes a mocha or latte, sit back, appreciate your cuppa, and get ready to take on the world.
Delicious Coffee Recipe
Whether you don't have the time or are just trying to save a little money, going to a coffee shop to get your cup of joe each morning isn't always realistic. So, why not make your own delicious beverage at home? Try this tasty coffee recipe. Enjoy!
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Iced Coffee with Vanilla Cream:
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- Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups strong brewed coffee, chilled
- 1/2 cup milk (or a dairy-free alternative)
- 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Ice cubes
Instructions
In a glass, combine the chilled brewed coffee and ice cubes.
Whisk together the milk, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract in a separate container until well combined.
Pour the vanilla cream over the iced coffee.
Stir gently to mix the coffee and vanilla cream.
Optional: Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder.
Nutrition
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Fat: 2 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
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