Coffee health by Ted Sikkink

Coffee is a beverage unlike any other. For many, it is both a morning ritual and a social exercise, encouraging the sharing of thoughts and ideas over several cups of steaming coffee. It has been known to cause obsession among its many fans, with hundreds of web sites debating the merits of various blends and beans. But what effect, if any, does coffee have on your health?

There is good news these days for coffee lovers. Many recent studies have proven that coffee health benefits are definitely true, and this has caused in increase in the popularity of coffee. Although there have been negative coffee health benefits reported in the past such as heartburn and gastric distress, many positive health benefits are linked to coffee as well.

Some recently discovered coffee health benefits include a decreased risk of both Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, as well as lower rates of gallstones. In addition, coffee has also been shown to improve both memory and mood, and to boost athletic performance. Also, coffee drinkers statistically have fewer cases of heart rhythm problems, strokes, dementia, and certain types of cancer.

One possible coffee benefit that has created a lot of interest recently is the growing amount of studies showing that coffee drinkers have a significantly reduced chance of developing type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is quickly becoming a major factor in deaths worldwide, so researchers are very interested in the possible benefits offered by coffee.
Studies have shown that both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee appear to have the same benefit when it comes to reducing the risk of diabetes. Scientists have speculated that some of the benefits coming from coffee drinking may be as a result of quinides, which are fats produced when coffee beans are roasted. There has been some evidence that these fats aid in controlling blood sugar. Along with the quinides, coffee also contains magnesium and chromium, both of which aid in controlling blood sugar.

In addition, coffee has been shown to be extremely rich in anti-oxidants, which help prevent cell damage and inflammation. Freshly brewed coffee contains more antioxidants than instant coffee, and for some people, coffee is their biggest source of antioxidants. While coffee should never be considered as a substitute for more nutritious antioxidant food such as fruits and vegetables, these studies show that coffee can be an integral part of a healthy diet.

While medical professionals still caution pregnant women to limit their coffee intake to no more than one cup a day and encourage nursing mothers to abstain, the majority of us can safely drink 2-5 cups per day. This allows us to not only enjoy the wonderful aroma and flavor of coffee, but also to reap some of the positive health benefits this beverage has to offer.

Choose the Right Equipments To Get A Good Cup Of Coffee by Pierre Smith

Brewing your own coffee is quite a work, but it pays off whenever you have finished it. Brewed coffee has a richer and stronger flavor than instant coffees. It also tastes good; that's why it is advisable to make your own java at home. If ever that it is your first time to brew a coffee, take note of the following materials and equipments needed in brewing coffee:

• Coffee Brewer
Vacuum brewer: This is a kind of convenient coffee brewer. There are no sediments produced upon brewing coffee in it because of its functional design. It has been well tested by many consumers as it is one of the first brewers that came out in the market.
French press: This brewer looks like a pitcher and you can quickly make your coffee drink here. It saves a lot of space in the kitchen as it is handy and not spacious to keep.
Automatic drip brewers: This is well designed above all kinds of coffee brewers. It uses electrical energy to heat up the water up to 200 F specifically and then, the brewed coffee drips into a built in chamber and passes directly to the coffee filter.
Stove top brewers: Like the French press, it also looks like a pitcher. This is used by placing the grounded beans inside the chamber and heated up in the stove. In some brands, the stove top brewer produces a whistling sound when the brewed coffee is ready.
Ibriks: This equipment looks like a traditional brewer. Since it is very small, only a small amount of coffee can be brewed in it but it is well concentrated.
Aeropress: This is an innovation in the equipments for brewing java. This is ideal for travelling purposes as it is very handy. It makes a well brewed coffee without any sediment in a short period of time. Cleaning the equipment is also easy.

• Coffee filter
  Coffee filters are important part in most brewer machines. It filters the coffee sediment before going to your cup. Some of these equipments have built-in coffee filters that are reusable; just wash it carefully. On the other hand, there are also some brewer machines that require disposable coffee filters, so you need to have a stack on hand upon brewing coffee regularly.
• Coffee beans
  They are the most important needed material upon brewing your cup of java. You can either buy green unroasted beans or readily roasted ones. If you decide to buy unroasted ones, you will need coffee roasting equipment in order to roast up the raw green beans. On the other hand, the roasted ones are also good; you can buy whole roasted beans or the grounded ones.

Whenever you plan to start brewing your own coffee, make sure to have the equipments mentioned above. You can find different brands among appliance stores. Some coffee product stores and Internet coffee shops are also offering these equipments, so you have a lot of choices to buy from.

Just keep in mind that brewing your own java gives a full-bodied flavor, aroma and nutrients; so always choose to brew one for yourself!

Is It Advisable To Buy Your Coffee Online by Pierre Smith

Coffee is the second most preferred beverage among many people, accounting water as the first. It is considered as an awakening drink and everyone loves its good aroma. Finding the right blend of coffee is quite a heavy task, as there are lots of coffee blends in the market. Amidst the fast pace of life, everyone seems to be in a hurry and looking for an interesting coffee blend will take a lot of work.

That's why many people have found convenience in looking for items among the online shops, as they have the power to browse and choose among the different products available without the hassle of travelling across various stores. There are lots of choices to choose from and you can compare different products as well as their prices among different online shops.

You might be wondering why it is advisable to buy coffee online. Take note of the following points:

• Online stores offer the best selections of coffee products, blends, beans and many more. You have a limitless power to look over the different products offered. You can also check and compare prices among different coffee online shops.
• If you have a very busy schedule, a few minutes is what it takes to shop for your preferred coffee anywhere and anytime you want. You can pay directly through online and the product will be delivered to you without any troubles. Thus, optimum convenience is within your hands.
• The internet offers the widest range of products in the market, so in terms of shopping for coffee through online, you have a lot of selections to pick from. You may even find unusual coffee blends that are hard to find in the open market.
• A lot of online coffee shops are requiring registration upon first time online shopping. At first you may found it as an extra unnecessary task to do, but this is helpful especially if you plan a regular purchase on that online shop. Being a registered customer fastens up the ordering and delivery process, so you can get your coffee blend in the quickest way possible.

Aside from the different coffee products offered in various coffee online shops, they also offer informational updates and articles for a lot of coffee enthusiasts. You can be informed about the latest trends on how to enjoy a cup of coffee as well as many other topics. Furthermore, you can find coffee making equipments and accessories in a lot of online coffee shops. These items range from huge coffee brewers, espresso makers down to coffee mugs and filters.

What's good about these things is the fact that once they came from authentic coffee makers, you can be assured that these items will produce quality blend of coffee. You can use these items in setting up your own café business or in just enjoying a cup of coffee in the comfort of your home. So whenever you are lost in your schedule and craving for a supply of coffee, take time in browsing among the online coffee shops!

Kidney Stones and Coffee by chad siemer

Coffee is loved by many people. I recently started drinking coffee about a year ago and it is now part of my morning routine. I can't honestly say I'm "addicted" to coffee, but I do enjoy a cup in the morning.
I was interested in the affects coffee has on the body and if there was any correlation with kidney stones, so I did a little research.

A few benefits of coffee -

Coffee is known to be full of antioxidants. The two main substances are chlorogenic acid and melanoidins. Antioxidants help prevent oxidation, a process that causes damage to cells and contributes to aging. Coffee is also know to help prevent type 2 diabetes in middle age women.
Coffee drinking may protect against liver cirrhosis, especially alcoholic cirrhosis. Caffeine in coffee is a known stimulant. Coffee promotes alertness and attention. Coffee can also increase information processing. It has been proven to lower the risk of kidney stones formation. Coffee increases the urine volume, preventing the crystallization of calcium oxalate, the most common component of Kidney stones.

A few drawbacks to drinking coffee -

Coffee is very acidic and may trigger heartburn. Drinking excessive amounts of coffee may cause an extra urinary excretion of calcium. Heavy coffee consumption (600 ml or more) can modestly increase the risk of osteoporosis, especially in women with a low calcium intake. Heavy consumption of boiled coffee elevates blood total and LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels. Unfiltered coffee contains two cholesterol-raising compounds cafestol and kahweol. Although coffee drinking is not a significant risk factor for hypertension, it produces unfavorable effects on blood pressure and people prone to hypertension may be more susceptible. Recent Italian study found that coffee drinking can slightly increase the risk for development of sustained hypertension in people with elevated blood pressure.

Moderation is the key -

In my opinion, drinking coffee in moderation may do more good than harm. There are several products in the store today that actually eliminate some of the hazards of coffee. Such products include low acidity coffee, organic coffee, and decaffeinated coffee.

Coffee Is Getting More And More Popular Every Day by Chris Mollo

Coffee is rapidly becoming the most popular beverage in the United States. It is usually served hot and prepared from the ground coffee beans. Its popularity has spawned many different kinds of instant and flavored coffees. The word "coffee" entered the English vocabulary back in 1598. It comes from the Italian word "caffa", which came from the Turkish word "kahveh", which originates from the Arabic word "qahwa". 

Coffee is a drink which is liked by all people irregardless of their age, race, or geographical location. Coffee is made hot but can be served either hot or cold. Cold, or "iced" coffee is becoming just as popular as its hot sibling. Many people add milk or cream and sugar to their coffee, and many simply drink it black. Some people even add whipped cream to make a delicious after dinner treat!

Coffee is also the second highest traded commodity in the world next to petroleum. The rising popularity of coffee is also related to the sprouting up of specialty coffee shops all over the country. People of all the age groups can be found hanging out at these cafes enjoying their cup of coffee and reading books or using laptop computers. Whether it be morning, afternoon, or evening, coffee sales are holding steady.

Many researchers have shown that coffee reduces the risk of a number of diseases and ailments like diabetes, gall stones, cirrhosis, and many more. Coffee is also the chief source of a stimulant called caffeine. The good and bad effects of coffee are still being researched. When you are really down, a good cup of coffee can make you more alert and boost your mood. Coffee has no adverse effects on your health if taken in moderation.

Like cocoa and banana, coffee is a tropical export that is produced almost exclusively in the rain forests of poorer nations. Ironically, it is mainly consumed in the wealthier nations. Fortunately, more and more coffee drinkers are demanding that their favorite baristas serve coffee that is grown in a manner that protects the rain forests.

Coffee farmers the world over harvested 7.4 million tons of coffee in 2002, an all time high, and double the amount harvested in 1960. It is also a little known fact that one out of every five cups of coffee is consumed in the United States. Meetings are held, proposals are discussed, marriages are proposed, deals are finalized, and a lot more that we aren't privy to happens over the magical beverage known to us as coffee.

The History of Kona Coffee by Chuggin McCoffee

Kona coffee is a delicious and coveted type of coffee bean, directly because of the environment that it is grown in. If you are not familiar with Kona coffee, then it is harvested in Hawaii, which is the only state in the US to produce coffee crops. For an optimum coffee harvest, it needs to be produced near the equator, between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. Hawaii is the perfect place for a delicious coffee harvest because of the fertile volcanic soil, luscious rainfall, and humid climate. This is exactly why Kona coffee is so premium and in demand!

The history of Kona coffee can be traced back to 1825 when a few seedlings were brought from Brazil to Oahu by John Wilkinson. From that point, the missionary Rev. Samuel Ruggles brought a few small Kona coffee trees to West Hawaii to plant in his new home. These trees prospered in the humid climate, and they were the birth of the booming Hawaiian coffee industry as we know it today.

Kona is found in the western slopes of Mauna Loa, and it has ideal climate conditions for a premium coffee harvest. It is located 700 to 2500 feet above sea level, and the soil is rich and well drained, as well as full of volcanic nutrients. Hawaii is known for the gentle rains and mild breezes, which allow for comfortable temperatures for coffee growth. This type of temperate climate is perfect to protect the coffee trees from northeastern winds. It is also important to know that too much sun will weaken coffee trees so that they are not able to resist disease, and too little sun will prevent the trees from fully growing and maturing. This atmosphere in Kona provides the perfect combination of the two with the right balance of soil, shelter, weather, and elevation. It is also important to remember that coffee grown upon a mountain is even more ideal because it has a better cloud cover. When coffee trees are grown with shade, it will allow them to mature more slowly so that the flavors within the beans develop more deeply as a result.

When you sip a Kona cup of Joe, you will be astounded by the sweet and full taste of the brew with a mellow finish. Kona is a truly revered coffee brewed by coffee lovers all over the world. The coffee grown in Kona is in a smaller space of 2 by 20 miles, which allows for the exact growing conditions necessary for these delicious coffee beans. When you compare this harvest to other coffee crops all over the world, Kona produces a relatively small harvest, which directly increases the demand for this type of coffee beans.

Since these coffee beans are rare, it is difficult for them to be mass marketed. They are somewhat costly in the United States, and they are much higher priced than coffee produced by other third world countries. For this reason, Kona coffee is seen to be a high end and specialty coffee that is definitely worth the delicious treat!

Pros And Cons About Permanent and Disposable Coffee Filters by David Stylez

Seeking for a one cup coffee maker? If you are then you probably want the best deal. There are a few things to look for when taking into consideration a one cup coffee maker. You should have no problem when choosing a quality coffee maker if you take these things into consideration. 


The initial thing to take in to account is the filtration unit of the coffee maker. Since every single cup coffee maker is made distinctive there will always be pros and cons to using unique kinds of particle removers. For instance, a one cup coffee maker can come with a throw-away filter or a lasting one. Some things regarding the pros and disadvantages of these coffee filters are the cost, convenience, and the filtering quality.


Using Disposable Particle Removers For A One Cup Coffee Maker


An inexpensive solution for quality filtering will always be throw-away filters. Not only do these coffee filters cost only pennies but they also present the best filtering capabilities. A paper filter can filter out all of the particles in the coffee as long as the filter does not collapse. One of the few disadvantages to using a filter like this is that it can take a bit longer to insert into the one serve coffee maker. The great thing about throw-away filters is that the quality of your coffee will not change at all, therefore, you do not need to worry about it leaving a terrible taste in your mouth.


Advantages and Disadvantages of Reusable Filters


If you are thinking about using a permanent coffee filter then there are a few advantages and disadvantages that you should be aware of. The first advantage is that you will no longer need to buy throw-away coffee filters therefore the ongoing expense will be completely done away with. This is a good thing because it becomes more environmentally friendly to not have to regularly throw away paper coffee filters. Reusable coffee filters do not have the same filtering capabilities as paper filters, therefore, do not expect quality filtering. This is the motive why so many people choose to just go ahead and pay for an ongoing supply of disposable coffee filters.


As you can see, there are advantages and disadvantages in using disposable and permanent coffee filtration unites. A permanent coffee filtration unit is more expensive but at times comes with the coffee unit. It is also more environmentally friendly since you use the same filter for each coffee serving. A throw-away coffee filter is not costly but it is an ongoing cost. However, if you want excellent filtered coffee then this is the way to go. Remember that a throw-away coffee filter can collapse when you put it in the filtering unit so always remember to make sure it's secure so that you will not waste any filters. By now you should have some sort of understanding as to what kind of filter you want to make investments on for you single serve coffee machines.