Ethiopia

As it's thought that coffee originated in Ethiopia, it's also believed it

made its way north, across the red sea into Yemen in the 15th
Century. It then started to be grown here in the Yemeni district of
Arabia, and by the 16th century it was known in Persia, Egypt, Syria,
and Turkey.

Is coffee good or bad for your

health?
Although early studies of coffee suggested that it could lead to health problems, recent research
provides strong evidence that drinking coffee actually has a variety of health benefits.

“The overall evidence has been pretty convincing that coffee has been more healthful than
harmful in terms of health outcomes,” said Frank Hu, chair of the Department of Nutrition at
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, in an April 5, 2021, article in Discover. “For most
people, moderate coffee consumption can be incorporated into a healthy diet.”

Hu said that moderate coffee intake—about 2–5 cups a day—is linked to a lower likelihood of
type 2 diabetes, heart disease, liver and endometrial cancers, Parkinson’s disease,
and depression. It’s even possible that people who drink coffee can reduce their risk of early
death.

Early research linked coffee to diseases ranging from heart disease and asthma. But Hu noted
that many participants in those studies also smoked, which may have led researchers to think that
coffee was responsible for the adverse effects that are now linked with cigarettes. He added that
anything people consume a lot of tends to come under scrutiny. “In the past, I think a lot of
people thought, ‘Oh, coffee’s so delicious, there must be something bad about coffee,’” he said.
“So I think the good news is that [for] most people, coffee actually confers some health
benefits.”

Certain groups should be careful about drinking coffee, according to the article. Not much is
known about the effects of coffee on children, and caffeine could be harmful to pregnancies. Too
much caffeine can also cause anxiety in people with panic or anxiety disorders.

For those who drink coffee, experts suggest brewing it with a paper filter, because unfiltered
coffee is associated with higher rates of early death, and can contain compounds that raise levels
of LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol. They also advise not going overboard with added cream or sugar.
Unique Benefits of Coffee
Coffee does more than boost your energy. A few
daily cups of coffee may also lower your risk of
type 2 diabetes and depression, support weight
management, and help you live a longer life. Just
keep in mind that experts recommend limiting
caffeine if you’re pregnant or nursing.

Coffee is a beloved beverage known for its ability to fine-tune your focus and
boost your energy levels.

In fact, many people depend on their daily cup of joe right when they wake up
to get their day started on the right foot.

In addition to its energizing effects, coffee has been linked to a long list of
potential health benefits, giving you all the more reason to get brewing.

This article takes an in-depth look at 9 of the top evidence-based benefits of

coffee.
Share on Pinterest

1. Boosts energy levels

Coffee contains caffeine, a central nervous system stimulant that is known for
its ability to fight fatigue and increase energy levels (1Trusted Source).

This is because caffeine blocks the receptors of a neurotransmitter called

adenosine, and this increases levels of other neurotransmitters in your brain
that regulate your energy levels, including dopamine (2Trusted
Source, 3Trusted Source).

One small study found that consuming caffeine increased time to exhaustion
during a cycling exercise by 12% and significantly reduced subjective levels of
fatigue in participants (4Trusted Source).

Another study had similar findings, reporting that consuming caffeine before
and during a round of golf improved performance, increased subjective energy
levels, and reduced feelings of fatigue (5Trusted SourceTrusted Source).
SUMMARY

Coffee contains caffeine, a stimulant that has been shown to increase energy
levels and decrease fatigue by altering levels of certain neurotransmitters in
the brain.

2. May be linked to a lower risk of

type 2 diabetes
Some research suggests that consuming coffee regularly could be associated
with a decreased risk of developing type 2 diabetes over the long term.

In fact, one review of 30 studies found that each cup of coffee people
consumed per day was linked to a 6% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes
(6Trusted Source).

This is thought to be due to coffee’s ability to preserve the function of the beta
cells in your pancreas, which are responsible for producing insulin to regulate
blood sugar levels (7Trusted Source).

Plus, it’s rich in antioxidants and may affect insulin sensitivity, inflammation,
and metabolism — all of which are involved in the development of type 2
diabetes (8Trusted Source).

SUMMARY

Regular coffee consumption may be linked to a lower risk of developing type 2

diabetes over the long term.
3. Could support brain health
Although studies have turned up mixed results, some research suggests that
coffee may help protect against certain neurodegenerative disorders,
including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.

According to one review of 13 studies, people who regularly consumed

caffeine had a significantly lower risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.
What’s more, caffeine consumption also slowed the progression of
Parkinson’s disease over time (9Trusted Source).

Another review of 11 observational studies in more than 29,000 people also

found that the more coffee people consumed, the lower their risk of
Alzheimer’s disease (10Trusted Source).

Additionally, several studies have demonstrated that moderate coffee

consumption could be associated with a lower risk of dementia and cognitive
decline (11Trusted Source, 12Trusted Source).

SUMMARY

Some research suggests that drinking coffee could help protect against
Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and cognitive decline.

4. May promote weight

management
According to some research, coffee could alter fat storage and support gut
health, both of which may be beneficial for weight management (13Trusted
Source).
For example, one review of 12 studies concluded that higher coffee
consumption could be associated with decreased body fat, especially in men
(14Trusted Source).

In another study, increased coffee intake was linked to decreased body fat in
women (15Trusted Source).

Furthermore, one study found that people who drank one to two cups of
coffee per day were 17% more likely to meet recommended physical activity
levels, compared with those who drank less than one cup per day (16Trusted
Source).

Higher levels of physical activity could help promote weight management

(16Trusted Source).

SUMMARY

Coffee could help support weight management and may be linked to

decreased body fat. One study also found that people who consumed coffee
were more likely to be physically active.

5. Linked to a lower risk of

depression
Some studies have found that drinking coffee could be associated with a
lower risk of depression.

According to one review of seven studies, each cup of coffee people

consumed per day was linked to an 8% lower risk of depression (17Trusted
Source).
Another study found that drinking at least four cups of coffee each day was
associated with a significantly lower risk of depression, compared with
drinking just one cup per day (18Trusted Source).

What’s more, one study in more than 200,000 people showed that drinking
coffee was linked to a lower risk of death by suicide (19Trusted Source).

SUMMARY

Several studies have found that coffee could be linked to a lower risk of
depression and may even be linked to a lower risk of death by suicide.

What is the main purpose of coffee?

The caffeine in coffee works by stimulating the central nervous system (CNS), heart,
and muscles. Chlorogenic acid might affect blood vessels and how the body handles
blood sugar and metabolism. People most commonly drink coffee to increase mental
alertness.

Anyone who's followed this column for any amount of time knows I love

coffee. In previous posts, I've explained why coffee definitely helps you live

longer, why working in a coffee shop is better than working in an open-plan

office, and how to make the perfect cup of office coffee.

1. "Almost all my middle-aged and elderly acquaintances,

including me, feel about 25, unless we haven't had our coffee,

in which case we feel 107."

Martha Beck
2. "I like coffee because it gives me the illusion that I might be

awake."

Lewis Black

3. "Coffee is already known to be a preventative factor against

mild depression, Parkinson's disease, and colon and rectal

cancers."

Chris Kilham

4. "Do Lipton employees take coffee breaks?"

Steven Wright

5. "Drinking a cup of coffee with your eyes closed isn't a

sophisticated task for a person, but it's hard for a robot."

Vijjay Kumar

6. "Even a bad cup of coffee is better than no coffee at all."

David Lynch

7. "I like my coffee like I like my women. In a plastic cup."

Eddie Izzard

8. "I quit coffee. It won't be easy drinking my Bailey's straight but

I'll get used to it. It'll still be the best part of waking up."

Megan Mullally
9. "I wake up some mornings and sit and have my coffee and look

out at my beautiful garden, and I go, 'Remember how good this

is. Because you can lose it.'"

Jim Carrey

10. "If it wasn't for the coffee, I'd have no identifiable

personality whatsoever."

David Letterman

11. "My children know not to shout before Mummy has

warmed herself into something human with her coffee."

Ben Kidron

12. "Never drink black coffee at lunch; it will keep you awake

all afternoon."

Jilly Cooper

13. "Never trust anyone who doesn't drink coffee."

AJ Lee

14. "Our culture runs on coffee and gasoline, the first often

tasting like the second."

Edward Abbey
15. "Science may never come up with a better office

communication system than the coffee break."

Earl Wilson

16. "The smell of fresh-made coffee is one of the world's

greatest inventions."

Hugh Jackman

17. "Three hundred years ago, during the Age of

Enlightenment, the coffee house became the center of

innovation."

Peter Diamonde

18. "Up to a thousand milligrams of caffeine is considered safe

for most people, which translates into about 10 cups of coffee a

day."

Michael Greger

19. "When I wake up in the morning, I just can't get started

until I've had that first, piping hot pot of coffee. Oh, I've tried

other enemas..."

Emo Philips
20. "You can't have a decent food culture without a decent

coffee culture: the two things grow up together."

Adam Gopnik

21. "We want to do a lot of stuff; we're not in great shape. We

didn't get a good night's sleep. We're a little depressed. Coffee

solves all these problems in one delightful little cup."

Jerry Seinfeld
Top 20 Interesting Coffee Facts:
1. You Can Thank Goats for Coffee
Did you know goats were the reason why coffee was invented? According to legend, in the
9th century, Ethiopian farmers noticed the way their goats danced when they ate the Coffea plant.
A local monk decided to give it a try and realized the drink kept him up at night and thus, coffee
was born.

2. There Are Two Types of Coffee Beans

Most coffee lovers have brands and tastes they prefer, but many don’t realize there are
differences in coffee beans. Arabica is the most grown coffee bean out there and is referred to as
shade coffee. Robusta, while slightly more bitter, is considered sun-grown coffee.

3. Coffee Beans Aren’t Beans at All

While they may look like beans, it’s actually pits of berries you’re enjoying in your morning cup.
They received the name coffee beans thanks to their resemblance to legumes.

4. Two US States Now Grow Coffee

Kona coffee, beloved by people around the world, calls Hawaii its home. Now, the state of
California has jumped into the coffee game and is offering expensive beans to those interested in
trying their version of American coffee.

Image Credit: Steve Heap, Shutterstock

5. Brazil Is On Top for Coffee Production

The International Coffee Organization reported that Brazil is the current world leader in coffee
production. This country’s lead is so impressive, it is almost double that of the second-place
country of Vietnam.
6. Coffee Can Be Used as Food
Coffee cherries have been used as a snack according to PBS. In the early years of coffee’s rise to
fame, people would use the cherries and additional fat to make energy balls.

7. The World’s Most Expensive Coffee Comes

From a Disturbing Place
Costing at least $600 per pound, Kopi Luwak comes from the feces of the Asian palm civet. This
creature is unable to digest the coffee cherries it eats. Once passed, the beans offer less acid and a
smoother brew.

8. Finland Loves Coffee

According to the International Coffee Organization, the people of Finland are the world’s biggest
coffee lovers. Most adults in the country drink an average of 27.5 pounds of coffee per year.
Image Credit: Brigitte Tohm, Pexels

9. The Meaning of Espresso

In Italian, the word espresso means pressed out. This name was given due to the process of
forcing water that is boiling through ground coffee. These high-caffeine shots of coffee are
enjoyed by many!

10. Coffee May Help You Live Longer

According to the American College of Physicians, it’s possible. A study done by the team
showed that people who drank coffee long-term had longer mortality than many of those who
were not coffee drinkers.

11. Decaf Isn’t Caffeine-Free

The people at the Mayo Clinic want those trying to avoid caffeine to understand
that decaffeinated coffee isn’t free of all caffeine. In fact, when enjoying a cup of decaf, you’ll
still get anywhere from 2 to 12 milligrams of caffeine per cup.

12. Black Coffee Is Calorie Friendly

If you’re watching calories, black coffee may be the way to go. When enjoying a cup of black
coffee without any additional creamers or sweeteners, you’re only consuming 1 calorie per cup.
Image Credit: Sixteen Miles Out, Unsplash

13. A President Is Cited for Maxwell House’s

Slogan
When visiting Andrew Jackson, President Teddy Roosevelt called the Maxwell House coffee he
enjoyed, “good to the last drop.” The slogan is still used by the company with credit going to our
26th president.

14. World Record Coffee Cup

Here’s a coffee fact you probably didn’t know! In the Guinness World Record Book, the largest
cup of coffee was filled in 2019. The Arabica coffee inside measured in at a huge 6,007,04 US
gallons.

15. Coffee Will Not Dehydrate You

Coffee is a natural diuretic. What does this mean for the body? While you may urinate more due
to the caffeine inside, you won’t become dehydrated.

16. Coffee Drinkers Were Once Punished

During the reign of the Ottoman Empire, people were punished for drinking coffee. This may
sound a bit drastic, especially since the punishment was usually death, but rulers believed coffee
was a narcotic and banned it from consumption.
Image Credit: Nile, Pixabay

17. Add a Little Cream for Warm Coffee

It may sound strange, but adding a bit of cream to your coffee is a great way to keep it warmer.
On average, your cup of joe will stay toasty 20% longer afterward.

18. Fair Trade Coffee Makes for Better Quality

Farmers are doing their best to help the world and the coffee industry. While fair trade
coffee may cost more, the time taken to grow this type of coffee produces a better product with a
high-quality taste.

19. Specialty Coffees Have Increased

Consumption
While this isn’t surprising, the addition of flavored and specialty coffee are helping the coffee
industry as a whole. With many people not fans of traditional coffee’s taste, more are finding
themselves willing to give new specialty coffees a try, thus becoming coffee enthusiasts.

20. The Meaning Behind “A Cup of Joe”

Most coffee drinkers have muttered the phrase, “a cup of joe.” While many have said this phrase
came from the US Navy, most believe it stems from the idea that coffee is universal and can be
drunk by any average person.
Image Credit: Sincerely Media, Unsplash

The Growing Love of Coffee

With such a long history behind it, it’s not surprising that so many people love
coffee. Considering its ability to wake you up each morning and offer a bit of mental clarity
throughout the day, the realization that more and more people are turning to this fascinating
drink is understandable. By trying new drinks, sweeteners, and syrups even the most hesitant
coffee drinker can become a fan.

The love of coffee is also bringing in younger people. With coffee giants like Starbucks and
Dunkin’ Donuts offering coffee beverages that are similar to milkshakes with the boost of
caffeine young people crave, teens are jumping on board the coffee lover train. Always
remember, however, when it comes to adding coffee to your daily routine, consider the amount
of caffeine you’re taking in and abide by the FDA’s recommended allowances for safe drinking.
Interesting Coffee Facts: Final
Thoughts
As you can see, coffee is fascinating. Whether you’ve been drinking coffee before it was cool or
are new to this wonderful world, these interesting facts will help you learn more about the drink
you love.

Brazil

Brazil. Situated in South America, Brazil is the top producer of coffee. They produce 2,68 million metric
tons of coffee on average every year. Brazil has also held onto its first-place position as the world's
largest coffee producer for over 150

s there Kopi Luwak in the Philippines?

Kopi Luwak is widely gathered in the forest or produced in farms in the islands of the Philippines, where
the product is called kape motit in the Cordillera region, kapé alamíd in Tagalog areas, kapé melô or
kapé musang in Mindanao, and kahawa kubing in the Sulu Archipelago.years.

Scientist Albert Einstein poses for a portrait in 1947.

What are the top health benefits of drinking coffee?

Your brew gives you benefits beyond an energy boost. Here are the top ways coffee can positively
impact your health:

You could live longer.

Recent studies found that coffee drinkers are less likely to die from some of the leading causes of death
in women: coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease.

Your body may process glucose (or sugar) better.

That’s the theory behind studies that found that people who drink more coffee are less likely to get type
2 diabetes.
You're less likely to develop heart failure.

Drinking one to two cups of coffee a day may help ward off heart failure, when a weakened heart has
difficulty pumping enough blood to the body.

You are less likely to develop Parkinson's disease.

Caffeine is not only linked to a lower chance of developing Parkinson’s disease, but it may also help
those with the condition better control their movements.

Your liver will thank you.

Both regular and decaf coffee seem to have a protective effect on your liver. Research shows that coffee
drinkers are more likely to have liver enzyme levels within a healthy range than people who don’t drink
coffee.

Your DNA will be stronger.

Dark roast coffee decreases breakage in DNA strands, which occur naturally but can lead to cancer or
tumors if not repaired by your cells.

Your odds of getting colon cancer will go way down.

One in 23 women develop colon cancer. But researchers found that coffee drinkers — decaf or regular
— were 26 percent less likely to develop colorectal cancer.

You may decrease your risk of getting Alzheimer's disease.

Almost two-thirds of Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease are women. But the caffeine in two cups
of coffee may provide significant protection against developing the condition. In fact, researchers found
that women age 65 and older who drank two to three cups of coffee a day were less likely to develop
dementia in general.

You're not as likely to suffer a stroke.

For women, drinking at least one cup of coffee a day is associated with lowered stroke risk, which is the
fourth leading cause of death in women.