Thursday, October 30, 2008

Caffeine - The Socially Accepted Killer

Caffeine and nicotine are two legal and socially domesticated drugs only because they are less toxic when taken in standard quantities. The negative health effects of nicotine and its addictiveness are common knowledge. So why are we so reluctant to show caffeine in the same dim light?

Caffeine and nicotine

Caffeine is present in many foods and drugs -- in coffee, tea, energy and soft drinks, candy bars, and over-the-counter cold remedies and analgesics. It is consumed daily by approximately 80% of the world's population. Small doses of caffeine increase alertness, but there are serious health risks from consuming large quantities and from the long term use of caffeine.

It's common knowledge that small doses of caffeine increase alertness, buy why aren't the negative effects of caffeine common knowledge? Smokers wishing to quit have specific treatment programs and therapeutic drugs available that are often covered by insurance. Warning labels are on every pack of cigarettes. Smoking is now a recognized cause of cancer, lung disease, coronary heart disease, and stroke. Nicotine dependence causes more death and disability than all other drug disorders combined (Ogawa & Ueki, 2007, p. 267). Where are the warnings labels about the health risks from consuming large quantities and long-term use of caffeine?

Current research on the effects of caffeine

A study on the long-term effects of caffeine with responses from nearly 6000 people found that caffeine intake was positively associated with higher levels of depressed mood, anxiety and stress (Rogers, Heatherly, & Mullings, 2006).

Recent evidence suggests that little or no acute benefit is gained from regular caffeine consumption because the withdrawal of caffeine, for example overnight, lowers mood and alertness and performance degrades, and while consumption of more caffeine reverses these effects, it does not boost functioning to above normal levels. Caffeine increases anxiety, especially in susceptible individuals (Rogers, 2007).

A recent study that examined the relationship between coffee and the risk of heart attack incorporated a genetic polymorphism associated with a slower rate of caffeine metabolism and provides strong evidence that caffeine also affects risk of coronary heart disease (Cornelis & El-Sohemy, 2007). According to this journal article, diterpenes present in unfiltered coffee and caffeine appears to increase the risk of coronary heart disease. A diet high in caffeine increases calcium excretion in the urine, a contributor to osteoporosis (Wrotny, 2005). Recent studies have shown that a diet high in caffeine, low in antioxidants and high in red meat may contribute to an increased risk for developing rheumatoid arthritis (Oliver & Silman, 2006).

Effects of caffeine

While teaching a graduate course on Human Behavior in the Social Environment, a seasoned social worker who has worked with adolescents for over twenty-five years instructed her class of future counselors, that in counseling adolescents she has found that many overt behaviors disappear by simply eliminating the teenager's caffeine consumption.

Caffeine can produce a clinical dependent syndrome. Symptoms include but are not limited to feelings of euphoria, talkativeness and hyperactivity, feelings of versatility, anxiety and sleep disturbances. In one case report, consumption of 4 or 5 energy drinks a day resulted in interpersonal problems with family and work colleagues, impulsive extravagance, feelings of anxiety and insecurity and dissociative behaviors.

When the energy drink was gradually discontinued, the symptoms completely disappeared and ten years later there has been no recurrence of manic behavior and no intake of the energy drink. In another case, a 40 year-old housewife began taking caffeine to stay awake to visit her hospitalized father three times a week. Within 5 weeks her dose increased to 1,000 milligrams a day of caffeine. She began experiencing feelings of strong anxiety, palpitations, feelings of heat in her cheeks and a rushing of blood to her head, agitation, sleep disturbance and then the inability to perform household chores.

A medical consultation led to a diagnosis of caffeine intoxication and dependence. All negative symptoms disappeared and have not returned in seven years after gradual discontinuance of caffeine (Ogawa & Ueki, 2007). Caffeine can produce a clinical dependence syndrome similar to other psychoactive substances and has a potential for abuse.

Unfortunately children and adolescents receive insufficient information on caffeine so there is a tendency to consume large quantities. In the USA, the permissible limit of caffeine is 200 mg per liter. Energy drinks contain caffeine at levels above the FDA limit for sodas (65 milligrams per 12 ounces) a fact not disclosed on most labels. The caffeine in energy drinks tested at the University of Florida ranged from 33 milligrams to 141 milligrams in a 16-ounce Sobe No Fear. They also found more than the recommended amount in Starbucks' Doubleshot, with 105 milligrams of caffeine (Popkin et al., 2006).

Caffeine makes the heart beat abnormally fast, constricts the cerebral blood vessels, delays the onset of sleep and reduces the total sleeping time. Caffeine also produces gastrointestinal problems. Caffeine is dangerous in pregnancy because it crosses the placenta. The main mechanism of action of caffeine in the central nervous system is antagonism at the level of adenosine receptors. Important secondary effects also occur on many classes of neurotransmitters, including dopamine (Garrett & Griffiths, 1997). Caffeine increases blood pressure, and raised blood pressure in middle age increases risk of cognitive impairment later in life (Stewart, 1999). High caffeine users do not perform as well on verbal reasoning tests according to a study by Dr. Paula Mitchell of Alfred Hospital in Melbourne, Australia. Excessive caffeine intake overworks the glandular system and can quickly deplete the body of vitamins B, C, magnesium, and several micro nutrients, according to nutritional psychologist Marc David MA (David, 2005).

The health risks from consuming large quantities and from the long term use of caffeine are serious. Currently, not only are there no warning labels on products containing caffeine, but more than the recommended amounts of caffeine are allowed in products that we indulge in frequently. The increased alertness and energy derived from caffeine are not worth the negative health risks. A safe, natural way to increase alertness and energy needs to be substituted for ingesting caffeine. The risks are just too high.

Caffeine causes stress and weight gain

Caffeine aggravates emotional, mental and physiological stress. Caffeine increases the levels of epinephrine, norepinephrine and coritsol (stress hormones) which are responsible for high blood pressure and increased heart rate. Under the influence of these hormones, oxygen to the brain and extremities is reduced and the immune system is inhibited.

Research shows a relationship between habitual caffeine use and excessive levels of the stress hormones. Elevated levels of cortisol appear to cause accumulation of extra fat in the abdomen, as well as an increased appetite and the craving of fat-rich foods. Weight gain in the abdomen also stimulates the release of additional stress hormones.

Caffeine also acts on the sympathetic nervous system and the adrenal glands and causes hypoglycemia. This causes decreased circulation to the brain, immediate and continual constriction of blood vessels throughout the body and a pervasive feeling of low blood sugar. The feelings of low blood sugar cause an increase in appetite and food cravings and further interfere with the maintaining a proper body weight.

Alternative energy therapy

In a preliminary study (conducted by Inhalex.com) of 21 male and female college students between the ages of 19 and 24, researchers found that participants who smelled a specially formulated fragrance experienced an increased perception of energy and in performance scores of recalling historical facts and dates than during exposure to a recognizable food odor or a pleasant neutral odor.

All test subjects were in good health and had normal olfactory ability, as measured by a preliminary medical assessment. Each subject completed a battery of pre and post-trial cognitive, physical and psychological assessments that included; visual acuity, reading ability, sleep and study habits; and rating of feelings of self esteem, self discipline, confidence, etc.

The subjects participated in a one-hour, college freshman level test on U.S. History in a timed, "final exam" setting. The test was conducted after a 2-hour "cramming" study period. A monetary award of $25 was offered to participants that scored 90% and above. During all phases of the blind study, each participant was given a specially designed finger ring that had been infused with one of the particular scents. The subjects were instructed to inhale the scent repeatedly and freely throughout both study testing periods. All subjects underwent three separate U.S. History study periods and tests, one under each odor condition over an eight-day period.

Research findings

The findings showed that the special formulation most effected the participant's performance when recall of exact dates and associated names was required. Remembering lists of items showed moderate improvement. Recalling contextual facts alone showed modest improvement.

An increased sense of wakefulness was reported as was a feeling of improved concentration. A moderate decrease in overall frustration was also noted. Subjects reported themselves feeling more positive about their overall mental abilities and having an increased motivation to perform even under the vigilance of the testing environment.

The study found the participants more able to ignore "disturbances" created during the testing period under the special odorant condition. Participants also reported feeling more satisfied with their results during the special odorant condition and even happier overall afterward.

These findings suggest that the special scent creates a physiological effect that stimulates the nervous and circulatory systems; a chemical effect that triggers the release of dopamine, endorphins and other neurotransmitters; and a psychological effect that elicits behavioral changes in mood, motivation, desire, attention, satisfaction, etc.

The primary goal of this study was to validate the aromatic blends for use in a commercial product. Further study is planned to refine the delivery mechanism before the products will be introduced to the marketplace.

Conclusion

A demand for increased stimulation, alertness and energy is driving the public to search for commercially available products and protocols. However, caffeine is an additive drug and must be treated as such. Abstinence from or at least moderation in its use, labeling of caffeinated products, expanded drug research and even de-socializing its acceptance must be considered as possible measures in dealing with this toxic health killer.

References

Cornelis, M. C., & El-Sohemy, A. (2007, February). Coffee, caffeine, and coronary heart disease. Curr Opin Lipidol, 18(1), 13-9.

Crowe, M. J., Leicht, A. S., & Spinks, W. L. (2006). Physiological and cognitive responses to caffeine during repeated, high-intensity exercise. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 16, 528-544.

David, M. (2005). The slowdown diet: Eating for pleasure, energy, and weight loss (1st ed.). : Healing Arts Press.

Garrett, B. E., & Griffiths, R. R. (1997). The role of dopamine in the behavioral effects of caffeine in animals and humans. Pharmacol. Biochem. Behav., 57, pp. 553-541.

Ogawa, N., & Ueki, H. (2007). Clinical importance of caffeine dependence and abuse. Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, 61, 263-268.

Oliver, J. E., & Silman, A. J. (2006, May). Risk factors for the development of rheumatoid arthritis. Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatoid Arthritis, 35(3), pp. 169-174.

Popkin, B. M., Armstrong, L. E., Bray, G. M., Caballero, B., Frei, B., & Willett, W. C. (2006, March). . A new proposed guidance system for beverage consumption in the United States, 83(3), pp. 529-542.

Rogers, P. J. (2007). Caffeine, mood and mental performance in everyday life. British Nutrition Foundation, Nutrition bulletin 32(32 (suppl 1)), 84-89.

Rogers, P. J., Heatherly, S. V., & Mullings, E. L. (2006). Licit drug use and depression, anxiety, and stress. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 20((suppl.) A27), .

Stewart, R. (1999). Hypertension and cognitive decline. British Journal of Psychiatry, 174, pp. 286-7.

Wrotny, C. (2005). Osteoporosis: What women want to know. MEDSURG Nursing, 14(6), pp. 405-415.

By Dirk Cline

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Coffee, Energy and Extra Fat

Coffee: The Busy Mom's Energy Drink of Choice

The Coffee habit is hard to break for many moms who are in search of the energy boosts needed to start the day and keep the day going. Unfortunately this habit becomes one obstacle in the quest to lose the fat and get your body back. The extra calories from sugar and fat quickly add up to stall any fat loss efforts. I have spent many a morning and afternoon in my Favorite coffee shop, Starbucks.
If I had known what I know now, my ability to lose that extra belly fat might not have been so difficult.

Here are some Shocking Calorie Facts about what your favorite energy drink may contain:

Dairy Queen Mocha MooLatte: 590 calories

DQ's French Vanilla MooLatte: 570 cals

Dunkin' Donuts Coffee Coolatta: 350 cals

Dunkin' Donuts Caramel Swirl Latte: 230 cals

Dunkin' Donuts Iced Mocha Swirl Latte: 240 cals

Starbucks Venti Vanilla Creme: 520 cals

Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino, 430 calories

Starbucks Venti Double Chocolate Chip Frappuccino: 750 cals

If you are consuming these hard-to-resist treats on a daily basis, you're likely to notice the numbers on your bathroom scale creeping upwards. Hopefully, now that you know you the nutritional information you might think twice about your next coffee run. Now a gourmet coffee every once in a while is perfectly fine. Life without yummy treats like this would be boring and it's a proven fact that deprivation does not make for a nutrition plan that works long term.

If you must drink coffee on a daily basis, you can make healthier choices. Go for black or control the amount of sugar by requesting non-sweetened drinks, or add your own sugar or artificial sweetener if you prefer. I do enjoy my caffiene every morning too, but I do so with a large cup of freshly brewed green tea. I save my trips to Starbucks for those "once-in-a-while" occasions when I treat myself, which usually accompanies a trip to the mall or to the salon.

By Holly Rigsby

Brewing the Perfect Cup of Coffee

Brewing the perfect cup of coffee can be done by anyone. Knowing how to do brew coffee properly will allow you to enjoy your cup and allow for the natural tastes and flavors to come out.

Preparation
A clean machine
You will want to make sure that your coffee maker and pot are clean.

Brewing
Cold, fresh water
Using cold and fresh water from the start will insure that your coffee tastes good. Coffee is made up of mostly water, therefore this is a key step. Use a clean glass to pour the water into the reservoir. Do not taint the water by using the carafe to pour the water.

Premium coffee beans
Using premium coffee beans will give you the freshest and more flavorful tasting pot of coffee as well. Your beans should be stored in an air tight container. They should only touch air when they are being grinded and then promptly placed into your coffee machine.

Coffee Amount
Use around two rounded tablespoons of coffee per cup of water.

After
Remove the filter immediately
Allowing the filter to sit in your coffee machine means that coffee will continue to drip in to your freshly brewed coffee. Although the coffee is fresh in your carafe, the coffee dripping from the filter will be bitter. Thus, you could ruin a fresh pot of coffee.

Serve it right away
Coffee looses its flavor as soon as it hits the air. Serve your coffee fresh and you will be able to get the most out of it!

By Matthew Payne

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Is Coffee Healthy?


Coffee shops are one of the fastest growing businesses. Leading the high demand for coffee is the United States with 400 million cups of coffee consumed by Americans per day. 14 billion coffee espressos are consumed in Italy each year. So, there is no doubt that coffee is popular, but, is coffee healthy?

Well, if you read the literature, there does not seem to be a clear cut answer to that question. So, we'll address the good and the bad. First, there are some potential health concerns for coffee drinkers. On the flip side, if used in moderation or in certain circumstances, coffee can have health benefits. So, let's find out about these concerns and benefits.

Health Problems Related to Coffee and Caffeine

Adrenal Fatigue can result from over-consumption of coffee. This is when your adrenal glands become exhausted from over-stimulation. The caffeine in coffee is a nervous system stimulant, which causes your body to produce adrenaline. Adrenaline is the hormone that regulates heart rate, blood pressure and respiration. It is the adrenaline rush from caffeine that gives coffee drinkers the extra "go" to keep up with the heavy demands of their busy lifestyles. Becoming dependant on this adrenaline rush is part of what makes coffee and caffeine addictive. Failing to nurture your adrenals can have detrimental side effects. Our adrenals are necessary for producing hormones, which directly influences the operation of other body systems. If the adrenals become depleted and can no longer keep up with the energy demands you are placing on them, your health will suffer and you will be like a car without fuel or a car that has just gone head on into a rock wall.
An acidic pH environment is created in the body when there are too many negative influences from acidic food, thoughts, toxins and stressors. The pH balance of the body can range from alkaline, neutral to acidic. Coffee is very acidic with over 200 different acids including uric acid from the breakdown of caffeine. Many health problems such as arthritis arise in the body when it is acidic.
Mineral deficiency can arise from the over-consumption of coffee. Some nutrients are blocked from absorption and excessively secreted through urination with the consumption of coffee. Necessary minerals for the body such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, iron and other trace minerals are at risk of depletion for those who drink coffee.
Blood sugar swings such as hypoglycemia can be induced by coffee consumption. Caffeine taxes both the pancreas and the liver by forcing them to produce glycogen and insulin on a double duty rollercoaster. This excessive push of up and down can result in blood sugar swings. Your blood sugar balance is directly connected to hormone balance and fat metabolism.
Health Symptoms that Can Arise from Over-Consumption of Coffee and Caffeine

Fatigue
Anxiety, nervousness, irritability
Irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, diarrhea and other digestive ailments
Yeast overgrowth, candidiasis
Hypoglycemia, diabetes
Dizziness
Gout
Heart palpitations or other heart disorders
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Insomnia
Heartburn
Liver and gallbladder problems
Bladder and kidney disorders
Headaches or migraines
Ulcers, stomach problems
Osteoporosis
Hormone imbalance
PMS
Severe menopause symptoms
Skin eruptions, rashes, acne, eczema
Urinary tract infections
Weight gain
Fibrocystic breast disease
Infertility
Miscarriage
Low baby birth weight
Enlarged prostate
Arthritis
Fibromyalgia
Memory lapse
Moodiness
Lack of concentration
Okay, now on to the flip side of drinking coffee. What if any are the benefits?

If coffee and caffeine consumption is kept to a minimum and not abused, there are some potential health benefits. Some studies suggest that many people can safely drink one to two cups of coffee per day. However, if you are a coffee drinker, what is safe for you may vary. Listen to your body. If you are noticing any of the health problems noted above, consider that coffee might just be the culprit.

Potential Health Benefits of Drinking Coffee

In some studies caffeine has shown to improve focus and memory.
Coffee and caffeine has been documented to assist athletes in performance and overcoming fatigue.
Coffee consumption helps regulate bowel function.
Coffee contains antioxidants, which are highly beneficial to our body for fighting free radicals.
In some studies, coffee has shown promise in lowering the risk of Parkinson's disease.
Ultimately, whether coffee is healthy or not comes down to your own personal body and how sensitive or not you are to its affects.

If you are a coffee drinker, you might want to access your relationship to coffee. Are you addicted to it? Can you quit for a day or two without negative side effects? Does it cause you to experience negative symptoms? Are you using coffee as a crutch to get through the day instead of for occasional enjoyment? Can you drink large amounts of coffee with little reaction? This may be a sign that your adrenals are overloaded and no longer responding to stimulus.

If you've accessed your coffee consumption habits and coffee is affecting your health in negative ways, first consider giving up coffee or cutting back, and secondly consider supporting your body with some additional nutrients through improved diet and high quality supplements.

With some things in life, a little goes a long way and moderation is the best advice.

By Kelly Hoffman

How to Make an Espresso? The Art of Making Coffee Cuisine


Espresso coffee is a precise art form of coffee making. There are several factors that must take place to make a quality cup of Espresso. First the fresh roasting of the coffee bean to bring out the truly gourmet coffee flavor that you expect. The grinding is the next procedure that must be done right in order to give you 20-25 seconds of extraction time. Espresso brewing requires the ground beans to be very fine in order to reach that perfect state for brewing. The next important step is the proper temperature of the filtered water that must be passed through the coffee at the specific pressure and timing that is critical to your espresso coffee.

The perfect espresso is created when:

Recipe directions: 1 ½ oz (45 ml) filtered water at the temperature of 195 oF (90oC) passes through ¼ - 1/3 oz (7-9 g) finely ground quality Espresso coffee. This water is forced through the fine coffee grounds by the espresso machine at 900 kilopascals atmospheric pressure (around 132 pounds/60kg per sq in/2.5cm2), with the water being in direct contact with the coffee for approximately 25 seconds.

What should your espresso taste like?

When you are ready to take a drink from your espresso cup, it should leave a pleasant not bitter aftertaste. The flavor should linger for about 10 minutes rolling into an almost nutty flavor.

The crown on your cup of Espresso

The topping on the espresso is know as "Crema", which is the floating dark golden cream free of any white or light brown patches. That is the crown of the perfect espresso coffee. The Crema is formed when the emulsified oils from the coffee are released (because of the high pressure that is put on the ground coffee beans) and mixed with the oxygen in the air. The resulting finish is perfect crema that floats on top of the espresso coffee.

By Daryl Plaza

Friday, October 24, 2008

Try the Tradition of Turkish Coffee and Taste the Difference

The Europeans got their first taste of Turkish Coffee, and coffee in general from the Ottoman Turks, who brought coffee to the West. They were great coffee drinkers, both at home and in public houses, the forerunners of our cafés, which started to spring up across the Islamic countries. Turkish coffee became part of the Turks life and was known as the "Wine of Islam" and the "Milk of Chess Players and Thinkers".

Turkish coffee is derived from the famous Arabica coffee bean, often the addition of the aromatic Cardamom spice is added to the coffee while it is being ground. Another method boils seeds with the coffee and lets them float to the top when served.

Traditionally Turkish Coffee has six levels of sweetness from ranging from very sweet to black. Sugar is not added to the coffee after it has been served. As the coffee begins to heat, it begins to foam. A rule of the traditional Turkish coffee ceremony states that if the foam is absent from the coffee, the host loses face. Turkish coffee is served hot from a special pot called a cezve.

You wont need a cezve pot to make this Turkish coffee recipe 
In order to make your own brew of "Milk of Thinkers", heat water in a pan, add coffee and sugar to taste. Bring to boil. Pour half of the coffee into demitasse cups and return the remaining coffee to the heat and bring back to boil. Spoon off the foam and gently place into each cup without stirring. You'll need 1 1/2 cups of cold water, 4 teaspoons of strong dark roast coffee and about 4 teaspoons of sugar.

You can try adding cardamom if you like the taste. After some experimenting, you'll have an almost authentic Turkish coffee.

By Nicholas Webb

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Specialty Gourmet Coffee

Specialty gourmet coffee is a very hot commodity in today's market. The consumption of gourmet coffee has steadily grown with consumers enjoying the more sophisticated tastes of gourmet coffee beans.

Specialty gourmet coffee, sometimes called premium coffee, is exceptional coffee beans grown only in ideal coffee-producing climates. These coffee beans have unique characteristics because of the soil they grow in which produce very distinctive flavors.

Gourmet coffee has a more balanced flavor and richer taste than the standard mass-produced coffee. Gourmet coffee beans go through a rigorous process of certification that is stricter to help keep the quality high.

In the 1974 issue of the "Tea & Coffee Trade Journal", Erna Knutsen first used the term 'specialty coffee' to describe these unique coffee beans that are produced in special microclimates with these distinctive, exceptional flavors.

In 1982 the Specialty Coffee Association of America was created by coffee professionals to help set quality standards for the specialty coffee trade.

Since the 1990's the growing popularity of the coffee houses and specialty gourmet coffee retailers, have made gourmet coffee one of the fastest growing food services markets in the world. In the United States alone, it nets approximately $8.5 billion a year.

Some have compared specialty gourmet coffee to wine. The aromas and flavors have similarities in how the consumer connects with the two beverages. The characteristics of gourmet coffee however, are more even complex than wine. The coffee bean is more dependent on altitudes, climate and soil variation than with the grapes used for wine.

The history and tradition of the specialty coffee grower makes this a very complex beverage. So pour yourself a cup of your favorite specialty gourmet coffee, sit back and enjoy, you deserve it.

By Gary Gresham

Monday, October 20, 2008

5 Tips On How To Make A Better Cup Of Coffee

Tip 1: Start Your Brewing With A Fresh Filted-Cold-Water

Coffee is 98% water so it only make sense to use filtered water. If you use tap water, keep a gallon jug of it in the refrigerator. If there are any sediments or impurities, they will settle to the bottom of the colder water. The best temperature to brew coffee is between 195 and 205 degrees F. If you use an electric coffee pot, it should heat the water to the proper temperature. So, the better the water, the better the coffee.

Tip 2: Your Coffee Grinds

Avoid using pre-ground coffee if possible. The flavor oils evaporate quickly after the coffee is ground leaving the taste stale or weak. Think about how long that pre-ground coffee can or bag was sitting on the grocers shelf. Try using whole bean coffee and grind it using either a burr or blade grinder. A medium grind is usually the best grind. If you are using a blade grinder for brewed coffee, you should grind the beans for about 15 to 20 seconds. A burr grinder should have settings for each brew method.

Tip 3: Measuring Your Coffee

Let's do away with a popular myth that using more or less coffee will make your brew stronger or weaker. The intensity of your coffee starts with the beans itself, how they were grown, harvested and roasted. If you want a strong cup of coffee pick a bean that is strong and if you want a light cup, pick a bean that is light. As far measuring is concerned, typically you would use 2 level tablespoons of ground beans or 2 heaping tablespoon of whole beans for every 6 ounces of water.

Tip 4: Brewing Your Coffee

For electric drip coffee makers be sure to use the gold-tone coffee filters in place of the white paper filters. The paper filters leave an after taste and can absorb the coffee's oils. If you use the white paper filter, rinse it first in hot water to help remove the taste of the paper. Coffer taste the freshest and best if drank within the first 20 minutes of brewing.

Tip 5: Storing Your Coffee

A cool, dry place is the best way to store your coffee. Store your coffee in a sealed container or a jar with metal clamps. Many people think a refrigerator or freezer is a good place to store coffee, but they are too moist inside and can taint your coffee beans with the odors of food.

By Joseph Camerlin

The Ideal Coffee Machine for the Coffee Lover

Coffee machines are a machine that is found in all homes, dorms and offices of coffee drinkers. Different types of coffee machines are built to be used in different places; there are also coffee makers that can be used in a RV, a big rig and to take along with you when you go camping.
The different types of coffee machines in the market today have individual features in a variety of colors, size, price, size and finish. The different types of coffee machines found today are automatic, French press, expresso coffee maker, vacuum, stove top, drip coffee makers and the pod. These different coffee machines are found either as hot or cold brew coffee machines. Some coffee machines are a combination of both grinder and coffee making capabilities.

Nowadays, different companies manufacture different coffee makers; and these coffee machines are known by the company name like delonghi coffee machine, jura coffee machine, sunbeam coffee machine, breville coffee machine, saeco coffee machine and senseo coffee machine. You can find these coffee machines in different colors that include black, white, red and practically any color you want to match your interiors. They are also made of different materials ranging from plastic to stainless steel while most of them come with a shatterproof glass carafe.

You also find coffee machines in the market that produce more than twenty cups of coffee, called the commercial coffee machine. These coffee machines are best for use in commercial establishments like offices and stores. Different coffee machines have different features that may include frothing systems, electric timers, digital/programmable, thermostat, filters and warming plate. The price of the coffee maker varies according to your preference and functionality of the coffee machine.

When choosing the right coffee machine for yourself, you have to look for the coffee machine that first fits your budget. Then you have to consider if the coffee machine has all the features required to make the type of coffee you enjoy drinking like expresso or cappuccino. With the wide range of coffee machines in the market, you are sure to find the right coffee machine that creates coffee that suits your taste buds.

By Samantha Clark

Friday, October 17, 2008

Coffee Pot Extravaganza


A coffee pot is a coffee pot, right? Wrong! Do you know that there are hundreds of different kinds of coffee pots, made out of a multitude of materials? There are antique coffee pots and glass coffee pots, as well as cleaning coffee pots and vacuum and glass coffee pots... the list goes on and on. There are just as many brand names for coffee pots and makers as there are materials to make them with. Some of the biggest names in coffee are Braun, Cuisinart and Krups, not to mention Bunn and Sunbeam and dozens more.

There are so many different kinds of coffee pots it would be impossible to name them all. Some drip, some brew and some produce coffee like you've never tasted before. Ever use a coffee air pot or a Turkish coffee pot? The number of different kinds of coffee you can make in any style of coffee pot is as varied as the types. Cowboy coffee, gourmet coffee, Turkish coffee, no matter where you are in the world, you can bet that there's coffee there.

A coffee pot can make strong coffee or smooth coffee, depending on the materials the coffee is made of. Some special coffee pots made out of clay enhance the taste of coffee with flavors that can't be found anywhere else in the world. No one knows when the first coffee was brewed in a coffee pot, but today, the coffee industry is booming, and will continue to grow. Like food, most people can't live without their coffee.

The timed coffee pot gets a lot of people up and going in the morning, and for some, a good stiff cup of coffee in the middle of the day helps them get through many a hectic afternoon.

A coffee pot doesn't have to be expensive to brew good coffee, though there are coffee pots and machines that can cost hundreds of dollars. An average coffee pot can be found at your local Wal-Mart for fewer than fifteen dollars. The coffee industry rakes in billions of dollars a year with roasted and gourmet coffees that can be made and enjoyed using a moderately priced coffee pot. A coffee pot can be small enough to brew only one or two cups at a time while others can brew up to twenty. But no matter what kind of coffee pot you buy, you have to keep it clean in order to produce that fresh taste that you've come to savor every morning.

Most coffee pots in the United States are made of glass, which allows them to be easily cleaned. Make sure to run hot water through the water reservoir occasionally however, to keep parts clean and free of buildup.

Some coffee pots made of materials like Pyrex or stainless steel are easy to keep clean while others require a little more care, like an antique coffee pot of a coffee pot made of clay or stone. No matter which kind you buy, one thing is guaranteed: you'll enjoy your coffee, no matter what kind of coffee pot it's brewed in.

By Candice Sabrina

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Brazilian Coffee


Adultery, deceit and politics, all the makings of a modern-day best-seller, yet this story is over 250 years old and what ultimately led to brazilian coffee. In 1727 a Brazilian official named Francisco de Melho Palheta was invited to mediate a heated border dispute between French and Dutch Guiana. Both governments were actively growing coffee in Guiana and closely guarded their financial interests by not allowing the exportation of viable coffee seeds.

Palheta quickly accepted the invitation with hopes of somehow obtaining some seeds for planting coffee in Brazil. While in Guiana Palheta became romantically involved with the French Governors wife. Upon his departure, after successfully mediating a solution to the border issue, the Governors wife presented him with a bouquet of flowers in which she had disguised several coffee seedlings.

The Brazilians quickly learned the rudiments of growing coffee with emphasis on quantity over quality, which is still the prevalent philosophy when it comes to growing coffee in Brazil. Brazil is by far the largest producer of coffee in the world with over forty percent of all coffee coming from this country. However, the vast majority is of marginal quality and what the major commercial processors such as Folgers, Maxwell House etc… rely on as the base product for their blends. By adding small amounts of higher quality coffee they are able to enhance flavor, body and aroma and provide a product that is acceptable to the masses at a reasonable price.

The production of coffee in Brazil had a dark side. As the cultivation of coffee in Brazil grew, so did slavery. Without enough local labor to handle the ever increasing demand for coffee, the Brazilian Government imported slaves by the tens of thousands. By 1828 well over a million slaves, nearly a third of the population, labored on the coffee plantations.

In response to pressure from the British Government, who had outlawed slavery and were boycotting Brazilian slave-grown coffee, Brazil half-heartedly outlawed slavery. Though importation of slaves declined, it did not cease and the two-million or so slaves that were already in the country remained in bondage. It would be another fifty years before slavery was truly abolished.

As production of coffee in Brazil modernized, modern being a relative term for a third-world country. A few growers established a reputation for providing high-quality coffee and edged their way into the American specialty market.

The best coffee in Brazil comes from the region around San Paulo and is named for the port through which it is exported, Santos. Santos is known for its smooth flavor, medium body and moderate acidity. While Santos is the best coffee in Brazil, it is still far from extraordinary when compared to other gourmet coffees of the world.

Even with the reputation of providing low-grade coffee to the masses, the impact Brazil has had on the world coffee trade is undeniable. Without Brazilian coffee to stabilize the market, coffee prices could be three to four times what they are. Imagine paying $15-20 for a one pound can of Folgers. I, for one, am grateful to Brazil for providing the world with cheap coffee.

By Randy Wilson

Monday, October 13, 2008

Italian Coffee


Espresso, caffè normale and cappuccino are types of Italian coffee, and one might wonder if there are as many types of coffee in Italy as there are pastas. Quite surprisingly, there are and just like pasta, Italian coffee is also an art form linked to many customs and traditions. Be it a caffè corretto shot down like a drink, a cappuccino and brioche that would make a lovely snack, or a granita di caffè con panna to chill off from the hot noon sun, Italy has a coffee drink for every occasion and every mood.

The most famous of the Italian coffees are the cappuccinos -- the café corretto and café latte. Cappuccino is prepared with espresso and milk. A cappuccino is commonly identified as 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk and 1/3 frothed milk. Cappuccino is preferably served in a ceramic coffee cup to retain the heat, instead of glass or paper that is a comparatively poorer heat retainer. Café corretto is a coffee "corrected" with a measure of grappa, cognac or any other alcoholic content. Latte is Italian for milk, and café latte refers to coffee prepared with a larger measure of hot milk in it rather than coffee.

There are many other styles of Italian coffee, and they have all become world famous. In fact, Italy is the coffee house of the world, and has contributed to the entire world many different styles of coffee that have so become a part of our culture and lives. Even espresso had its origins in Italy. It was from Italy that Starbucks got most of their coffee recipes and rose to fame quickly in the West. Despite all the progress and spread of the coffee culture, Italy still remains the coffee capital of the world.

By Alison Cole

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Differences Between Organic Coffee Beans and Regular Coffee


A lot of pesticides are used in regular coffee production, which is one of the main differences between traditional coffee and organic green coffee beans. Normally, coffee plants are treated with pesticides before harvest to safeguard against weeds and insects. After being harvested, traditional green coffee beans are treated with even more chemicals.

In the past, coffee was grown in natural environments underneath shade trees where the plants could grow without human interference. Today, large-scale coffee growers have abandoned this method and instead chop down trees and plant coffee in large fields. This change in methodology has brought forth the need for pesticides and fertilizers to ensure favorable yields. The chemicals with which coffee plants are treated seep into the ground and affect soil quality as well as the quality of the coffee beans.

Organic coffee beans are grown in a completely different way. Instead of destroying shade trees to make room for larger growing plots, organic coffee farmers utilize these trees so that the coffee plants may grow in a protected area. This, and the use of birds to control insects, eliminates the need for harmful chemicals and is known as shade tree farming. The results are higher quality, more flavorful coffee beans.

The USDA has a set of standards for organic foods and in order for a product to be certified as being organic, it must meet the USDA's regulations. Organic coffee growers must not use synthetic pesticides and must rotate their crops every several years to preserve soil nutrients.

Even though organic coffee is usually grown on a smaller scale than traditional coffee and its farmers must adhere to strict USDA guidelines, the cost of organic coffee is actually not astonishingly higher than the price of regular coffee. Keep this in mind when you are choosing a new brand of coffee to try. The easiest way to buy organic green coffee beans is online, where a variety of roasts and flavors may be found.

By Steve Turley

Don't Throw Out Your Old Coffee! Make A Delicious Drink


I still brew a new pot of coffee everyday, but now I stretch my dollar by saving some of the coffee that would otherwise be dumped down the drain. I used to waste lots of coffee by making a new pot of coffee each morning. Then the next day I would dump the old pot of coffee and make a new one. What can I say I like the great taste of good gourmet coffee. The bitter taste of old coffee wasnt doing it for me. Then one day I had a good idea, I decided to start saving my coffee to make a cold coffee drink later. Since I dont like to drink hot coffee in the middle of a hot summer day, the iced coffee drink worked out perfectly.

Here is what I do to make my iced coffee drink, it cuts down on wasted coffee and saves you money in the long run.

When the coffee has cooled off, pour the coffee into a mason jar. Then put the mason jar filled with cooled coffee in the refrigerator. Now when your looking for a nice cool drink to quench your thirst during the middle of the day, you can make an iced coffee drink.

Here is how I make my iced coffee drink:

Put ice in a glass,

Fill the glass about 3/4 full with your left over coffee,

Add your favorite flavored coffee creamer to taste

Stir it up and enjoy your iced coffee

Also try blending the cold coffee up in a blender with ice cream, its delicious.

By Eric B Gard

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Coffee Lovers


There are countless coffee enthusiasts around the globe. In big cities, coffee drinkers are seen everywhere. From public transportation to city sidewalks to sidewalk cafés, they sip their favorite cup of Joe on the go.

Is there any reason why we see so many coffee drinkers throughout big cities? Of course, there are more people so there is a greater chance of spotting java lovers. Another reason is the large number of coffee houses, delis, coffee bars and restaurants serving up this hot treat. Chicago lovers have countless options as they breeze through the Windy City.

Sometimes you see people rushing with a huge vat of java. Other connoisseurs recognize a smaller cup tastes best with a rich, hot intensity of flavor. Seasoned commuters carry theirs in a special mug with a sealed lid and thermal interior to keep their precious brew fresh. Other folks tote signature paper cups from prestigious local coffee houses or a mass merchant on their daily route.

If you want the best coffee in Chicago in the morning, you are likely to wait on a long line. The finest houses are always packed during the early morning hours as the working public grabs their cup of sustenance. Gourmet java has become increasingly popular since the 1990s, with some people leaving a half hour earlier in the morning so they have enough time to stop for it. Enthusiasts with a flexible schedule often wait until after 10 AM so they miss the rush.

Often connoisseurs choose to get their favorite beverage at coffee houses because they have a passion for a specialty brew. Environmentalists want the best organic blens. Mocha latte is irresistible if you have a sweet tooth. There are also people who simply prefer the presentation at specialty shops.

When you get comfortable at your favorite coffee house, you will start to ask more questions. There are so many different options to choose from. How coffee is grown, harvested and roasted determines its flavor and subtle nuances. When you find your preferred blend, buy it to take home and share with others. Some coffee houses have online ordering to get your best blend anytime and anywhere.

Your favorite coffee house may sell accessories so you can brew a master cup for yourself, your family and your guests. Connoisseur are spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars to have a first-class coffee making set up in their own kitchens. Some even purchase green coffee beans to roast themselves.

By Alice Lane

5 Reasons to Choose a Bunn Coffee Maker


Bunn coffee maker is one of the foremost names in the coffee world. Bunn has been associated with everything coffee since 1957. Not only do they manufacture state of the art coffee makers but they also manufacture a wide range of coffee maker accessories including carafes and filters. One of their most noted inventions are paper filters, which, as we all know has forever changed the way we drink our coffee.

Bunn coffee makers are very popular in restaurant kitchens and homes around the world and for very good reason too. If you are looking for a coffee maker but are feeling overwhelmed by the sheer plethora of choices available, here are 5 reasons why you should choose a Bunn coffee maker, whether it is for your home or for your restaurant kitchen:
Maintains Constant Temperature - Whereas most other coffee makers heat the water until it boils, Bunn has mastered the technique of maintaining the water at a constant temperature of 200 degrees which is optimal for brewing coffee quickly without sacrificing the taste of the coffee. This means you can be sure you will always get your coffee at just the right temperature anytime and every time.
Saves you Time - When ground coffee is kept for brewing till all the water is used up it adversely affects the taste of the brew. The quick 3- minute cycle that is typical in Bunn coffee makers ensures that you get all the flavor of the coffee without any of the bitterness. It also means that you can get a pot of coffee in just 3 minutes and if all you want just a cup of coffee, you will not have to wait more than 30 seconds.
Creates the Perfect Turbulence - The distinctive, patented sprayhead design creates the perfect turbulence that suspends the coffee beans and then thoroughly soaks the beans when the water that is pushed into the carafe. This process extracts the maximum flavor from the coffee beans, making for a cup of rich-tasting coffee. The sprayhead is just as effective when coffee pods are used.
Good Looking &Longer Lasting - With most coffee maker brands you have to debate over whether you should go in for a glass model, which looks sleek but is more fragile or a stainless steel model, which is durable but is usually clunkier looking. Here again, Bunn puts all dispute to rest with their durable stainless steel models, which are sleek enough to occupy pride of place in your kitchen.
Ease of Cleaning - So you love the thought of waking up and heading straight over to your coffee maker every morning for that first cup of coffee. Your coffee maker is quick and convenient and brews a perfect cup for you to start your day with. However, if you have to content with struggling to clean difficult to reach places, it defeats the purpose. Though, that is in a way the price you have to pay for your have-it-whenever-you-want-it cup of coffee, why get a coffee maker that will take you twice as long to clean as it does to brew the coffee? Cleaning Bunn coffee makers is a breeze. You can relax and enjoy your coffee without thinking of the "high price" you have to pay by way of tiresome cleaning.
Bunn coffee makers offer you all of the pleasures of coffee drinking without any of the pain.

By Yogi Shinde

The Effects of Coffee


The effects of coffee and the caffeine jolt can temporarily boost alertness, increase performance and may even improve concentration.

Some people feel the “buzz” or the effects of coffee (caffeine) more than others. You should listen to your body and know when to say no to that extra cup of coffee. Just because your friend says he can drink all the coffee he wants and never feel the effects of coffee, doesn’t mean that the effect of coffee and caffeine will be the same for you.

Most research seems to suggest that drinking one to three cups of coffee a day will not cause you to feel any negative effects of coffee, at least in healthy people. However, pregnant women, children and people with heart disease are among those who should not drink coffee, as the effect of coffee and caffeine could have adverse effects.

One should be aware that the caffeine content of coffee varies widely depending on roasting and brewing methods as well as how much coffee you are drinking. This can produce a wide range of the effects of coffee.

Coffee is the main source of caffeine for many people and the effects of coffee and caffeine can be increased if one drinks other sources of caffeine such as sodas, tea, and chocolate.

If you are a regular coffee drinker and you skip your daily java fix, you may experience temporary “caffeine withdrawal” which could result in the form of a headache. These symptoms of the effects of coffee normally go away within 24-48 hours after another dose of coffee with caffeine.

By Ocha Nix

Sunday, October 5, 2008

10 Tips on Buying the Best Coffee Maker For Your Home


When it comes to buying a coffee maker, one that gets you through the morning, there are so many options that it may drive you crazy. Drifting away from Starbucks and the instant stuff, there are machines that can do the job fairly well. But they must pass through a set of criteria.

Simplicity

With coffee makers, as with most machines, simple is always better. You don't want too many switches and buttons and overcomplicated procedures. All you want is a cup of coffee. A simple machine, one designed and tested to do one simple thing, and be good at it, tends to work better than a complicated one.

Function

You want a coffee maker that does the job all the way through, nothing too much, and nothing left half done. Underachievers that don't extract enough flavor, and overachievers that boil the water too much that your coffee gets too bitter; you don't want them.

Type of Coffee

It pays to know what kind of coffee you love to have from your coffee maker. For most brews, drip coffee makers are all right. For espresso, a dedicated espresso machine is the only one that will do. If you want espresso, but don't want to buy a machine for it, a French press can actually do the trick. Percolators are also good, as they're tried and tested. The coffee you want tells you what kind of coffee maker you need.

Cup Size

See if the coffee maker makes a decent-sized serving at one go. Decent-sized is relative. If your morning wake up ritual needs two cups, then see that your coffee maker can deliver just that. Some coffee machines limit themselves to serving sizes that are precise, but are annoyingly less or more than what some need. Make sure what you buy neither serves too little nor overflows your cup and wastes all that coffee goodness.

Reservoir

A good coffee maker should hold enough water for a decent amount of servings at one time. Make sure it can hold a good amount without the reservoir being too big that it takes over the machine. Bad coffee makers tend to have big reservoirs, and cheap machine parts within, just so that they can pass as coffee makers. Do not fall for this. Scrutinize, and choose wisely.

Value

Everyone wants a bargain, but remember that there's such a thing as a balance between the price and the features. Measure the coffee maker's set of features along with its build and its price. This kind of formula is a good rule of thumb. So this means you'll need to check out the slightly costly items, and visit the reputable shops to get the best "balanced" value. It's not just money at stake here, it's your mornings.

Brand

It may not seem necessary, but buying a coffee maker from a reputable brand is much better than buying some run-in-the-mill counterpart (unless you've done a great deal of research behind some new or unknown brands). A branded machine can beat any brandless contraption anytime. That's another consumer rule of thumb there. More of a guide, not a rule. When it comes to build quality, features, and overall design, brands like Bunn, Black & Decker, Cuisinart, Braun, and so on are the best there is.

Easy-to-Clean

Of course, you have to deal with cleaning issues. You want to maintain your coffee maker's service life. Make sure that the crucial parts are washable so that you do not get coffee sticking to them over time. As long as you can wash the important parts like the pot and the reservoir with soap and water, you're good to go.

Portability

You don't want anything bigger than your counter. If you buy something that can sit snugly at the corner of your kitchen, then you'd want to use it day after day, since it doesn't "intrude" in your kitchen space.

Safety

Make sure that there are no exposed electric parts; that everything is properly insulated. Sometimes there are spills, and you don't want a shock when you clean up the spill. See if the handles are cool to the touch and children who fumble with them and won't get burned.

Coffee makers come in many shapes and sizes. Simplify your search of your best coffee maker by setting your criteria of what you want from your machine before you start looking for your perfect coffee maker.

By Yogi Shinde

Friday, October 3, 2008

Hawaiian Coffee


It is commonly believed that the Governor of Oahu, Chief Boki, was the first to introduce coffee to the Hawaiian Islands in the year 1825. While on a British warship, he acquired the coffee plants from Rio de Janeiro. The first coffee plants were planted and flourished in the Manoa Valley in Oahu. Since then, the growth of coffee plants has spread all over the islands, including the Kona Coast, which now produces the world famous Hawaiian or Kona coffee.

The perfect blend of all the six elements comprising of rich soil, proper elevation, cloud cover, sunshine, rain and a moderate slope helping in the drainage of the roots provided by the Hawaiian islands, have ensured an ideal environment to produce some of the richest coffee in the world. The season of growing coffee starts in January and continues until the month of June. Every year the coffee growers wait patiently for the blossoms after the early rains that eventually produce coffee berries. Under the close watch of the farmers, the coffee berries ripe in the trees before they are individually harvested. Each phase of coffee making is looked after meticulously, starting from roasting and flavoring to dry milling. The typical Hawaiian coffee is rich in its color, density, and acidity with a great flavor.

The Hawaiian Islands, being the only state growing coffee in the US, produce an average of seven million pounds of coffee every year. While the Kona coffee remains one of the most favored around the world, a majority of the other islands have also started growing coffee now. Apart from the Kona coffee, some of the top flavors of the Hawaiian coffee include Kauai's coffee, Ka'anapali Maui coffee, Haleakala Maui coffee, Molokai's coffee, Waialua coffee and Macadamia Cream to name a few.

Due to its taste and overwhelming popularity, the Hawaiian coffee is very expensive, although the experience of tasting a quality cup is worth the money.

By Alison Cole

Make the Perfect Cup of Coffee


If you love coffee, then you need to know what keeps the flavors at their peek.

For the freshest coffee, you should use your coffee beans within 45 days of roasting, and in half that time if they are already ground. It is for this reason, that you should not buy your coffee beans in bulk!

Coffee should be brewed in 4-5 minutes using 2 tablespoons of ground coffee per 6 ounces of filtered water. Tap water alters the taste of the coffee, so use spring or filtered water.

Make sure the wet the paper filter first (if using a drip coffee machine) as this takes away that paper taste from the filter. Freshly grind your coffee beans using a medium setting, and do not leave the coffee sitting on the warming tray, make enough to consume right away, for the perfect cup of coffee.

If you are using one of those French Presses to make your coffee, then freshly grind your coffee beans using a course setting, remove the plunger, place your ground coffee at the bottom and add your boiled water. Do not pour absolute boiling water over the coffee, the temperature should be about 205 degrees, just under the boiled point. After 4-5 minutes press down the plunger to separate the grounds from the coffee. Making the perfect cup of coffee can take a few minutes, its not something you do while stuffing a donut in your mouth and putting on your coat at the same time! You should not be rushed.

Grab a chair, your newspaper, take a relaxing deep breath, and sip your coffee and enjoy!

By Diane Palmer