“Black as devil, Hot as hell; Pure as an angel, sweet as love”
~Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Perigord~
Many people today see coffee as a source of caffeine to help them wake up and start their day. My love affair with a hot cup of java goes deeper than that – its aroma and flavour bring a small bit of luxury and comfort to my day-to-day life. There are few things better than a freshly brewed cup paired with a good book and my comfy couch. My time spent sipping lets me relax, learn new things about myself and welcome new ideas.
(Indonesian woman roasting the coffee beans)
Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world, and contains an array of chemical compounds. It can act as a stimulant, keeping us awake and active even when tired. There are a number of known health benefits of coffee beyond just a jumpstart to mornings though: consumed in moderation, it can lower the risk of Type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Cirrhosis. It stimulates the brain, and can also help hair growth when applied to the follicle.
The anti oxidants found in coffee can help lower the risk of certain kinds of cancer, and some chemical compounds in it can help fight pain as well as symptoms of gout. Of course, drinking in moderation is key – too much can cause other problems that will outweigh its health benefits. Excess caffeine can result in liver toxicity, alter hormone balance and increase cholesterol. Caffeine can also be harmful to unborn children when drunk by pregnant women.
Whether you’re drinking or cooking with coffee, whether you choose it for the lush flavour or the health benefits of coffee, there are huge varieties for you to choose from. Rare and pricey types can cost as much as $50 per cup. Some are even made with coffee beans collected from the dung of a wild cat (Luwak) or elephants (Black Ivory).
My husband and I enjoy coffee together, even though he is more of a tea drinker and only ventures into the world of java for Americanos. On a trip to Indonesia, we had the chance to sample some Luwak coffee. It sounds a bit strange, but it had a strong, bold flavour that I enjoyed. Whether we’re on the far side of the world or right here at home, our coffee dates are a special time for us to share.
Cooking with coffee is also something I love to do, sipping as I stir. Adding coffee to cake batters can add a warm flavour to create a coffee cake or its crumbly topping. I also like to reduce coffee extract and drizzle it over ice cream or cake for a bold, intense taste. What do you like to do with coffee? However you enjoy your caffeine, enjoy it you should, because:
“There is nothing sweeter than a bitter cup of coffee”
~Rian Aditia~
2 Comments
wow it was so informative …..I wasn’t aware about some facts…..glad to read it
so I believe eating or drinking everything in moderation is good…….one good thing that I know now is that coffee is good for hair follicles