Three Health Benefits of Coffee

Because it can be such a treat, it may be hard to believe that there are some health benefits to drinking coffee. Now, I’m not necessarily talking about all the extra sugar, flavorings and whipped toppings that we add to our coffee and espresso drinks. But the core coffee bean does offer some interesting benefits.

1) Drinking a cup a day can lower the risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes. There are many, many risk factors for developing diabetes, including heredity, weight and body mass index, fat consumption, and many others. But Harvard researchers have recently reported that drinking 1 to 3 cups of coffee per day can reduce your risk of developing diabetes.

2) Drinking coffee can lower the risk of developing Parkinsons Disease. At least six studies indicate that people who drink coffee on a regular basis are up to 80% less likely to develop Parkinson’s, with three studies showing the more you drink, the lower the risk.

3) Drinking coffee can reduce risk of colon cancer. Additional research shows that drinking at least two cups daily can translate to a 25% reduced risk of colon cancer, an 80% drop in liver cirrhosis risk, and nearly half the risk of gallstones (compared with individuals who drink no coffee).

Much of the beneficial effects of coffee are attributed to the concentrated amounts of caffeine. Of course, all studies on the health benefits of coffee indicate that more research is needed, so I wouldn’t run out and drink a gallon a day just because of these findings. But it does help to take some of the “guilt” out of this guilty pleasure.

Coffee Consumption Trends

Coffee has been a popular beverage worldwide for centuries. In the United States, it is reported that the average coffee consumption is 1.5 cups per day per person with over 50% of the U.S. population drinking coffee on a regular basis. And despite economic instability over the past couple of years, National Coffee Association of the U.S. reports that coffee consumption has remained consistent.

So what is in store for the future of coffee? One trend that is noticeable over the past year (possibly because of the economy shifts) is that in-home preparation of coffee is on the rise. Home coffee makers, espresso makers and accessories are affordable options, and preparing coffee and espresso drinks the way you like them at home can save you time and money.

Single-cup coffee makers, which have only been on the market a few years, make it convenient to prepare just one or two cups at home for quick coffee on the go. Additionally, to compete with national coffee chains, coffee manufacturers are providing more options for flavoring coffee drinks and more options in the selection of roasts available for at-home brewing.

Another trend is the drift toward organic coffees. In 2008, the organic coffee market topped 1.3 billion in North America alone. Consumers are being more selective and choosing to support organic coffee choices because of the perceived value to themselves personally and to the environment.

Organic coffee is grown with methods and materials that have lower impact to the environment. This way, soil can be replenished and reused maintaining future coffee growth quality and integrity. Leading the way with organic coffee production are Peru, Ethiopia, Brazil and Mexico.

Based on these trends, it is obvious that coffee producers and manufacturers are listening to consumer demands. This is positive news for coffee lovers and provides options for enjoying a cup of java where, when and how you like it.

Welcome to About Coffee!

Welcome to About Coffee!

For all coffee lovers, here is a site dedicated to knowing more about the aromatic coffee that you drink everyday. The goodness of a cup of coffee starts from the very beginning! Join us as we take you through a journey with About Coffee!