Are you one of those who enjoy your morning cup of coffee? Do you like it instant or brewed? How many cups of coffee a day is healthy for you? Or does coffee have some unhealthy aspects you didn’t know about? Put your worries away and pick up your cuppa and scroll down as we get you these answers.
To many of us, coffee is the instant fuel that gets us going through tough days. The tagline of the famous coffee chain Café Coffee Day is ‘A lot can happen over a coffee’ and indeed it can. People meet, greet, discuss, make deals and life decisions, and whatnot. Let’s dig a little more into the story of this popular beverage.
History
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Coffee is said to have originated from Yemen or Ethiopia around the eighth or ninth century. These regions have the right climate required for growing the coffee plant. The beans of this plant are harvested, dried, and then made into coffee powder. Coffee became popular in the Middle East around the 16th or 17th century when European traders started visiting.
Predominantly, there are two types of coffee beans, Robusta and Arabica. Today, if you visit the coffee plantations in Chikmagalur or Coorg, you can find both these varieties grown there. Arabica is more popular because of its quality as it is not bitter and is more flavourful. It is more expensive to grow, though. Robusta is easier to grow and less expensive, but bitter and stronger with more caffeine in it.
It is said coffee came to India through a Sufi saint called Baba Budan to the hills of Chikmagalur. India grows only 4.5% of the world’s coffee, but 80% of what is grown is exported. Karnataka tops the coffee production in India, followed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Health Benefits for Seniors
We all know coffee stimulates our brain instantly and is an energy drink, so to say. This is due to caffeine which also helps reduce fatigue and thus, when we feel tired, a cuppa can keep us going for some more time. Some research shows that coffee consumption is linked to a lower risk of Type 2 diabetes, as much as 25% less. This is attributed to the antioxidants present in it that may affect insulin sensitivity and metabolism. What’s more interesting is that some studies have also concluded that coffee consumption can lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. One study even confirmed that it slowed the progression of Parkinson’s disease. Therefore, coffee is said to have some positive effects on our cognitive capabilities.
For more reasons than one, coffee can help people stay active and manage their weight. Some studies have also found that drinking coffee can reduce the risk of depression and even liver diseases. This cuppa may well be your way to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases by as much as 15%! Yes, coffee consumption is associated with a lesser risk of stroke and heart failure. It can affect your blood pressure though. So, if you have blood pressure, you should check with your doctor to limit consumption. Overall, since it reduces the risk of many diseases, and also boosts energy levels, it could help you live longer.
Instant or Filter?
Coffee lovers are at times, also particular about how they love their cuppa. The brewed or filter coffee lovers will never be happy with the instant coffee and vice versa. Perse, there is not much difference between these two where health is concerned. However, it all has to do with flavour, and most people who love to sip and enjoy their coffee slowly, prefer to have the brewed or filter variety. But instant coffee is the more popular one as it is easier to make and provides the same energy as well. Caffeine is slightly more in the brewed variety and if you have been asked to cut down on it, perhaps you can switch to the other one.
How many cuppas can you have?
Coffee has its health benefits, but anything was taken in excess also has ill effects. If otherwise healthy, up to four cups of coffee a day is considered okay for adults. However, everybody has their tolerance levels, and if coffee doesn’t make you feel good, you probably shouldn’t drink it. It is said hot black coffee is the healthiest form of coffee as no fat or carbs and is low in Sodium. Also, it has a lot of beneficial micronutrients. However, let us also remember that coffee is not our only source of nutrients and hence should be taken in moderation.
