5 Tips For Selecting A Coffee Of The Month Club
Article by Ray Forrest
Coffee of the Month Clubs are a great way to experience high quality, specialty coffees from all around the world at an affordable price. The recent demand in popularity for “coffee of the month” clubs has opened up a new channel for local coffee shops to showcase their flavorful blends on the internet. Most organic and fair trade coffee is roasted by local shops or micro-roasters that import beans from different regions globally. These coffee producers focus on roasting beans that are mostly organic, fair trade and shade grown to produce high quality, gourmet coffees that are rich in flavor with a mild touch on the palette that lacks the bitterness associated with lower grade coffees.
Demand for organic and fair trade products coupled with growth in online shopping means it makes good business sense for the savvy owner of a coffee shop to create a new sales channel using the web to distribute their specialty coffee products on a global basis. Today more than ever, establishing an e-commerce presence is a relatively easy task and the benefits of getting product online make it a worthwhile effort.
What does this mean for coffee lovers you might be asking? Now instead of having to settle for the “usual suspects” or big brand coffee producers, consumers have a wide variety or high quality, specialty coffees to choose from. Coffees of the Month Clubs are designed to offer shoppers the opportunity to experience a variety of specialty coffees on a monthly basis at an affordable price. As you start your search for a Coffee of the Month Club here are several tips on what to look for and how to find the best deal for yourself.
1. How much should I pay? Most organic and fair trade coffees range in price from .99 to per pound. This excludes ultra premium coffees such as Kona and Jamaican Blue Mountain. These two particular coffees range in price between and per pound.
2. Quality – Look for products that are certified organic and fair trade. These coffees are produced based on high quality standards that are free from harmful herbicides and pesticides and promote ethical and financial practices that support the local farmers and surrounding communities.
3. How to find? – Coffee producers big and small have moved onto the internet. You can find a variety of options available by doing a web search. Type in words and phrases such as – “coffee of the month club”, “coffee club”, or “organic coffee club” and you will find plenty of companies to choose from.
4. What should I buy? – Most companies offer a subscription to their coffee clubs ranging from 3-12 months in duration with orders shipping 1-2 times per month depending on when you make your purchase. If you can, purchase whole bean since it preserves freshness better than ground coffee.
5. How much should I buy? – Most two person households go through about 2lbs per month.
Once you’ve narrowed down your search make sure that the website you decide to purchase from looks credible and displays logos ensuring secure transactions. You can take it one step further and call the contact number on the website to validate their identity and protect yourself against fraud.
For all of you coffee lovers out there, there is nothing quite like the anticipation of receiving that special package in the mail every month and experiencing a new flavorful blend of coffee.
Ray Forrest, the author, is the marketing manager for Coastal Roasters, a coffee shop and micro-roaster of organic and fair trade coffees located in Tiverton, RI.
Find out more about Coffee of the Month Clubs and organic, fair trade coffees at http://www.coastalroasters.com
Specialty Coffees – Better Than Straight?
Article by Sveinung Skoglund
Coffee consumption has reached 500 billion cups annually. Coffee is clearly the most popular drink in the world. It has really come a long way from its humble beginning in Ethiopia, where it was eaten with animal fat to provide the additional strength and boost the confidence of the members of the Galla tribe. Coffee’s history, which is filled with amazing stories of political intrigues, happy accidents, triumphs and legends make it not just the most popular but the most important drink in the world.
Coffee is now consumed as straight coffee or even mixed. It is also sometimes used in desserts and dishes. Gourmet or specialty coffees have also been created. In the past “specialty coffee” was used to refer to coffees are made from top-grade beans that are not mass-cultivated because they are only grown in regions where the climate and the conditions are perfect for growing coffee. Specialty coffees are also referred to as premium coffee. The phrase “specialty coffee” was actually coined in 1974 by Erna Knutsen. The term was used to describe coffee that was produced in special micro-climates.
Today, specialty coffee is no longer used to refer to coffee grown in special micro-climates but also to coffee concoctions that are created using non-common brewing methods. One of the most common specialty coffees are the Frappe, a concoction made with mixing espresso with sugar, milk, and ice.
Other coffee concoctions have liquor. Coffee recipes with liquor are abundant throughout the world. Some coffee concoctions use chocolate while others have fruits and other flavor enhancing elements.
In other parts of the world, there is the Caffee Zabaglone. This coffee is a mixture of Marsala, sugar, salt and egg yolks. The Calypso cooler from the Caribbean contains a cup of coffee mixed with bananas and coffee ice cream. A shot or rum can also be included in this concoction.
Some coffee mixes have been around for decades while others are fairly new. Some coffees are even blended with egg yolks, salt, ice cream and even coconuts. Cognacs, cinnamon, bourbon and eggnog can also be used to create different drinks. The number of coffee-based drinks that can be created is actually limitless. Coffee houses continue to create coffee blends and recipes that coffee lovers enjoy.
It was the proliferation of coffee houses in the 90s that resulted in the tremendous growth of the specialty coffee in the United States and also worldwide. Coffee houses create delicious coffee creations and charge consumers high amounts for them but no one is complaining, after all coffee lovers are willing to pay exorbitant amounts to have a taste of what is for them- heaven.
The author of this article has been publishing articles online since -06 as well as creating websites on various topics since -04. Check out his latest website found at http://floralweddingcenterpieces.net which helps people find the best floral wedding centerpieces as well as information they might be needing when shopping for a floral wedding centerpiece.
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Decaffeinated Coffee Beans Do Not Grow On Special Trees
Article by Tony Dicorpo
Coffee beans all contain caffeine. From the beginning they have and always will. That is what the Ethiopian goat herder Kaldi noticed about his goats eating the coffee • cherry• fruit from the coffee tree. They were basically under the effects of caffeine and would not sleep. That had to be funny! As a result and after a few other tests, coffee was born. That was way back when over 1000 years ago. Even though all Arabica coffee beans contain caffeine, to some it• s more of a nuisance than a stimulant so some prefer it gone. How do we get this unofficial legal • drug• of sorts out? That, my friend has many answers.
The first process we will discuss is a chemical process using methylene chloride. It is also called the European Process (EP or KVW). In this method of decaffeination, the raw green coffee beans are soaked in near boiling water. This extracts the flavor oils and the caffeine from the coffee. The water is then separated and put into a tank where it is treated with the chemical methylene chloride. This chemical sticks to the caffeine and is then removed from the flavor oils. The beans are brought back into the mix and they absorb the once lost flavor oils. It has been my experience and arguably some other coffee geek• s as well that these decafs processed with methelyene chloride taste the best. The quality of the cup is superb over other decaf processes, as long as the beans are processed and hulled correctly at origin.
Methelyene chloride sounds bad but it really is a safe method to decaffeinate coffee beans because is it never absorbed by the bean. It is really a solvent and will not bond with the coffee; just with the caffeine. However this chemical method can cause some sensitive tummies to become agitated because there are traces left behind. I have found that most people that have this irritation usually know what is from and ask me if my decaf is processed with it.
Another decaffeination method is called ethyl acetate. This process is called the • natural process• because ethyl acetate is a chemical compound found in some fruits. This process happens the same way as the methelyene chloride process above; the difference is that ethyl acetate is a natural chemical vs. methelyene chloride being a man made solvent. I still think a methelyene chloride processed decaf coffee tastes of better quality. However some folks do not notice the irritated stomach as much with this process.
The next decaffeination process we will talk about is the Swiss Water Process (SWP). During this process, the green coffee beans are again soaked in near boiling water. As stated before, this extracts the caffeine and flavor oils from the coffee. The difference in the SWP is that the water is then put into a tank where it is forced through charcoal filters. It is also circulated around in hot water to remove the caffeine. The beans are then brought back into the mix to absorb their flavor again. However, this process allows more flavor oils to be damaged and/or removed affecting the overall cup. Upside is that no chemicals of any kind are used however SWP coffees are higher in price. I do feel that these coffees, though they appear of better quality visually lack flavor and are quite flat.
OK so yet another process to decaffeinate coffee is called the mountain water process or MWP. In Mexico, a company called Sanroke developed this decaffeination process where they use water from the glaciers of the Pico de Orizaba Mountain in Mexico. The process they use is the same as the Swiss Water Process: using water to float the coffee oils and caffeine in a solution, then using a special filter to remove caffeine, and returning the water soluble oils to the coffee. The only difference is that the coffee is awesome! The MWP decafs are very close to non-decaffeinated premium coffees. But they are more expensive.
The last process of decaffeinating coffee is the C02 process. In this process, the raw green coffee beans are mixed with pure water. When the coffee absorbs the water the grains expand and the pores open. This allows the caffeine molecules to become mobile. Then, the carbon dioxide is added to the water making it fizzy, like sparkling water. What happens is the carbon dioxide acts like a magnet and attracts all the caffeine. When the caffeine is captured by the carbon dioxide, it is removed. The carbon dioxide does not touch the flavor molecules so it gives the coffee an excellent taste in the finished decaffeinated coffee.
There is one last • unofficial• decaffeinating process and that is roasting. It• s unofficial because it does not completely decaffeinate, not even 99.9% like the other methods. It• s a lot less. Roasting will burn off caffeine to some extent and the darker the coffee is the less caffeine there is in it. Most of your espresso blends are comprised of dark roasted coffee beans. So you guessed it, when you think you are getting an extra dose of jolt in that extra double shot of espresso think again Jack. Most people think that espresso has more caffeine naturally but not quite!
If you want the extra jolt, try a chocolate bar, a shot of soda, an aspirin or two or a slice of cake made from a box cake mix. Caffeine is a hot commodity! This caffeine is gotten from decaffeinated coffee and added to these products. Yes sold on the resale market. It is big business!
So contrary to some beliefs decaffeinated coffee does not grow on a special tree. It gets that way by man. Like so many other things huh? Many coffees come in decaffeinated versions including organic coffee. When you buy your next bag of whole bean coffee, look to see what decaffeination process is used. You will find that this is not easy with most store bought coffees. You may have to go to your local independent coffee shop or roaster. I bet they have what you are looking for.
Tony DiCorpo is a coffee roaster, barista trainer and coffee business consultant. He has authored many articles on coffee and the coffee business. Tony has extensive experience in business and collectively more than 20 years experience in sales, business management, entrepreneurship and the coffee business. He is a partner in The North Coast Barista School. He also owns Troubadour Coffee Roasting Co. where he sells coffee and espresso equipment and where you can buy wholesale coffee beans.
Categories: Coffee Articles Tags: beans, coffee, decaffeinated, Grow, Special, Trees
Why Would You Pay More For Certified Organic Coffee Beans?
Article by Shawni Groezinger
The culture puts a lot of premium on organic coffee beans because of the different advantages that these provide compared to their non-organic counterparts. Organically grown coffee beans are healthier because no chemical substances are used in their cultivation. Pesticides, fungicides, herbicides and fertilizers, that are non-organic in nature aren’t used in natural farming.
Coffee in natural farms can also be environment pleasant because the chemical substances utilized in non-organic farming are recognized to ruin the environment. Most of these chemical substances aren’t biodegradable and may be transported by air, which can hurt non-targeted organisms. Also, the chemicals are recognized to flow to nearby streams when it rains. Chemical substances decrease the oxygen degree in the water, which consequently can kill aquatic life.
Due to the health and environment benefits of organic coffee, individuals are prepared to buy these products at a greater price. To be able to safeguard the curiosity with the coffee consuming public, natural coffee growers should undergo a certification procedure. Within the United states of America, the certification is via the Division of Agriculture. There’s a Nationwide Organic Program being implemented to assure the public that this kind of natural goods coming out of the marketplace are indeed natural.
You will find 3 standards set for organically grown coffee beans: 100% organic, natural, and contains organic coffee or made from organic coffee. 100% organic coffee assures the coffee consuming public that each coffee bean is natural and that no synthetic chemical is utilized in its cultivation. Organic coffee is 95% natural coffee and also the relaxation coffee beans might be partially organic. Contains natural coffee or created from organic coffee is 75% organic and the remaining 25% with the coffee beans may be partially natural.
Certification of organic coffee beans can go through a long and rigid process. It usually requires 3 many years to complete the certification process simply because there are specific guidelines that should be adopted prior to a certification is issued. Water utilized in cultivating the coffee beans must be clear and drained. The coffee farms must not adversely affect the eco-diversity and ecological balance with the environment. Soil erosion must be prevented by adopting adequate measures. For shade grown coffee, enough area should be allotted for development of the shade trees and there must be a system for their normal plantation.
The coffee pulp, which comes from the peel of coffee berries, must be made into compost. Organic coffee beans must be packed without metal salts or chemicals that can disintegrate and combine with the beans inside the packets. No synthetic or chemical colors, flavors, and preservatives must be used in the coffee processing. No drugs should be administered or injected to enhance the quality of the coffee beans, to make them develop faster, or to induce them to yield more. The beans should not be genetically modified, tailored or manipulated.
Apart from not utilizing commercially processed pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, and fertilizers, the land should be left uncultivated for 3 or more many years if it has been utilized in non-organic farming to let it detoxify by itself in the remains of fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides, pesticides, and also the likes.
Certification of organic coffee beans might be considered a long and difficult process but this sets the beans apart simply because licensed organic coffee is genuine coffee.
Drinking organic coffee beans will add quality taste to your cup of coffee. Buy organic coffee beans for the peace of mind that there are no chemicals hidden in your morning cup of brew.
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How To Shop For The Absolute Best Coffee Maker
Article by Syed hussain
The home coffee maker is the most popular appliance purchased for the kitchen in North India, topping over 14 million units a year. Yet with so many different models, features and price ranges it can be extremely difficult to figure out which machine does what it’s supposed to. Simply, to make a great cup of coffee. What are the requirements of an excellent coffee brewer? To make it easy we narrow it down to 5 key components.
Heats Water To The Ideal 200 Degree Fahrenheit Recommended By ExpertsYou need water at a consistently high enough temperature to get proper extraction from the coffee beans. A consistent temperature is crucial, unfortunately most drip makers can’t deliver that. 200 degrees is the magic temperature for brewing coffee but most drip pots only get up to around 165, a few top out at around 180, not nearly hot enough for a proper extraction.
Very few coffee makers available reach that optimal temperature so shop carefully and make sure the maximum temperature is listed. Try to find one approved by the Specialty Coffee Association of India, the world’s largest coffee trade association that sets rigid quality standards for the coffee industry.
Includes A Thermal CarafeWhat you hold your coffee in is vitally important. Using a bottom heated burner diminishes the quality and flavor of coffee as it literally burns the coffee over time. You may have experienced the burnt bitterness yourself if you have ever drank coffee that has sit on a burner for a long time. By keeping freshly brewed coffee in a thermal carafe instead of a burner your coffee will remain hot for hours without destroying it’s taste. It will be as fresh as when you first brewed it.
Easy To Clean and MaintainCoffee makers can get dirty with prolonged use. To get the perfect drink you need to keep the parts clean. Of course the health benefits of keeping food equipment sanitary is obvious. Make sure the coffee maker is easy to disassemble, take apart and clean. The entire filter assembly should be quick to remove for easy cleaning.
Get Only The Features You NeedDo not be fooled by coffee brewers that throw in all sorts of gimmicks at a low price. The essential job of a drip coffee maker is to get water to the right temperature quickly and spread it over the coffee grounds. Weak steam nozzles, uneven, low grade grinders, glow in the dark alarm clocks. All these “extras” means you are paying for low quality gadgets rather than buying a machine for the main purpose of making coffee.
Durability That Can Last For YearsHome coffee makers range in price from around to several hundred. It may surprise you to learn that the cheaper coffee makers may cost you more in the long run if you are a daily coffee drinker. Their cheap plastic parts and thin aluminum heating elements often cannot withstand the rigor of years of daily use and may need to be replaced every few years. Try to get a machine with better build quality, preferably one with more metal than plastic, especially if you plan to use your coffee maker at least once a day.
Shopping for the perfect coffee maker that consistently makes great coffee can be daunting. Hopefully, this article has made it easier for you. Keep in mind the five key areas, the most important being heating water to a proper 200 degrees. A thermal carafe is necessary for keeping coffee fresh and drinkable hours after brewing. Ease of use and maintenance, avoiding extra gimmicks and durability are the other key components of the best drip coffee brewers.
For tips on how to brew the perfect cup of coffee and using the ASUKA A600, the coffee maker which meets all the five requirements above visit http://www.acekreamers.com
ACEKreamers.com specializes in premium coffee machines and accessories. We are obsessed with making the perfect cup of java.
Syed hussain had completed a Engineer’s Degree B.Tech. (IT). His hobby is playing chess and writing articles, and his main aim to write a novel for that he is working on. Recently ACE Kreamer’s offering his services to Cream Whipper and Commercial Blenders for more information to visit http://www.acekreamers.com/
Top 5 Ways to Liven Up Your Coffee at Work
Article by Jenn Weesies
Some employees use coffee in the workplace to give them a jump start first thing in the morning. Some use coffee to get them through the afternoon slump. Others use it as a break from their job, and others still, to tackle the mounting work on their desks.
In most workplaces low quality break-room coffee leaves a lot to be desired. Through supplying employees with a few key tools, ingredients, and gourmet coffee blends, livening up the coffee at work is easy. Here are five simple suggestions:
1. Spice up the coffee condiments!
Why not add flavored creamers, natural sugars, spices, flavored syrups, whipped cream and other exciting options to your stock of coffee condiments? Employees will appreciate the selection and enjoy the unusual work coffee condiments. This is an easy and sure way to liven up your coffee at work.
2. Improve your coffee brewing equipment.
The machine you use to brew your coffee in is half the battle. Local office coffee services will provide you with professional equipment free in return for buying your coffee from them and paying a premium for supplies.
A more cost effective option is to go online, purchase quality equipment yourself, and buy the supplies from an online cheaper coffee provider. Typically your coffee supplies will be about 20% cheaper compared to those provided to you by an office coffee service. Some online suppliers ship the same day the order is received, and delivery is usually free if you order or more. Typically is 4 weeks of coffee for an office of 15 to 25 employees. You will also be able to reduce your company’s liability risk by not sending employees off-site in their personal vehicles to pick up the coffee. The coffee is delivered right to your office in pre-measured packages! Save yourself the time, liability and money by ordering online from a cheaper coffee supplier.
3. Use a personalized mug.
Eliminate boring and environmentally unfriendly Styrofoam cups. Treating employees to their own personalized mugs not only makes their individual cup of coffee unique, but also eco-friendly. These make great appreciation gifts and can help you save money on break-room supplies in the long run.
4. Keep a variety of gourmet coffee blends in stock.
Stocking your break-room with a variety of gourmet coffee blends offers all employees a better quality coffee every day. Gourmet coffee blends and other national brands ordered in pre-measured packages through online cheaper coffee suppliers can score you high quality coffee at a low price. For employees, just knowing that their employer cares enough about them to stock multiple types of quality coffee will dramatically improve their mood at work. Most importantly, a wide variety of gourmet coffee blends stocked in your break-room can liven up your coffee-work situation.
5. Take coffee requests from all employees.
Let one employee each month make a special coffee request. It may be a full-bodied gourmet roast from a specific coffee shop or a specialty flavored gourmet coffee blend like vanilla creme or hazelnut. Your employees will feel appreciated when they have a say and will be excited to have something to look forward to as their month to pick coffee comes along. And surprisingly, you can usually order an entire pot of gourmet coffee from a cheaper coffee online supplier for what just 1 cup would cost you after you stand in line.
Whatever you do to liven up your coffee at work be sure it is easy, time-effective and budget friendly. There is no need to turn your break-room into a gourmet coffee shop, but offering more variety and options can really liven up the coffee at work. Employees will enjoy the small changes in the break-room and will feel more appreciated.
With over 40 years of office coffee experience, we can stock your break-room with everything you need at wholesale prices. Orders are shipped the same day when they are placed by 1p EST. Live operators are available 9:00a to 5:00p EST. Please visit: http://cheapercoffee.com/ or call 888-779-3952
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Categories: Coffee Articles Tags: coffee, Liven, Ways, Work
What is Gourmet Coffee?
Article by Chris Brown
For people who savor the taste and the richness of coffee, then there is more to their experience than just a morning wake-up call. To these people, drinking coffee is about the flavor, the scent, and the warmth. Often, these people will be the owners of specialty coffee makers and coffee grinders, and generally, they will drink gourmet coffee.
As you may suspect, the cost of this specialty coffee can be quite a bit higher than the standard grounds or beans, however, many people feel that the cost is far outweighed by the taste and the experience of drinking it. Others may wonder just why it costs more.
Why is gourmet coffee so special? It begins with how the beans are grown. Coffee beans are grown on large plantations in various parts of the world. The soil types, the amount of sun or rain, and the types of coffee planted will all have a great effect on the taste of the end product.
Many coffee growers find ways to weed out any standard coffees and to create hybrid plants that provide rich, flavored options. Since these types of coffee beans are less prolific and harder to grow, they are considered gourmet.
While there are many flavors of gourmet coffee, there are certain kinds that are most popular. You may have tried a few flavors before, and most likely, you have seen these favorite options.
Many people enjoy French Vanilla gourmet coffees because they are much softer on the palate than the bitterness of standard coffee. French Vanilla coffee combines the taste of the coffee beans with a creamy vanilla flavor. This choice is a favorite among many coffee drinkers who enjoy something rich and not as strong.
People who prefer something stronger may choose Hazelnut because these coffees include a strong bite, even more than regular black coffee. Hazelnut coffees are dark, rich and very strong. Many choices of gourmet coffee combine the Hazelnut with other flavors like chocolate or vanilla. If you enjoy a bit of a fruity taste, you may enjoy options, which include raspberry or blueberry. These choices provide a mix of the richness of coffee along with a bit of sweet from the fruit.
Gourmet coffee is pricier than standard coffee, but it provides a flavor and a taste experience that you will not find elsewhere. There are many gourmet choices, and coffee enthusiasts could most likely name three or four that they favor above all the others. Once you begin to enjoy the coffee, you will be able to find the best choices for you.
Chris Brown is a co-maintainer of The-Best-Coffee-Maker.com and is a bit particular about his coffee. For reviews and resources about coffee makers and gourmet coffee visit The-Best-Coffee-Maker.com.
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Categories: Coffee Articles Tags: coffee, Gourmet
Gourmet Coffee May Help Lower Health Risks
Article by Amanda Broughton
Studies completed in the past regarding the correlations between coffee and health risks almost always concluded that coffee may cause adverse health risks. While this has been the generally accepted belief, newer studies are suggesting that these beliefs may be false. Today, many studies are finding that coffee, including gourmet coffee blends, may not be as hazardous as previously thought. In fact, the belief today is that gourmet coffee may offer health benefits when consumed in moderation.
A new study done by Harvard Women’s Health Watch suggests that regular gourmet coffee drinkers are less likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared to those who do not drink it. The study also suggests an array of other health risks, in addition to type 2 diabetes, can be lowered by moderate consumption. These risks include developing gallstones, colon cancer, liver damage (especially in those who have liver disease) and Parkinson’s disease.According to an article on WebMD.com, the statistics are surprising. At least six recently conducted studies state that people who drink a moderate amount of coffee on a regular basis can decrease their risk of Parkinson’s disease by up to 80%. When compared to not drinking it, a person who consumes at least two cups per day can reduce their risk of colon cancer by 25% and reduce the risk of gallstones by almost 50%.
It is important to remember what the recommended amount of daily gourmet coffee consumption is. According to many studies, a moderate amount is considered two to four cups per day. This amount is suggested to be the perfect serving in order to best reap the possible health benefits.
At some online cheaper coffee suppliers, you can order pre-measured packs of gourmet coffee. These packets can help any workplace offer the perfect amount in order to help employees gather the possible health benefits. Office managers can order the packets at a lower cost online and are now able to provide their employees with higher quality coffee that fits into their existing break-room budget. By providing your employees quality gourmet coffee blends, you are showing care and interest in their health.
These new findings are continuing to be tested to learn more about the health benefits that coffee can offer. At work, many people crave the boost of energy from the caffeine. These recent studies suggest that this effect may just be an extra benefit due to the new health discoveries. Keeping the break-room stocked with a variety of favorite gourmet coffee blends will keep employees not only happy and productive, but possibly healthy.
Show you care by notifying your employees about the possible health benefits of gourmet coffee. Make sure you stay informed about these studies and continue to offer gourmet coffee blends to your employees. It may be one of the best gestures you can make.
With over 40 years of office coffee experience, we can stock your break-room with everything you need at wholesale prices. Orders are shipped the same day when they are placed by 1p EST. Live operators are available 9:00a to 5:00p EST. Please visit: http://cheapercoffee.com/ or call 888-779-3952
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How Gourmet Coffee Can Be Beneficial For Your Health
Article by Stephanie Larkin
Coffee has gotten a bad reputation over the years. Between the negative attentions that it has garnered due to its caffeine content and a few misreported findings that hinted at health problems caused by drinking coffee, many people believe that coffee is not good for you.
The perception is that coffee is great for a pick-me-up but it can cause health problems down the road. Actually, not only is this generally untrue but drinking coffee has several health-related benefits. With the surge in popularity of gourmet coffees, it has been discovered that some of these gourmet roasts can actually have an even greater health benefit than standard coffee roasts.
Contrary to what was believed for many years, drinking coffee can actually be quite good for you, provided that it is done in moderation. Coffee beans tend to be quite high in antioxidants, and many gourmet coffees have even higher antioxidant content. Because gourmet coffees are usually more carefully roasted than standard coffees which will be powdered or freeze-dried, more of the oils that are rich in antioxidants will be preserved throughout the roasting process and make it in to your cup of coffee. These antioxidants have a variety of health benefits ranging from an improved immune system to healthier skin, teeth, and hair.
Though there are a number of artificial and non-dairy creamers available, many people still prefer to use milk, cream, or half-and-half for their coffee. Gourmet coffee shops tend to use real dairy products in lattes, cappuccinos, and other coffee drinks. By using real milk or dairy products instead of a non-dairy substitute you can gain the additional health benefits of milk and dairy when you have your coffee. This includes added calcium and fatty acids, with the calcium being good for your bones and joints and fatty acids helping to keep your brain healthy and your memory strong.
Various studies have found a number of health conditions that coffee can help to prevent. Some of the most prominent of these include serious health concerns such as Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and even some types of skin cancer.
In addition to the preventative effect that antioxidant-rich coffee can have when it comes to these conditions, some studies have even shown that drinking coffee every day can help to slow the progression of some of these diseases if they are already present and may even help to make other treatment options function better. This is not to say that coffee alone will cure these serious conditions, but there is a lot of evidence which shows that it can at least have somewhat of a positive benefit when it comes to both prevention and treatment.
Another condition that gourmet coffee can help to prevent has been getting a lot of attention due to a study released in 2007. A link has been found which seems to suggest that drinking coffee daily can greatly reduce the damage which is done to the liver by alcohol and that it can either slow or prevent cirrhosis of the liver both due to alcohol consumption and other causes.
At first it was considered to simply be the caffeine contained in the coffee that caused this effect, but a similar prevention was not noted among tea drinkers or others who had similar caffeine intakes; though the specific ingredient in coffee which causes this benefit has not been identified, it is clear that it is a coffee-specific compound and is most likely one or a combination of the antioxidants contained in coffee oil. Since gourmet coffee tends to contain a higher amount of these antioxidants it is likely that it will provide exceptional protection against liver damage.
Despite all of the warnings that have been given over the years about how the caffeine in coffee can cause excess stress on the heart and higher blood pressure, newer research has shown just the opposite; it is believed that the caffeine in coffee combined with a number of antioxidants can actually help to prevent some types of heart disease.
These implications of are of special importance to the elderly, as the study showed that individuals over 65 who regularly drank coffee were at a significantly reduced risk of heart disease than others who drank decaf coffee or no coffee at all.
Similar to many other things, coffee should be consumed in moderation. Even with all of its health benefits, gourmet coffee can still cause problems if it is enjoyed in too large of quantities or too frequently. However, provided that you do not overdo it, coffee can be a great part of your daily routine and can give you a health boost that you were not expecting.
About Author:Stephanie Larkin is a freelance writer who writes about topics pertaining to the food and beverage industry such as Keurig | Keurig K Cup
Categories: Coffee Articles Tags: Beneficial, coffee, Gourmet, Health