Health Care – The Benefits of Coffee

By Ralph Kratzer

In summer last year I wrote an article about my preference for good Turkish coffee and its professional preparation. To remember the article “How to make Turkish Coffee” –click here!

Coffee has been a heritage for centuries and is likely to be next to tea and Coca Cola the most consumed beverages in the world. The coffee tree or shrub (Coffea) has its origin in Africa and parts of Asia, now it is mainly cultivated in Central and South America. Brazil conceded more than 30% of the worlds coffee crop. The first European coffee house opened in Venice in 1647, in the decades after followed by similar establishments in Oxford, London, Paris, Marseille, Hamburg, Vienna, Leipzig and other cities.

There has much been written and said about the consumption of coffee, positive and negative. Consumed in excess, it could have a harmful effect on the heart and nerve activity. A strong coffee consumption during pregnancy appears to increase the risk of stillbirth. Some people are allergic to caffeine, the major constituent of coffee.

A reader of our website runs his own blog (http://burnblog.net/), where I came across the following interesting article.

10 SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN BENEFITS OF COFFEE

Coffee contains antioxidants and nutrients that can improve our health. Business insiders summarize some of the biggest scientific proven benefits of the black fragrant drink:

1. Increases the tension and makes us smarter. Coffee increases energy levels and helps to overcome fatigue. This is due to the caffeine – a useful psychoactive substance. Many studies have shown that coffee improves mental functions (memory, alertness, mood, cognitive abilities) .

2 . Helps burn fat. Caffeine is contained in almost all products for burning fat. Some research suggests that caffeine may increase the metabolic rate by 11.3%, and the other to increase the rate of fat loss from 10% to 29% depending on the weight. However, the researchers noted that these effects diminish when people regularly consume coffee.

3 . Improving physical activity. Caffeine helps increase the levels of epinephrine (adrenaline) in the blood, which increases our endurance exercise. Following some studies, it is good to have a cup of strong coffee half an hour before heading to the gym.

4 . Reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes. Many studies show that coffee consumption helps prevent diabetes. One cup per day reduced the risk of this disease by 7%, and when the amount is increased risk could fall by 23% to 50%.

5 . Decreases depression and helps us feel happier. Harvard studies found out that women who drink several cups of coffee a day are 20% less likely to feel depressed.

6. Prevents Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Scientists from the University of South Florida found out that three cups of coffee a day are excellent to prevent or materially delay the onset and slow down the negative effects of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Other studies have shown that, regularly consumed, coffee can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by up to 65%.

7. Reduces the risk of Parkinson’s disease. Its regular consumption may reduce the risk of its development with between 32% and 60%, according to studies.

8 . A beneficial effect on the liver. Coffee may protect against cirrhosis. The risk of its development in people who drink more than three cups of coffee per day was up to 80% lower, the researchers said.

9. It does not cause heart disease and reduce the risk of stroke. Most studies have broken the myth that coffee increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Instead, some studies have reached the conclusion that for the female coffee lovers this risk becomes even lower. Moreover, increased consumption reduces the risk of a stroke by 20%.

10. Acts rejuvenating and prevents aging. Coffee contains large amounts of antioxidants. They help fight free radicals, which are one reason for the aging of cells.

So what is true now? Is coffee healthy or unhealthy? I think, as with any stimulant the right measure of consumption is crucial. Widespread opinion among researchers is, up to 3 cups of coffee a day will not harm the body, but are more conducive.

And for people who feel negative side effects of coffee on their stomach, Espresso or Turkish coffee is recommended, because for these coffees, beans with a lower content of acid are used. They are longer roasted at higher temperatures than regular coffee beans.