The Benefits and Side Effects of Coffee Beans
Coffee beans have a variety of health benefits, including improved cognitive function as well as a reduced risk of heart disease. However, too much coffee can trigger side effects such as anxiety and sleep issues.
The flavor of a coffee may vary depending on the elevation, terrain and cultivation techniques. The variety of plant may also affect the taste.
Origin
Coffee beans are the seeds of a tropical evergreen tree. They are ground and roasted to make the most widely consumed coffee beverage which is enjoyed around the world. Coffee is the third most sought-after drink globally and one of the most profitable commodities on the planet. The caffeine alkaloid is responsible for the energizing effects of coffee.
The most widely-respected origin story for coffee is that of an Abyssinian herder of goats known as Kaldi. He noticed his animals were more active after eating berries from certain plants. He experimented with the berries himself and found them to be energizing, so he began cultivating the plant and producing coffee.
In the 16th century, coffee was transported eastwards, eventually reaching the Arabian Peninsula, where it was cultivated in the Yemeni area. It grew further and the first coffee houses opened. These gathering places were opposite to taverns in Europe and were focused on speed and profound thinking.
coffee beans in bulk of coffee consumed today is derived from two distinct varieties of plants, called Arabica and Robusta. They grow best in the Bean Belt region which is a stretch of land that lies between the Tropic of Cancer & Capricorn.
Types
There are many varieties of coffee beans, and each has a distinct flavor profile. The region where beans are grown may also have an impact on their flavor. For instance, Ethiopian coffee is known for its floral and citrus notes, while Colombian beans are full-bodied and have balanced acidity.
Coffee beans are harvested from a variety of ways and are refined to enhance their flavor. Some beans are dried, roasted, and then ground. Others are frozen and then ground at a later date. They may also be polished to remove the silver skin that covers the bean, a process referred to as depulping. The beans are then sorted and graded by weight and size, and any defects are removed either by hand or machine.
As opposed to the Arabica plant, Robusta plants can grow at lower altitudes, and are more resistant to pests. They also have higher levels of caffeine than Arabica beans and are often used in blends or instants. A increasing number of coffee drinkers are recognizing the unique flavor and superior single origin coffees.
Flavor
Coffee beans can be infused in many flavors to give new dimension to desserts, drinks, and food recipes. The right kind of bean for a particular recipe will depend on the desired flavor profile and how the recipe will be used.
The coffee bean is a plant which is packed with pollysaccharides, as well as other proteins, sugars, lipids, and minerals. The seeds are covered by a silverskin that is removed during roasting. When the seeds are heated they begin a series reactions that create their aroma, flavor, and color.
Coffee purists believe that natural flavors of coffee are the top-quality. However, it is also possible to add flavor to roasted coffee beans using manufactured flavors. To enhance the flavor of the beans in a batch the roaster sprays beans with an oil that is flavored. The oil with the flavor is mixed into the beans until it's evenly distributed. The beans are then chilled and then ground prior to being packed. The flavored beans can be served in a cup of coffee or eaten as a snack.
Health benefits
Coffee beans contain caffeine, which is a powerful stimulant that boosts energy and improve mood. They also contain phenolics which act as antioxidants and shield cells from damage. According to the National Institutes of Health, these compounds are linked to a lower risk of cancer and heart disease.
The seeds of the coffee plant are located inside a fruit which looks like the shape of a cherry. Usually, the fruit has two seeds, laid with a flat surface. Certain fruits only contain one seed. These are known as peaberries. Peaberries yield a weaker, less flavorful cup of coffee.
Roasting coffee beans alters their flavor and makes them more pleasing to the taste buds. They are also digested more easily by the body when they are roasted.
The phenolic components in coffee beans are known to inhibit the formation of glucose in the liver and can lower cholesterol levels in the blood. They can also lower the risk of non-alcoholic fatty cirrhosis and non-alcoholic liver disease. Coffee beans are a good source of potassium, riboflavin, and B vitamins, and are also rich in fiber.
Side effects
The seeds of the coffee plant are frequently used to roast and brewed into an extremely popular beverage. Coffee consumption is associated with a decreased risk of type 2 diabetics and liver disease. However, the caffeine found in coffee that is brewed can cause negative effects such as jitters and heartburn, and high blood pressure for some people. Green coffee bean extract is a non-caffeinated alternative which has been proven to offer many of the same benefits as brewed coffee with no negative effects.
Coffee beans contain a variety of volatile and nonvolatile compounds that protect them from disease, insects and oxidation. These chemicals also enhance their flavor. Nonvolatile chemicals create waxy coatings on the surface of coffee beans. This coating helps keep the beans hydrated and stops insects from eating the beans.
Roasting coffee beans converts fat acids into energy. This energy can improve mental performance. It also stimulates the release adrenaline, which is a hormone that helps prepare the body for physical activity. The chlorogenic acid in green coffee beans may also lower fat absorption and slow the release of sugar from the digestive tract.