The Complicated Road To Complicated Coffee

There are now coffee clubs and coffee social areas where coffee is taking on the look of a social group, family, friends, and acquaintances,take trips to places like Costa Rica, they look for and bring back the specialty coffees....

The Complicated Road To Complicated Coffee

We don't see as much plain coffee these days as we used to. What could be the reason for it? It's probably because it is very easy these days to brew up a cup of gourmet coffee for your family, friends, and acquaintances. There are now coffee clubs and coffee social areas where coffee is taking on the look of a social group. These meeting places can take place within the shops and community or on the Internet.

Gone are the days when you just went to a coffee shop to get a regular cup of coffee.

This is a happening because of an obsession by coffee fans all over America for the gourmet or specialty coffee. These people visit all the coffee specialty stores and order it from catalogues or the Internet. They love grinding the coffee beans themselves. And when they take trips to places like Costa Rica, they look for and bring back the specialty coffees. Now we have "coffee tasting" events much like wine tasting.

There is even interior design products and furniture coming on the market touting a coffee theme -- great gifts for the coffee fan.

Coffee had its beginnings as a stimulant in 900 A.D. It has also had its beginnings in a variety of uses such as a medicine and a wine. Nothing is much different today.

Coffee is one of the few untouched products over time but that is quickly changing. People are coming up with all sorts of ways to improve its flavor and aroma and will probably keep doing it well into the future.

And coffee shares a good chunk of the world's market. It is second only to oil in dollar volume as a world commodity.

People also these days are constantly trying to reduce their caffeine intake. A pound of coffee has half the caffeine as a pound of tea yet we get more caffeine in a cup of coffee? Why? It is because a pound of tea will give us 160 cups of coffee and a pound of coffee only gives us 40. This may disappoint those of you who have to drink decaffeinated coffee but hate the taste of it.

Also, it is interesting to note, that when you grow coffee at high altitudes, the result is less caffeine. This is probably one of the advantages of gourmet coffee in that it is grown at much higher altitudes than the standard grocery store blends.

There are a variety of different types of coffee beans -- too many for this writing. Some beans we will mention are:

You have Latte, Espresso, Low-Fat, Organic, Cappuccino, lightly-spiced Arabian with no filter, Cal, Decaf, Half-Decaf, Black Forest, Cappuccino, Cafe au Lait, Alpine which has brown sugar, a Spanish coffee bean meaning "with honey": Caf?€? con Miel, and (Spanish for coffee with honey), and Cafe de Olla (which is sweet and made with chocolate).

Go and enjoy a coffee tasting event when you get the chance. You will be happy to see that gourmet coffee is slowly migrating to the classification of "art form." At one of these events you could taste up to 2 dozen (or even more) blends. You could even leave as somewhat of a coffee expert. This would definitely be an activity to enjoy if you really like coffee.

By Expert Author: Yvonne Volante
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/

Making A Great Cup Of Coffee

Quality coffee can only come from a quality coffee bean,choose a dark roast... you like to a light flavor, less intense, choose a lighter roast....

Making A Great Cup Of Coffee

Today, I will propose to you how to make a great cup of coffee. You can do it. There are a few secrets to the process. I will share these with you.

Start with the bean and pick your roast. Quality coffee can only come from a quality coffee bean that is properly roasted. The process of roasting a coffee bean is complex and can result in a given bean tasting very different depending on how it is roasted. If you desire a strong intense flavor to your coffee, choose a dark roast (ex: French Roast). If you like to a light flavor, less intense, choose a lighter roast.

Never use pre-ground coffee. Pre-ground coffee will lose its flavor and essence within a short period of time. Grinding before you brew will assure you that no flavor is lost due to time.

Always use cold filtered water when brewing your coffee. The water you use represents 98% of your cup of coffee. Filtering the water will remove impurities that could affect the taste. Poor quality water can come from a variety of sources. Example, older house will have older pipes. Theses pipes tend to give the water an off flavor. You will want to remove this by filtering. The basic rule is the better the water, the better the coffee.

Skip the paper filters and go for the gold. Yes, these are 23k Gold plated stainless steel filters. Paper filters will influence the flavor of the coffee in a negative manner. The Gold plated filters influence the flavor by allowing natural oils to infiltrate into your brew, adding a level of flavor and aroma you wont find with paper coffee filters. Another plus is that these filters can be reused over and over, and will last a very long time. Not only will your coffee be better, but you will be helping the environment by saving on waste.

Never over do it on the add-ins. Cut down on the sugar, cream, and other flavor add-ins to really enjoy the true essence of the brew. If we disguise the coffee to much; we will never know the true taste.

Part of what makes a great cup of coffee is how and when we enjoy it. We all have our favorite time and rituals. For me, nothing beats enjoying a great cup of coffee on a Sunday morning and reading the paper.

By Expert Author: Sharon Stajda
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/

7 Steps for World Class Gourmet Coffee

One of the most vital aspects of coffee drinking is the level of the coffee that you start off with.,Purchase a quality coffee grinder. Some of the best grinders available today are easy to use and simple to clean up..

7 Steps for World Class Gourmet Coffee

For a change of tempo, a good cup of coffee would be nice. It does take some time and some energy to find a great cup of gourmet coffee these days. If you do know of a perfect coffee shop, you are one of the lucky ones. But, did you know that you can in effect make a healthy cup of coffee on your own from home?

Here are 7 simple steps that you can take to produce the perfect cup
of coffee every time.

Start with grade. One of the most vital aspects of coffee drinking is the level of the coffee that you start off with. If you have a favorite flavor, then purchase whole beans in that flavor. If you can do this, it will enable you to get the freshest coffee on the earth.

Grind away. Purchase a quality coffee grinder. Some of the best grinders available today are easy to use and simple to clean up. By grinding your own coffee beans, youll be able to only grind what you need, meaning that you will have complete freshness in your coffee.

Store It Right And Tight. It is very important to store your coffee tightly. Air oxidizes the coffee and can make it to get bitter quickly. Metal canisters can also allow a metal taste to get into the coffee, making it taste bad.

The top solution is for a plastic or ceramic air tight container for your coffee and coffee beans. Also, store it at room temperature because the moisture in the fridge or freezer can make it go bad faster.

Getting To The Coffee

The Maker. The coffee maker that you use is also fundamental. No matter what style that you go with, you can get a good cup of coffee out of it if you take the important steps to keeping it fresh.

For example, you should insure that the coffee maker is kept clean after each use. In fact, youll need to make sure that you detail clean it, with the help of vinegar, every so often as well. Your preferences will in the end determine which style of coffee maker you will use. Make sure that it uses a permanent filter in it.

Even In The Water. Even the water that you use is important to the quality of the coffee you will get from it. It is essential that you use water that is free from chlorine and minerals.

Often, using bottled water rather than tap water will improve the grade of the coffee. Also, keep the water nice and hot. A good temperature for the water is about 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

Produce The Right Amount. It is also substantial for you to use the right quantity of coffee beans and coffee grounds in the maker. Too many and you will have a very strong cup of coffee and too few will make it to be too weak. Follow the directions provided by the coffee producer for the best cup of coffee.

Lastly and probably the most crucial aspect of getting a great cup of gourmet coffee is to make sure to enjoy your coffee when it is hot and fresh. Most restaurants are told to keep coffee for less than thirty minutes, but at home, the best coffee is the coffee that hasnt sat for more than twenty minutes.

By Expert Author: John Thompson
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/

Sweet And Creamy

prefer vanilla latte. To me, it's sweet and creamy, but it still gives a lot of room for the fresh ground coffee taste***Some people like to always keep enough selection of latte syrups and coffee creamers ...

Sweet And Creamy

If you delight to get another cup of coffee, no problems about that! Coffee is now on every street corner everywhere in the country.

And if you are a big java drinker, feel at home. You are one of those who look to a fine caffeine beverage everyday to start their morning the right way. Coffee is now the bomb!

What makes coffee very great these days is the mad selection. There are now so many coffee mixtures that your head spins thinking of them. With all the expresso-based lattes that are available, you will surely find one that will impress you.

These days, what is important is the syrups and coffee creamers galore.

I don't know what your favorite cup of coffee is. But for me, I always prefer vanilla latte. To me, it's sweet and creamy, but it still gives a lot of room for the fresh ground coffee taste.

This is where it beats many of the new-age coffee creamers and syrups because they woefully fail to do that.

If you have ever tried a hazelnut or amaretto latte you will notice that the flavor of the syrup is very powerful; herein the true coffee taste doesn't shine through.

This is what some people prefer. For example, my wife is in love with the infinite syrups and coffee creamers that she has. In her words, she wants her coffee to be sweet and creamy and also with a hint of coffee flavor.

Of course she's not alone in this preference. Many people have different tastes and prefer different things from other people. This is the reason why the variety of coffee creamers and flavor is so fantastic.

Some people like to always keep enough selection of latte syrups and coffee creamers everywhere in the kitchen as a random break from the norm. This helps when company arrives. People always love selection, that is why it is said that "variety is the spice of life".

Whether or not they like a nice espresso drink or just a cup of drip coffee, they can find syrups and coffee creamers that will pleasantly compliment either.

I don't know about you, but I prefer keeping a few rich coffee creamers handy in my refrigerator in case my parents pop in. Like all parents, they are old-school coffee drinkers and always prefer perking fresh pot each morning.

All the new craze of cappuccinos, lattes, and iced coffee drinks haven't done anything for their retro tastes.

Do you notice how they laugh at us when we drink iced lattes with whip cream? Whichever, you can always find a decent selection of latte syrups and coffee creamers for your pleasure, either at your local grocery store or online.

By Expert Author: Bill Johnson
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/

Coffee - To Drink Or Not To Drink?

one cannot feel how fast one's body is getting rid of caffeine, it is advisable not to take more than 4 cups of coffee a day... the minor change in blood pressure due to their morning coffee is likely to be harmless for most people, drink 2 cups or less of coffee per day...

Coffee - To Drink Or Not To Drink?

Is coffee really bad for our heart? This is a question that coffee lovers keep asking their doctors hoping to get an answer that can allow them to drink as much coffee as possible. This is also an issue that is continuously debated over the years. Unfortunately, there is still no conclusive evidence on the connection between coffee (caffeine) and heart disease. From time to time, contradicting reports were released.

For example, a study, conducted by University of Athens and published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in June 2005, found that coffee drinkers' major blood vessels were stiffer than those of non-coffee drinkers. As such, the researchers urged those people, who have high blood pressure or other risk factors for heart disease and drink more than three cups of coffee a day, to cut down on coffee consumption. On the other hand, a report, published in Circulation Journal in May 2006, showed that coffee drinkers did not have a higher risk of heart disease, even for those whose coffee intake exceeding six cups per day.

Yet another interesting research, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in March 2006, reported that caffeine in coffee is unhealthy for some but beneficial to others, depending on a "gene" that determines how fast the chemical is metabolized. The study that was conducted by the University of Toronto on 4,024 study participants living in coffee-rich Costa Rica between 1994 and 2004. According to the research, slightly more than half of the participants had the slow version of the gene while the other half had the fast form. Individuals who had the slow-acting gene, as little as two cups of coffee a day is associated with an increased risk of heart disease: two or three cups of coffee a day increased the risk by 36% while four or more cups a day increased the risk by 64%. For those who had the fast version of the gene, there was no increased risk, even with four or more cups a day. More surprisingly, it is also found that individuals under 50 years of age who were fast metabolizers, consumption of as little as one to three cups a day was associated with a "lower risk of heart attack". Those with the fast-acting gene who drank two to three cups of coffee a day had a 22% reduced odds of having a heart attack, but consuming four or more cups a day did not further reduced the risk.

The study also revealed that the liver enzyme cytochrome P450 1A2 which is responsible for metabolizing caffeine, has slow 1F version and a fast 1A version. However, as tests to determine which form of gene one carries are not readily available, one cannot feel how fast one's body is getting rid of caffeine, it is advisable not to take more than 4 cups of coffee a day.

In general, the minor change in blood pressure due to their morning coffee is likely to be harmless for most people. However, researchers also warned that caffeine has a greater effect on blood pressure in people with a family history of hypertension or with borderline high blood pressure. If you are not sure which research is accurate or which gene you belong to, just stick to the lowest recommended one: drink 2 cups or less of coffee per day.

By Expert Author: Ng Peng Hock
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/

Espresso Drinks - The Classic Category

Espresso Drinks - The Classic Category, Espresso:Espresso Ristretto (US); Short (Pacific); Corto (Italy),Espresso Lungo (Italy, US), Long (Pacific),Espresso Romano (US; Italian-American): Espresso con Panna (Italy, US):..

Espresso Drinks - The Classic Category

The focus here is to look at the various espresso-based drinks that make up the classic Italian and Italian American cuisines, hence providing a complete list of the "Classic" Espresso Drinks.

Espresso is an Italian term, which refers to a particular type of brewing method. Here, very hot, but not boiling, water under a lot of pressure is forced through ground coffee powder. Espresso has grown so immensely popular over the years that it is more than just a way to make coffee. It is a complete coffee cuisine. And with the espresso technology being taken on by other countries and cultures outside Italy, one cuisine has become numerous cuisines. The basic component of these cuisines is always the coffee being brewed the espresso way. Variation is in the other components added to the coffee namely milk, chocolate and in the United States, an increasing variety of syrups and garnishes.

The different espresso cuisines include the:

1. Classic northern Italy cuisine;
2. Italian-American cuisine (developed by Italian-Americans in the United States);
3. Postmodern cuisine (United States Seattle-style cuisine);
4. Cuban cuisine and
5. other Latin American cuisines

This article aims to focus on the espresso-based variations that make up the first two cuisines. These can be referred to as the Classic espresso beverages:

The Classic Category:

1. Espresso:
a straight 1 ounce, referred to as a 'shot'. Black coffee and is usually drunk with sugar.

2. Espresso Ristretto (US); Short (Pacific); Corto (Italy):
of a standard espresso shot. Hence also called 'shortened' espresso. This is the "small is beautiful" espresso drink that is even denser and more aromatic than the normal espresso.

3. Espresso Lungo (Italy, US), Long (Pacific):
An extra long pull letting about twice the amount of water pass through 1 standard shot, giving a relatively over-extracted and weaker tasting drink. This term is not used frequently in US since by Italian standards, most American servings are already considered long.

4. Espresso Romano (US; Italian-American):
Standard espresso, but served with a twist of lemon on the side of the cup.

5. Espresso con Panna (Italy, US):
1 standard shot, topped with whipped cream and an optional topped of unsweetened chocolate powder.

6. Double (US); Doppio (Italy):
2 espresso shots in one cup. Also known as 'double-shot'.

7. Cappuccino:
1 standard shot of espresso, topped by hot steamed milk and milk froth. A well-done cappuccino in the classic Italian-American cuisine consists of about 1/3 espresso, 1/3 milk and 1/3 pretty stiff foam. In cappuccino, the hot frothed milk is always added to the espresso coffee. And like most espresso drinks, it is usually drunk with sugar.

8. Caf?(c) Latte (US):
1 to 2 shots of espresso and 3 times as much hot milk. Latte has a greater proportion of milk to coffee than cappuccino does. Hence, it has a weaker and milkier taste. To prepare Latte, the milk and coffee is poured simultaneously from either side of the glass.

9. Espresso Macchiato (Italy, US):
1 standard shot, but topped with a small amount of milk steam foam.

10. Latte Macchiato (Italy, US):
Hot frothed milk is first poured to a glass, followed by slow dribbling of the espresso. In other words, the coffee 'stains' the milk. Notice that in case of cappuccino, the milk and froth are added later to the coffee; in latte, milk and coffee are poured at the same time into the glass, whereas in latte macchiato, the coffee is poured into the milk and forth. Thus creating a layered effect, which can be viewed through the serving glass.

11. Caf?(c) Mocha (US):
In the Italian American cuisine, this is prepared by mixing 1 standard espresso shot with 2 ounces of thick strong hot chocolate and lastly topped with hot frothed milk. On the other hand, more and more American cafes are preparing mocha by merely adding chocolate fountain syrup to a caf?(c) latte.

By Expert Author: Michael Russel
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/

Espresso - Brewing the Perfect Shot at Home

Creating the perfect espresso at home can be challenging, but well worth it. Brewing espresso properly takes a little more care and knowledge than just brewing a cup of coffee....

Espresso - Brewing the Perfect Shot at Home

First, make sure you have the proper machine for espresso. There are many home machines on the market, from small inexpensive models for around $30, to ultra fancy $2000 models. They type you get will of course depend on your budget and what you are looking for, but keep in mind that getting quality espresso will usually result in paying at least several hundred dollars for a machine. The functions to look for in a quality machine include: - a hot water tank that will heat the water to around 190F. - It should have an adjustable pressure meter on it. Good espresso is pulled when the pressure gauge reads around 9 atmospheres. - If you are going to be making milk based drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos, you will want a milk steamer wand. Separate hot water tanks for the espresso and steamer are best, as the pressure won't be depleted for the espresso when you steam the milk.

The next most important item is the coffee itself. You want the freshest coffee you can find. And it should be whole bean. If you are going to take the time to brew your own espresso, really make it worthwhile and grind it yourself! You can either purchase your coffee at a local coffee house, or through mail order. Try to only order as much coffee as you will be using in a week or two. Contrary to popular belief, espresso does not have to be extremely dark roasted coffee. The best espresso can come from a more medium to dark roast than a very oily bean. Too dark and your espresso may come out bitter. Also, if you are drinking milk-based beverages, don't buy a light roast, as you need the espresso to be able to cut through the milk.

And speaking of grinding, you will want a particular type of grinder - a burr grinder. The common grinder available (and the cheapest) is a blade grinder. While these certainly do the job of grinding coffee beans, the resulting grounds are uneven in texture. Espresso really requires a fine consistent grind, since pressure is used to brew the espresso, rather than just seeping through the grounds. Burr grinders grind the coffee through rotating discs, which create an even grind. The burr grinders are also adjustable, so you can play with the grind that works best with your espresso machine. And don't run flavored coffee through your burr grinder, it can gum up on the parts and cause the grinder not to work properly. Save the flavored coffee for your blade grinder.

The perfect amount of espresso for a shot is 7 grams exactly. This much espresso will should give you a shot pull of around 20 seconds, which is just about the ideal amount of time to create the best shot.

Sound a little complicated? It's not - once you start making the espresso properly for yourself, you will never go back to your old way of brewing! A little knowledge and preparation will result in espresso that will rival any local coffee shop!

By Expert Author: Michael Russell
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/

Espresso - A Taste of Italy in Every Sip

Italians are proud of their tradition and do know what a good espresso means...Espresso Americano can be consumed with milk and sugar....

Espresso - A Taste of Italy in Every Sip

Traditionally served in a "demitasse" - a special cup with a capacity of 3 oz. - as a shot, espresso is a special drink: a mouthful of sensations and flavor. Espresso defines the very essence of coffee.

Italians are proud of their tradition and do know what a good espresso means. When asked, they'll even define the true test of a perfect espresso: when you ad sugar to it, the sugar should remain at the surface of the cream for thirty seconds before sinking. Are you ready to start counting? Customarily espresso is drunk in one sip. But what if you want to double the pleasure? Well, you could just order a second espresso, or order a Doppio from the start. An espresso doppio means, in Italian, a double shot.

Espresso Americano, as the name suggests, is a type of beverage consumed in the "American style". Practically what you do is add hot water over a traditionally prepared espresso to make a full regular cup. Espresso Americano can be consumed with milk and sugar.

For a richer taste, there are other espresso recipes you might want to try. Espresso topped with a spoonful of whipped cream is also known as espresso con panna. Or maybe you'll find tastier a macchiato: espresso topped with milk foam. An espresso Romano is a traditional espresso shot with a twist of lemon. For a hot summer day, try a Granita: freeze sweetened espresso and then crush it. This is a perfect topping for ice cream specialties as well.

You can also enjoy espresso in various cocktails. A classic espresso cocktail is the Espresso Martini. To prepare a drink for two you need 7 oz vodka, one espresso shot, ?? oz Kahlua and ice. Shake vodka and crushed ice for about 30 seconds, then add espresso and Kahlua and give it another two or three shakes. Let it stand for about a minute and then strain into two martini glasses. Garnish with coffee beans.

Another vodka-based espresso cocktail is called simple: Vodka Espresso. Shake one shot of vodka, one espresso shot, two teaspoons of castor sugar and ice cubes for thirty seconds. Strain into a glass and layer one shot of Amarula Cream on top.

Another tasty cocktail with espresso is the Mocha Martini. Let's say you've forgotten to drink your espresso shot and now it's cold. Why waste such a delicious beverage? Use it in a cocktail: shake one shot cold espresso, one shot bourbon, one shot cocoa liqueur and one shot Amarula Cream with crushed ice. Strain into a chilled glass and then float half a shot of double cream in the center. Garnish with cocoa powder.

As you see, espresso is an amazing drink that can ad flavor to many other drinks. One may be able to even define espresso as a sip of Italy: sensual, romantic, full of flavor, appetizing, mysterious and passionate. You can enjoy this beverage in its traditional form, or let your imagination discover new possibilities. Chefs even use espresso to improve the taste of certain cakes and ice cream, create syrups and much more. Why not create your own espresso-based recipe?

By Expert Author: Michael Russell
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/

Coffee Drink Recipes From Around The World

Grown all around the planet but especially in Ethiopia, the Middle East, Columbia and Brazil, coffee seeds are extracted, dried, and then roasted..Coffee beans, consisting of caffeine and a variety of oils....

Coffee Drink Recipes From Around The World

Coffee is the second highest imported commodity in todays industry, right behind petroleum. This beverage has become so widely used that many coffee-derivative drinks have been produced and consumed for years. Below are a few everyday coffee drink recipes.


The first drink would, of course, be coffee. Grown all around the planet but especially in Ethiopia, the Middle East, Columbia and Brazil, coffee seeds are extracted, dried, and then roasted. The system in preparation is complex, but the coffee drink recipe for coffee is simple: Coffee beans, consisting of caffeine and a variety of oils indigenous to the particular environment in which the beans are extracted.

One coffee drink, called Ca Phe Sua, cosmopolitan in Vietnam comes in two variations Ca Phe Sua Da (coffee, milk, and ice) and Ca Phe Sua Nong (coffee and milk hot). The coffee drink recipe for the first consists of the simple method of blending dark French Roast with a quarter to half percent of condensed milk and then pouring, through a small drip filter, over ice. The coffee drink recipe for the second is related, but ice is withheld, leaving only hot Ca Phe Sua.

The famous and widely consumed Espresso, invented and developed in Italy and cosmopolitan all over Europe, has a wide array of coffee drink recipes. Only a couple of them are described here.

A formal Italian Espresso is constructed by forcing moderately hot water through high pressure (nine to ten atmospheres, or bars) into extremely fine-ground coffee to create a drink thicker in consistency than regular coffee and composed of a variety of vegetable oils, proteins, sugars, and reddish-brown foam called Crema.

Espresso has very little water. The coffee drink recipe for Caffe Americano (American Coffee), an American version of Espresso, has a higher degree of water and is assembled similar to the drip-brew fashion.

The coffee drink recipe for Latte (Italian for milk) is a simple one: Caf a Latte, meaning Coffee and Milk, is composed of one-third Espresso and two-thirds steamed milk, poured together simultaneously into either side of the drinking cup. Caf Lattes typically have foam floating on top.

The Frappaccino is a popular drink sold by the Starbucks coffee chain. This coffee drink recipe is as follows: one-part soluble coffee is blended with water, which in turn is mixed with an one-part proprietary liquid comprised of milk, sugar substances, and caramel flavoring and then ultimately with ice. A Frappaccino has a milkshake consistency, an enduring coffee flavor, and is chilled before drinking.

All of these and many other coffee drink recipes are available on the Interweb or in various recipe books. For those who love coffee, these coffee drink recipes will leave mouths watering!

By Expert Author: John Thompson
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/

Grinding Coffee is Never a Grind

Grinding Coffee is Never a Grind

After years of collecting all the kitchen gadgets and labour-saving devices you could care to mention, I'm still prize my coffee grinder above all else. I drink gallons of coffee a week - a habit that really puts my coffee grinder through the mill, as it were, on a daily basis. You just can't beat the taste of coffee brewed from freshly ground beans. Even the very act of grinding the beans myself is something I look forward to. It has become a ritual that connects me to my kitchen and stimulates every sense. The aroma is released, my mouth begins to water, my hands tingle as they grip the body of the grinder, my eyes are hypnotized by the whirling beans, and... well the noise is pretty awful actually. In our fast-track lives in which we often eat on the fly and seldom make the time to cook, it is a privilege to enjoy such as sensual feast in your kitchen every day.

I'm sure I'd be healthier if I drank less coffee, but I belong to a long line of coffee connoisseurs. I started my coffee drinking devotion long before I should have. I had watched my parents in the middle of a heated 'discussion' stop and purr as the first wonderful elixia reached made contact with the tips of their tongues. I came to associate that wonderful aroma with a sense of well-being and close-knittedness. I wanted to be part of the grinding and brewing process; I wanted to be the magician that made a brew that made everything perfect. I have my coffee, like the Japanese have their tea. If you've seen 'Karate Kid,' you'll know where I'm coming from.

I can't understand why coffee grinders seem to be overlooked as gift ideas. They may not make the most glamorous presents, but they always make an impact on the lives of those who use them. What could be better than a coffee grinder for Christmas? It fits snuggly into a decent-sized stocking, and just a few hours later, leaning back in your chair after dinner, you can be breathing in the aroma of freshly ground coffee as you sample your first cup. Grinders can be found at any major store or mall. There's a grinder out there for you no matter whether you have 5 dollars to spend or fifty. My own modest grinder was bought about four years ago for 10 bucks. It has never let me down.

Giving a coffee grinder at Christmas, perhaps along with a carefully wrapped sample of premium beans, is the best gift I could imagine. I've given grinders to nearly all my family members over the years. As I've said, I come from a family of coffee drinkers, but I've also given coffee grinders as wedding gifts housewarming parties and even a college graduation. Funnily enough, nobody has ever bought me one. I guess they assume it's something I don't lack. My kitchen is more like my own caf?(c) than a food production area, and my coffee grinder holds centre stage on the counter.

By Expert Author: Eoin Beckett
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/

Can Coffee be Healthy?

The highly acidic nature of regular coffee can alter the specific pH balance in our body. A variety of health problems like arthritis...Ganoderma Lucidum, or Reishi"King of Herbs,...

Can Coffee be Healthy?

In North America 85% of the population drinks anywhere from 3 to 5 cups of coffee daily. No wonder that we are seeing growing health problems related to caffeine and acid intake. For example the alarming growth in cardiovascular disease related in part to the increased heart rate and heightened blood pressure caused by caffeine, or the raised anxiety levels caused by Caffeine, which stimulates the production of stress hormones, which causes also muscular tension, indigestion and a decreased immune response.

The highly acidic nature of regular coffee can alter the specific pH balance in our body. A variety of health problems like arthritis and gastrointestinal issues can be caused by over acidity of our system, unbalanced pH and contributed to the consumption of regular, not to say "not healthy" coffee and the negative consequences of caffeine.

But would it help just to switch to decaffeinated "Coffee" or do we have to quit drinking coffee altogether? A company in Malaysia, Gano Excel, has developed a method to combine organically grown Ganoderma Lucidum, also known as Reishi, with a naturally grown, low caffeine Brazilian coffee. This product has lower caffeine than decaffeinated coffee yet maintains the robust flavor and "boost" of fine coffee.

What gives this unique product it's healthful properties is the Ganoderma Lucidum, or Reishi. This mushroom, also known as the "King of Herbs, has been used for more than 4000 years in traditional Chinese medicine. Clinical studies have shown that it is an immunoenhancer, that it can help reduce stress while maintaining energy levels. Amazingly, this coffee actually helps balance the body's pH level... in fact, Gano Excel coffee, when mixed with water, has the same pH as human blood.

Now, with real naturally-low-in-caffeine coffee as the delivery medium, coffee drinkers are able to enjoy the benefits of this Reishi, with their morning, afternoon and evening cup of coffee and enjoy both great flavor and better health and the same energy boost they expect from regular, caffeinated coffee. Good bye jitters and sleepless nights, now you can get the "boost" the healthy way with great tasting Brazilian Arabica coffee blend and enriched with the "King of Herbs" called Ganoderma Lucidum.

By Expert Author: Birgit Jurock
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/

All about Harvesting Coffee

All about Harvesting Coffee

Each year coffee is normally harvested during the dry season only, when the coffee cherries are very bright red, glossy and firm enough to be harvested. Ripe cherries could be either picked by hand, stripped from the tree with both unripe and overripe coffee beans or even all the beans could be collected using a harvesting machine. These processes are known as careful picking, stripping and mechanical harvesting, respectively.

To maximize the amount of coffee harvesting it is extremely necessary to selectively pick the ripe beans form the tree by hand and leave the unripe beans behind to be harvested at a later time. In Brazil, harvesting the coffee beans from the same tree several times is more expensive than separating and discarding the unripe or overripe cherries. Therefore, Brazil naturally harvests coffee using the stripping method when 75% of the crop is completely ripe. Stripping method is feasible and cost effective in Brazil due to the uniform maturation of Brazilian gourmet coffee.

In stripping the coffee beans are pulled from the tree and fall to the ground where they are further caught by sheets. These coffee beans are removed from the tree by tossing the coffee in air allowing the wind to take away sticks and leaves. Then the coffee is put in 60 L a green basket that is the tool measurement used by coffee producers to determine wages. Some estates in Brazil have computerized system to determine wages that keeps the account for the amount of coffee collected by each person. About 12-20 kg of export ready coffee would be created from every 100 kg of coffee cherries harvested.

By Expert Author: Scott A Wilson
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/

Sophisticated, Mysterious and Flavorsome

A good espresso needs a proper espresso machine, an exquisite blend of coffees, the grinder and the talent of the barista. Espresso is neither a brand,e perfect espresso, one needs a blend of quality coffees,

Sophisticated

What makes espresso really special? It's just a coffee, you'll say. You wouldn't want to say that in front of an Italian. For Italians, espresso making is a real art that requires skill and experience. Solely those who prove their talents and fully understand the creation of espresso win in Italy the title of "barista" (translated: espresso bartender").

The term "espresso" itself makes this beverage so special. Translated, espresso means "quick" and "for special purposes". The drink is indeed quickly prepared and distinctive: it is a luxury drink if we consider the quality of the coffees use for the blend and the special brewing process.

A good espresso needs a proper espresso machine, an exquisite blend of coffees, the grinder and the talent of the barista. Espresso is neither a brand, nor a place but a beverage made using a specific method. For the perfect espresso, one needs a blend of quality coffees, pure water that needs to be poured over the coffee blend at the right temperature and with the right pressure.

When you think automatic espresso machines can replace the human factor, you err. The skills of the barista play a huge role in preparing the coffee blend, setting the grind, preheating the cup and so on. The correct preparing time for espresso varies between 20 and 30 seconds. This is enough for the espresso machine to extract only the best essences of the coffee. The cup itself is also very important. It's not only the preheating aspect that matters; the cup needs to have a specific thickness to maintain the heat of the coffee. Then, the espresso volume in the cup should not exceed two thirds if the cup capacity. If skillfully prepared, espresso is one of the most enjoyable drinks: sophisticated, with a slight creamy taste, flavorsome and mysterious.

There is another special aspect about espresso: the level of caffeine. Many people order coffee instead of espresso after dinner, believing that a regular coffee is not "so strong". As a matter of fact it is stronger. Espresso's creamy taste and warm-honey-like consistency may mislead you in believing that you'll stay up all night. Wrong: first of all, you drink a shot - that is a small amount. Second, coffee beans are roasted longer for espresso than for regular coffee. That brings the rich oils in the beans at the surface, but, the longer the roast time, lesser the caffeine.

Generally, a regular cup of coffee or a cappuccino has more caffeine than an espresso shot. But, for the level of caffeine, it doesn't really matter how big your coffee is. The level of caffeine is not influenced by the amount of water, but by the amount of coffee and how long the water is in contact with the coffee. A regular coffee has more caffeine because the water stays longer in contact with the coffee and it's using more coffee per cup than an espresso. The amount of caffeine in espresso might or might not be lower than in drip coffee, but caffeine in espresso has a faster effect, as it enters faster into the blood stream. However, this effect does not last long. The caffeine will be faster assimilated in your body due to its concentrated dosage.

By Expert Author: Michael Russell
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/

Is Fair Trade Coffee Really Fair

is Fair Trade Certified Coffee? Basically it's the coffee sold by a company, such as Starbucks, that has entered into an agreement with a licensing company to purchase..

Is Fair Trade Coffee Really Fair

The US consumes about 20% of the world's coffee production. This makes it a huge market and the demand of that market is one of the things that keeps coffee prices fairly high. One might think that part of that price gets back to the people who actually grow the coffee, but traditionally it hasn't. Only a tiny bit of the price we pay for coffee makes it back to the producers, but it's not enough to support production costs, much less a family.

The tiny, almost trivial, amount that makes it back to the workers forces them into a cycle of poverty and debt. The Fair Trade movement was developed to try to change that. Among other things, to be Fair Trade certified means that the growers will get at least $1.26 per pound for their coffee, much better than the typical 40-60 cents.

Using determination and persistance the Fair Trade movement has convinced over 100 companies, including Starbucks and Peets, to give you the opportunity to buy fair trade coffee. More and more companies are also joining this rapidly growing movement.

In addition to giving the grower a fair price, the movement is also pushing for organic farming methods, the idea being that organic farming is easier on the environment, fewer pesticides and chemicals are used, and it is also cheaper for the farmer. This makes it a win-win situation with the farmer incurring lower costs, getting more money, and not contaminating the land.

So what, exactly, is Fair Trade Certified Coffee? Basically it's the coffee sold by a company, such as Starbucks, that has entered into an agreement with a licensing company to purchase Fair Trade Certified coffee. Transfair USA is the only Fair Trade certification company in the US, but there are 17 of these companies worldwide.

Certification guarantees that the Fair Trade requirements are met. These requirements include that a minimum price is paid to the growers for the coffee, the buyer assists the grower with access to credit (to pay for harvesting,) and an incentive for growers and marketers to enter into longer term contracts. Long term contracts provide stability for the farmer, since he doesn't have to worry about where he will sell his coffee crop.

Before Fair Trade the minimum price for the coffee might be as low as 20 cents a pound. The ability to make enough money to live on, and raise a family on, means a great deal to the growers. It also gives them a greater incentive to be productive, since they know the extra work is meaningful.

In addition to the certifications for the buyers there is a similar system for the growers. The Fairtrade Labeling Organization (FLO) maintains a producers registry. In order to be a part of this registry the producers (farmers) must meet several criteria. They have to be poor, they cannot make use of hired labor, and they have to be democratically organized into small farmer associations. This ensures that the benefits of the Fair Trade movement go to the people who need it the most.

The Fair Trade movement is powered by a small, but growing, and very energetic group of people. Using grassroots activism, not government regulation, they are seeing encouraging and growing results among the various coffee companies. As mentioned above, over 100 companies are participating to a greater or lesser degree. There are a number of companies that are already 100% Fair Trade and more that are transitioning over from the traditional trade methods.

To learn more about Fair Trade Coffee, which companies are involved, and to see if you want to get involved, just go to your favorite search engine and type in "fair trade coffee."

By Expert Author: Greg Mee
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/

The Power of The Coffee Break

"coffee breaks"In fact every time you gain new employment the first thing you look for during your break is to see if there's a coffee machine in the employee lounge...

The Power of The Coffee Break

Coffee is not only big market in the United States and the West in total but it is a countrywide pastime that everybody like to get engaged in very regularly to get that immediate buzz and also to feel like they're part of the larger culture.

Coffee has been so infused in our culture that we have a time of day called "coffee breaks" which occurs every now and then in every single workplace in the United States. It's something that we've just taken for granted because we've become so accustomed to it. In fact every time you gain new employment the first thing you look for during your break is to see if there's a coffee machine in the employee lounge.

People who have more steep taste like to go downstairs and across the street to their local Starbucks or Dunkin' Donuts or any number of a gazillion stores that offers some sort of coffee. Now this isn't just in the mornings but also the afternoons and evenings and really whenever the craving hits that people will reach out for the coffee and shell out a few bucks for their favorite blend.

It's become our main excuse to step away from our desks every now and then to just enjoy the sun and the weather every now and then. Can you imagine a culture where we did not have these "coffee breaks" we would not be leave our desks as frequently as we can and do.

Recall all those times a co-worker goes out for coffee and asks "can I bring you anything back". So not only is coffee kind of personal escape, it's also a very social activity as well that allows people to connect to each other every now and then and restore their bonds.

By Expert Author: John Thompson
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/

Starbucks Still Serving Up Coffee Drinks Laced with Monsanto's Bovine Growth Hormone

Starbucks has broken its promise as outlined in a letter sent to OCA in 2001 to offer hormone free milk upon request in all company owned stores by 2002. Not much has happened since the 2001 public relations ploy to portray the $6 billion dollar....

Starbucks Still Serving Up Coffee Drinks Laced with
Monsanto's Bovine Growth Hormone

The Organic Consumers Association (OCA) is deeply disappointed that Starbucks continues to drag its heels on a five-year-old commitment to offer consumers an alternative to milk and dairy products derived from cows injected with Monsanto's controversial recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH). Furthermore OCA is outraged that company staff in at least one Starbucks location in Washington, DC threw numerous signed letters against rBGH from paying customers into the trash when these customers attempted to give them to the manager.

The genetically engineered hormone rBGH harms the health of dairy cows by increasing rates of udder infection in the name of increased milk production, threatens human health by increasing the levels of antibiotic residues in milk, thereby making it harder to treat human illness, and is linked to increased cancer rates. Despite these alarming harmful effects on human and animal health, Starbucks has broken its promise as outlined in a letter sent to OCA in 2001 to offer hormone free milk upon request in all company owned stores by 2002. Not much has happened since the 2001 public relations ploy to portray the $6 billion dollar coffee giant as a champion of "...business practices that produce social, environmental and economic benefits for Starbucks communities globally." Starbucks now supposedly offers rBGH-free organic milk and soymilk upon request (at 50 cents a cup extra), but does not publicize this fact to its customers, nor apparently even to many of its employees.

"Saturday's leafleting outside my neighborhood Starbucks revealed shockingly how out of touch Starbucks employees are with social and environmental responsibility as it concerns their own customers when they attempted to give thoughtful feedback," says Adam Eidinger, OCA's Washington Representative who witnessed numerous customers storm out of the 16th and U Street, NW Starbucks angered that letters they signed outside where immediately thrown in the trash by Starbucks staff when they attempted to give them to the manager. The leafleting happened all last week against rBGH and was part of an action in two dozen cities nationwide organized by the non-profit Food and Water Watch.

OCA is reactivating its members to campaign against Starbucks as there has been progress in recent years by other brands which are now 100% rBGH free. Starbucks is seen as a potential force for change as a huge buyer of milk products. The company, which reported profits of nearly $500 million last year, could greatly expand the market for rBGH- free milk by shifting their demand away from hormones.

Ronnie Cummins, Executive Director of OCA says, "Starbucks could be a huge part of the solution by demanding rBGH- free milk from its suppliers. Yet, if you search Starbucks.com for 'hormones' or 'rBGH' they claim to be 'unable to locate the information.' Apparently no one at Starbucks has been reading the same information on rBGH that all 25 countries of the European Union, as well as Japan, Australia, New Zealand and Canada have been reading, since these countries have all banned rBGH. It's a bad joke that Starbucks claims to be committed to the environment when they sell this tainted milk."

By Expert Author: Burkhard Bilger
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/

Coffee: Quality Is Important

A quality cup of coffee can depend on many factors, such as:The time since the coffee beans were ground;How clean the brewing equipment is;he quality of the coffee bean being used;The quality of the water being used....

Coffee: Quality Is Important

A quality cup of coffee can depend on many factors, such as:

The time since the coffee beans were ground;
The time since the beans were roasted;
How clean the brewing equipment is;
The quality of the coffee bean being used;
The quality of the water being used.

Some Interesting Facts About Coffee

The quality of the coffee bean is the most important of these factors, if you are going to buy "good" coffee. The very best bean will taste bad if any one of the other listed characteristics are out of place. Not all coffee beans are equal, but the other points listed above will even the field.

A lesser coffee that has been freshly roasted and ground is many times better than coffee that has been roasted and ground then left to get stale - no matter how good it was when it was fresh.

A can of coffee found in the supermarket often contains large amounts of robusta, low quality Arabica beans and past crop (old) beans. To make matters worse, there is no way for the major coffee companies that roast and ship all over the country to get you truly fresh coffee.

Once you have coffee that has been freshly roasted and ground, good water and brewing equipment free of oil residues from the last brew and the quality of the coffee beans makes a huge difference.

How To Tell Coffee Quality

Please note that a coffee can bought in the supermarket often contains a blend of Arabica and robusta beans, while most coffee houses sell only Arabica beans. Arabica beans are normally rich in flavor - while robusta beans have more caffeine, less flavor and are cheaper to make.

There is an exception to every rule, and the exception here is that some very good espresso coffees will have small amounts of the highest quality robusta beans available on the market. This should not, however, be taken as a guarantee that a coffee house will have any better coffee than the diner down the street.

If any of the previously discussed items, such as cleanliness or freshness, are not in order then even the very best coffee can be made to taste bad.

When you buy coffee, whether it be in a coffee house or in a supermarket, you want to get 100% Arabica - except for espresso blends, which may be a combination of both. Whether good quality robusta can improve the flavor of espresso is up for debate.

For absolute freshness when buying in a coffee house, it is better to buy popular blends that move fast - while buying in a supermarket, vacuum packaged containers with an expiration date are your best bet although all canned coffee will be stale to some extent.

It should be noted that in order to be able to vacuum pack coffee, industrial coffee producers actually let the coffee sit for a while before it is packed. As soon as coffee is roasted it starts to release CO2, in a process called outgassing. This can actually help to protect the bean from going stale. Unfortunately for the people vacuum packing coffee or putting coffee in tins, this also will inflate the bags. This outgassing is the reason that you may very well see one-way valves on coffee bags. These valves allow the CO2 to escape, while keeping oxygen from entering the bag.

Chances are fairly high that you will not get truly fresh coffee in a supermarket. This is an absolute fact if it is pre-ground. In a coffee house, look for a shop that roasts in-house and ask what was roasted that day. If the person behind the counter does not know, ask to talk to someone who does know. If no one knows, simply go somewhere else.

Additionally, it should be noted that coffee is at its very best after a few hours rest. This is one of those places where an expert in the field of coffee can advise you. As a general rule of thumb, most coffees are improved with a rest time of about 12 to 24 hours. Some coffees, particularly those that are musty or earth coffees, actually mellow for the first two to three days - making a much longer rest better.

A final point to remember is that for best results, grind your own coffee. Buying fresh and then having it ground completely defeats the purpose. Ground coffee only lasts a few hours or one day at the very most.

By Expert Author: David McFarlane
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/

Discovering Organic Coffee

How Organic Coffee Differs From Traditional Coffee**Tips For A Great Cup of Organic Coffee...organic coffee tastes as good if not better than non-organic coffee...

Discovering Organic Coffee

Many people have turned to organic fruits and vegetables (and even meats) in recent years, striving to live healthier, longer lives. You may be one of these people. But did you know that organic coffee is now available, too? If you can't find it at your local health food store, then you can definitely find it online.

How Organic Coffee Differs From Traditional Coffee

The coffee plant has traditionally been grown in the company of shade trees and other food and cash crops. This approach made for healthier soil and prevented water contamination. Unfortunately, many coffee growers have abandoned this approach in favor of larger crops and hence larger profits. However, synthetic pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers have become necessary to maintain these crops, and along with them the taste of the coffee has suffered, the soil has suffered, and no one knows the potential impact they may have on the future health of the coffee consumer.

In addition, the loss of the shade trees has had a direct impact on migratory song birds. While an obvious connection may not immediately come to mind, the relationship has actually been symbiotic. These birds used the shade trees as their habitat as they migrated, and as a result they provided a natural defense against many of the bugs and pests that can ruin a coffee crop. Without them, pesticides must be used to do the job.

Unlike the large, commercial coffee plantations, organic coffees are generally grown on small farms with plenty of shade cover. There are plenty of migratory birds to control insects, and pesticides are unnecessary. In fact, the United States requires that organic coffees be grown on shaded land and be completely chemical free for three consecutive years.

Tips For A Great Cup of Organic Coffee

Whole beans should be used within a week of purchase in order to enjoy the full flavor of the coffee.

Avoid vacuum-packed coffee, even organic vaccum-packed coffee. The process of vacuum packing cannot be done immediately after roasting. The coffee must sit for nearly a week before it can be vacuum-packed. This degrades much of the flavor.

Coffee beans should be stored in an airtight container, not on the shelf in the paper bag you brought them home with from the store. And in order to enjoy the full flavor of the coffee, you should grind only the amount you intend to use just before brewing.

Whole coffee beans that will be stored longer than a week should be placed in an airtight glass container that's kept in the freezer.

As with any coffee blend, organic or not, grind the beans according to the brewing method you intend to use. Keep in mind that if you grind your beans too fine your coffee may end up bitter and muddy; if you don't grind them enough, your coffee may end up flavorless.

Often overlooked, many people consider the most important step toward a good cup of coffee to be the proportion of water to coffee. Experts recommend 2 tablespoons for every 6 ounces of water.

In Conclusion

While you will pay more for organic coffee, just as you'll generally pay more for organic fruits and vegetables, choosing organic coffee promotes the environment, the health of the coffee grower, and your health, too. Just as important for coffee drinkers everywhere: organic coffee tastes as good if not better than non-organic coffee.

By Expert Author: D. Silva
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/

Coffee May Help To Keep Diabetes At Bay

Diabetes has been considered a risk factor of heart disease, and Type 2 diabetes develops when pancreas does not make enough insulin...Those who drank more than 6 cups of decaffeinated coffee per day had a 33-percent reduced risk....

Coffee May Help To Keep Diabetes At Bay

Coffee has been a drink that people consume everyday, especially during breakfast. There are many negative reports on consuming coffee mainly due to its caffeine. A study reported in the Archives of Internal medicine that there is a link between drinking coffee and a reduced risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Nevertheless, it is still not clear that whether the protective effect is due caffeine or other ingredients presented in coffee.

Diabetes has been considered a risk factor of heart disease, and Type 2 diabetes develops when pancreas does not make enough insulin or when insulin cannot be used by the body properly. Insulin is a hormone that converts sugars into energy. This form of diabetes is commonly found among people aged 40 and above, especially those overweight and physically inactive.

The study, conducted by the University of Minnesota, examined over 28,000 postmenopausal women over a period of 11 years (1986 -1997). Women who drank more than 6 cups of coffee per day were less likely to be diagnosed with diabetes. Those who drank decaffeinated coffee showed a further reduced risk.

Questions were answered by these women about risk factors for diabetes, and details given about their lifestyle and beverage consumption (including regular and decaffeinated coffee). After adjusting the data for other risk factors for diabetes, it was found that women who drank more than 6 cups of any type of coffee daily were 22 percent less likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than non-coffee drinkers. Those who drank more than 6 cups of decaffeinated coffee per day had a 33-percent reduced risk.

The overall intake of caffeine did not appear to be related to diabetes risk, suggesting that another ingredient in coffee might have contributed to the effect. The researchers suggested that magnesium, and other minerals and nutrients found in coffee bean such as polyphenols and antioxidants, may be responsible for this beneficial effect. However, further studies are required to ascertain this.

Other experts expressed some concerns about this study. Firstly, the participants were only limited to postmenopausal women and so are not representative of the population. Secondly, there is no objective measure to ensure that the reported diet or incidence of diabetes were accurate because data were collected from self-administrative questionnaires. Thirdly, there are many kinds of foods containing hundreds of different phytochemicals and antioxidants. It may not be appropriate to simply rely on any single food to obtain these nutrients. Finally, taking too much coffee can cause side effects. More than 3 cups of coffee a day can cause nervousness, stomach distress, insomnia, and for some people, irregular heartbeat.

While awaiting further research confirmation about the beneficial effect of drinking coffee, people with diabetes, however, still need to maintain healthy eating habits, regular physical activity, and more importantly, maintain a healthy body weight.

Former Heart Surgeon Reveals ... How to prevent and even reverse heart disease - without drugs or surgery. Read more about Dr Robert's confession at: http://www.howtopreventheartdisease.com/dr-robert.html

By Expert Author: Ng Peng Hock
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/

Coffee intake linked to lower diabetes risk

Based on this information reported in the initial questionnaire, about half of the women (14,224) drank one to two cups of coffee per day; 2,876 drank more than six cups; 5,553 four to five cups; 3,232 less than one cup; and 2,927 none. Over the following 12 years, 1,417 of the women reported on surveys,

Coffee intake linked to lower diabetes risk

Drinking coffee, especially when it is decaffeinated, will be associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, according to a report in the Sept 26 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. The link between coffee and diabetes risk appears to be very consistent across different ages and body weights; in addition, most research has found that the more coffee an individual drinks, the lower his or her risk for diabetes. However, it remains unclear whether it is the caffeine or any other ingredient in coffee, which may confer a protective effect.

Mark A. Pereira, Ph.D., and colleagues at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, had studied coffee intake and diabetes risk in the 28,812 postmenopausal women in Iowa over a 12-year period. At the beginning of the study, in 1986, the women answered questions about the risk factors for diabetes, including age, body mass index, physical activity, alcohol consumption and other smoking history. They also reported how often they consumed a variety of foods and these beverages over the previous year, including regular and decaffeinated coffee.

Based on this information reported in the initial questionnaire, about half of the women (14,224) drank one to two cups of coffee per day; 2,876 drank more than six cups; 5,553 four to five cups; 3,232 less than one cup; and 2,927 none. Over the following 12 years, 1,417 of the women reported on surveys, which they had been newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. After adjusting the data for some of the other diabetes risk factors, women who drank more than five cups of any type of coffee per day were 21 percent less likely than those who drank no coffee to be diagnosed suffering from diabetes; those who drank more than five cups of decaffeinated coffee per day had a 32 percent reduction in risk compared with those who drank none.

Overall caffeine intake did not appear to be much related to diabetes risk, further suggesting that some other ingredient in coffee was also responsible. "Magnesium, for which coffee is a good source, can explain some of the inverse relation between coffee intake and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus through known helpful effects on the carbohydrate metabolism," the authors write. However, the study found no relation between Magnesium and diabetes risk. Other minerals and nutrients found in the coffee bean including compounds known as polyphenols, which have also been shown to help the body process carbohydrates and antioxidants, which might protect cells in the insulin producing pancreas can contribute to its beneficial effects and needs to be examined in future studies.

By Expert Author: Adam Akelis
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/