Coffee - the word alone saves all of us from a variety of fantasies and musings. Coffee is the first thing we see in the morning. The record with regard to coffee consumption show that there Europeans consume no less than 6 kg of coffee per head per year. The Scandinavians, for instance, consume about 10 kg per capita every year. The British consume 2 kg per head, but that is no surprise because everyone knows they prefer tea.
However, few people know that coffee was used as a drug at the very beginning of its ascent. For instance, in Arabia, coffee has been known as a drug for 1000 years now. The Arab medical literature contains evidence that the so-called brown gold was used as a drug in the 10th century AD.
People only started to use the ground beans of the coffee plant as a stimulating drink much later. Europeans, for instance, have also been doing this for 200 years. The well-known Goethe gave his friend, the chemist Friedrich Ferdinand Runge, a box of beans in 1820 and it was he who discovered caffeine.
People who value only the taste of coffee and not the stimulating effect of caffeine should drink decaffeinated coffee. Caffeine is extracted with organic solvents, which are often suspected to be carcinogenic.
However, those who believe that scientists have found out everything about this stimulant are wrong. In fact, today they are analyzing the extent to which this hot drink slows down the occurrence of various diseases or even prevents it. Regular coffee consumption may protect against disease.
Known facts about the effect of coffee
Those who drink coffee regularly reduce the likelihood of developing Parkinson's disease (shaking palsy) five-fold.
Two to three cups a day prevents the risk of gallstones.
Coffee also decreases the risk of developing osteoporosis, but women should not drink more than 3 cups a day after menopause because the risk increases in these conditions.
Coffee can perform miracles as a home remedy if consumed in moderation, i.e. 2 - 3 cups per day: Many people suffer from low blood pressure. One can easily remedy the situation. Coffee expands the coronary vessels and stimulates the heart to pump stronger. Thus, the blood pressure rises gently.
One cup of coffee contains zero calories and is good for the face. A glass of milk with a teaspoon of sugar contains 39 kilocalories.
A cup of coffee after a meal increases the energy metabolism of the body.
Caffeine not only stimulates the brain and suppresses the feeling of fatigue, but it can also relieve headaches significantly, too. However, coffee should be avoided if you are having a migraine.
The beneficial effect of coffee has long been known in asthma patients. Many sufferers report that three cups a day reduced the number of seizures significantly. The cause: Caffeine also acts to stimulate the respiratory center.
It is a fact that coffee is a digestive stimulant. Many doctors drink coffee in the morning to stimulate the bowel function. However, it is not yet known exactly which substances in coffee have a laxative effect, but it is certainly not the caffeine although it seems slightly diuretic.
Studies have shown that caffeine not only keeps one awake, but also acts against anxiety and depression.
As with all stimulants, it is important to be balanced! Too much caffeine can cause trembling, sweating, insomnia and palpitations and can increase the cholesterol levels.
The different types of coffee
Weak coffee - thin coffee; you can even see the bottom of the cup
Cappuccino - coffee with whipped cream and some cocoa or cinnamon
Consul - black coffee with cream
Pousse café- coffee with brandy served separately
Café ristretto - extra strong coffee with a little water
Café crème - espresso with hot milk
Café royal - strong coffee sweetened with flamed brandy
Noisette - black coffee with a few drops of milk
Granita café - cold coffee on crushed ice with a topping of whipped cream
Flavored coffee - flavored coffee with syrup
Café orange - whipped cream, orange liqueur and coffee with sugar
Latte macchiato - milk with very little coffee
Irish coffee - Irish whiskey with sugar and coffee
Where does coffee come from?
The coffee plant originates in Ethiopia. It grows best in tropical climates. It is always green, has firm leaves and can grow up to 15 meters high. The pods look like cherries and have a deep red color as they mature. Each of them usually contains two coffee beans. The harvest by hand must be repeated several times per plant since only the ripe coffee cherries must be picked. There are 80 different types of coffee trees.
