Coffee is among the most popular drinks in the world. A large number of people in developing countries earn their living from producing coffee. While over 90% production of coffee takes place in developing countries, it is mainly consumed in industrialized economies such as the United States, among others. Billions of people around the world welcome their mornings and evenings with a cup of coffee every day. And I have to confess, my favorite is Kimbo Coffee. Furthermore, dozens of cafes have mushroomed to offer a wide variety of coffee varietals to the ever-growing market.
Interesting facts about coffee
- Brazil is the leading grower of coffee throughout the world. It produces almost a third of all the coffee consumed in the world. It is then followed by Colombia and Vietnam, respectively.
- There are two main types of coffee, that is, Robusta and Arabica. The Arabica species is the most popular, accounting for 70% of all the coffee produced and consumed throughout the world. Robusta, on the other hand, grows mainly in Africa. It contains more caffeine and tastes slightly bitter.
- Another interesting fact about coffee is that it is actually a fruit. Do you see those coffee beans? They are not beans at all. They are pits of fruit. The coffee cherries used to produce coffee are only referred to as beans just because they look like other beans.
- The only state in the U.S. that can grow coffee is Hawaii since it has the perfect climate to grow Java beans. Coffee only does well in equatorial climates.
- A goat herder in Ethiopia is believed to be the first person to discover coffee. According to him, his goats ate coffee cherries, and after that, there was a change in their behavior. They became more active and did not sleep that night. The goat harder shared his observations with a local monk who decided to make a drink with coffee beans. After consuming that drink, they realized they were able to stay awake all night.
- In the early days, coffee was not drunk but rather eaten. The consumption of coffee dates to 800 A.D. with first consumers coming from Africa. Instead of making a drink from the coffee beans, they chose to ground the beans using fat. They then made a caffeine-rich energy meal.
- Interestingly, the lack of coffee in Turkey was ground for divorce. People in Turkey drink a lot of coffee. Hence, if a husband was not able to provide coffee to his wife, then she had a right to file for divorce.
- According to a study conducted in 2009, coffee drinkers are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. The study found out that people who consume three to five cups of coffee in a day reduce their chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease or dementia when they grow older.
- Consumption of coffee can improve your workout sessions and make them more useful. Just a cup of coffee before a workout is enough to give you more energy to push yourself harder for longer. Thus make your workouts yield good results.
- A cup of coffee can be useful to your liver. This amazing drink has been found to reduce the risk of developing diseases of the liver associated with the consumption of alcohol. According to research, each cup of coffee consumed can reduce the risk by about 25%.
Impressive benefits of coffee
Coffee is a drink with several benefits. Many of its benefits are due to its nutrients and chemical composition. Below are some of the commonly known advantages.
1. Energy booster
Coffee has the power to instantly increase your energy levels due to the caffeine in it, which acts as a stimulant. The stimulant effect allows the blockage of inhibitory neurotransmitters in the brain. This allows your body to become and stay active.
2. Weight loss
As mentioned above, coffee is an instant energy booster. When you feel energized, it is more likely you will get more active, move around often and in the process, burn calories much faster. In fact, your body’s metabolism increase by almost 11% due to the stimulant nature of caffeine. Coffee is also an appetite suppressant. So, if you are looking forward to losing some weight, calm your cravings, and stick to your dieting goals by consuming this excellent drink.
3. Improves heart health
According to research, regular consumers of coffee are less prone to developing a stroke. The risk of heart diseases is also lower in women. A recent study shows that coffee can help cure arrhythmias, an abnormal heart rhythms.
4. Reduces the risk of diabetes
Studies have shown that people who enjoy their cup of coffee have lower chances of developing type 2 diabetes. This has a lot to do with the nutrients found in coffee, which assists in lowering the blood sugar levels.
5. Reduces depression
The natural effects of coffee can lighten up the mood of a person. Besides, it can help to calm down a person who is stressed, tired, or feeling anxious. Coffee has also been believed to reduce the occurrence of suicidal thoughts since your mind will be relaxed. In other words, coffee can improve your quality of life as you will be more peaceful.
6. Anti-cancer potential
Coffee consumption is linked to lowering different types of cancers such as cancer of the liver, premenopausal breast, kidney, and colorectal. This is according to a study conducted in 2009 and published in the journal Cancer Letters. Although more promising research is needed, studies published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that consumption of coffee can help prevent colorectal cancer.
7. Antioxidant properties
Coffee is highly considered to be a healthy drink in diets throughout the world since it is rich in antioxidants. According to studies, coffee contains more antioxidants as compared to vegetables and fruits combined.
The bottom line
Coffee is a fantastic beverage, and it is consumed in nearly every country in the world. No doubt, the world would be boring without it. Otherwise, what can replace those awesome coffee dates? Enjoy your favorite cup of coffee, and stay healthy.