Coffee: history, beneficial properties and contraindications

The birthplace of coffee is ancient Ethiopia.

Ethiopia is one of the main coffee producers in the world and on the African continent.
Coffee trees are far from uncommon in different countries, but they appeared there not so long ago. The plants that produce the bitter, aromatic Arabica beans originate in ancient Ethiopia. It was here that the trees from which all the varieties originated were first discovered.

It will come as a surprise to Robusta lovers that their favorite drink comes from Africa. The Congolese coffee tree is native to the grassy banks of the Congo River.

Interestingly, the coffee drink was first prepared not in Africa, but in ancient Arabia. Africans simply used bitter grains as a spice in cooking.

Most are grown in Brazil (about 3 million tons per year), Vietnam (about 1.8 million tons), Colombia (800 thousand tons). Where coffee beans are planted in special nurseries, providing sufficient lighting and climatic conditions. After six months, seedlings are sent to pre-fertilized fields. The first fruiting begins after two years. Coffee beans are collected by hand, with the participation of seasonal workers.

Benefits of coffee

There is an assumption that Aristotle himself knew about the benefits of coffee beans long before their discovery. The fact is that coffee beans contain many useful microelements and vitamins. For example, calcium, sodium, potassium, sulfur, phosphorus and iron. In addition, coffee includes more than 30 organic acids.

Scientists have found that daily consumption of this drink can normalize the functioning of the human nervous system, as well as reduce the risk of cholelithiasis, diabetes mellitus and cirrhosis of the liver. Indian scientists claim that a drink of vigor can protect a person from radiation. However, this theory has not yet been tested in Europe.

In addition, coffee contains serotonin, which improves mood and relieves depression. According to studies, people who regularly drink coffee are much less likely to commit suicide than those who do not drink it at all.

An invigorating drink can also prolong sexual activity in women after 50 years and increase potency in men. It also helps improve blood supply to the brain, stimulating its energy.

The optimal dose of coffee is a maximum of 1-2 cups per day, provided that the person does not have any contraindications. Also remember about the drying properties of this drink, so keep an eye on your water balance.

The first coffee shop in history opened in 1500

The first information about the coffee drink dates back to the 1000s AD.
The discoverers of invigorating nectar were the Arabs; it was they who brought grains from Africa and began to grow them on the Arabian Peninsula. The drink bore little resemblance to everyone’s usual coffee – cinnamon and crushed ginger coffee were added to the aromatic liquid. From the Arabian Peninsula, the coffee tree came to the Ottoman Empire. It was not until the 16th century that traders began transporting grains by sea to Europe.

It is said that the first coffee shop was opened in 1554 in the Tahtakale region by Halepli Hakem and Surieli Shems

The first coffee shop was opened in Turkey around 1500. Coffee appeared in England much later - around 1600. For a long time, only men were allowed to drink the invigorating liquid.

Bitter beans arrived in France in the 1700s; in Russia, the appearance of coffee occurred under Tsar Peter the Great. According to historians, the drink did not gain much popularity in the country. Tsar Peter had to open special coffee shops and almost force people to drink “bitter drink,” which is what his subjects called the aromatic liquid.

Who brought coffee to Russia

Coffee first appeared in Russia in 1665, when court physician Samuel Collins prescribed it to Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich for a runny nose and headache. Only the drink took root slowly due to religious prejudices - it was believed that it stupefied the mind.

Thanks to Peter I, who often visited Holland, coffee became widespread in Russia. The king began to serve it at his assemblies. Later, in 1740, Anna Ioannovna opened the first coffee house, and articles about beans and cooking recipes were published in newspapers.

The history of coffee houses in Russia began after the Patriotic War of 1812. After their stay in France, Russian officers could no longer give up the habit of drinking coffee. It began to be served in the capital's high society drawing rooms, and later in ordinary confectionery shops. Coffee houses appeared where only secular audiences gathered. Then literary institutions opened in Moscow and St. Petersburg.

In the 19th century Everyone was already drinking the invigorating drink several times a day. However, the history of the appearance of coffee in Russia was not cloudless. At the beginning of the 20th century. the price of grains increased so much that only rich people could afford them. After the October Revolution, coffee was practically forgotten. In the 1940s interest arose in it again, but in the USSR it was a scarce commodity.

Nowadays coffee is very popular. Manufacturers produce many varieties, so everyone can choose their own variety.

The name of coffee was given by the Arabs

The origin of the ancient name “coffee” entered the English language in 1598 from the Dutch word “koffie”.
Historians do not have a single opinion on where the name coffee came from. There are several versions, the most popular and quite plausible is associated with the nomadic Arabs. “Kava” translated from Arabic means “invigorating”, “giving strength”. It was this drink that nomads used to invigorate themselves during long marches. The name was preserved, but in Western European countries the drink began to be called “cafe” or “cafe”.

Another version is associated with the province of Kafa. It was here that trees were first grown for industrial purposes and named after their country. The name has been preserved, but has been slightly transformed.

There are four main types of coffee, not two.

Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa: four types of coffee that grow on the globe
There are four varieties of coffee trees in the world. The most common is Arabica (Arabic coffee). It occupies about 70% of the world market and is considered a leader. It has a rich coarse aroma, a pleasant strong taste with bitterness. Often used to prepare coffee blends or instant granules.

Robusta is another variety of coffee trees, significantly inferior in production to Arabica. It has a sour aroma, refined taste, and slight sweetness. Used in pure form or in mixtures with Arabica.

The most popular Arabica coffee has a rich, bright aroma and a pleasant, strong taste with a hint of bitterness.

Two more types of varieties, less known, are Excelsa and Liberica. They have much in common with Robusta, but are significantly inferior in taste. They are used to give the drink strength and lasting aroma.

The first coffee was prepared at about 10 o'clock

Ancient peoples infused coffee for 5-8 hours.
In ancient times, coffee was prepared according to a simple recipe, which was used only for medicinal purposes. Whole unrefined grains, previously dried under the hot rays of the sun, were poured with water, sent to an open fire, boiled or simmered for half an hour. Be sure to insist for 5-8 hours.

Spices were added to the coffee (cardamom, ginger, cinnamon powder). The prepared infusion resembled ordinary green tea in tone and did not have much strength.

Drying and roasting of coffee beans began only in the 7th century

A few decades later, they came up with the idea of ​​cleaning the grains, frying them over an open fire and pre-grinding them. The principle of creating the drink did not change - the coffee mass was poured with water, boiled and infused. The only difference is that the liquid was more aromatic and strong, and acquired a dark tint.

They drank coffee hot or cold and added sweet ingredients (sugar, honey). The poor segments of the population did without sweets, drinking only bitter liquid, often from poorly refined grains.

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The structure of the coffee berry includes four layers

Usually there are two grains in a coffee berry, but sometimes during pollination only one develops.
A coffee berry, regardless of the type of tree, consists of four layers in structure. The upper part is a silvery thin skin covering the grain. During frying, the film turns into a fragile husk, which easily lags behind the walls of the main part.

The parchment shell is the next layer of the berry, quite hard and dense. The purpose of the patch is to protect the interior from damage and temperature changes. Peeling of the parchment shell is usually carried out before transporting the grains to protect the goods from loss or damage.

Another layer of the berry is gluten, which has a high percentage of sugar content. The adhesive shell is often confused with the core. Gluten is not removed when grains are cleaned - the sweetness or bitterness of the drink depends on the quantity. The core of the berry is the pulp. It is this part that is used in making traditional coffee.

Coffee is a real cornucopia of nutrients. The berries contain:

• vitamins (B1, B6, PP);
• caffeine;
• tannins;
• carbohydrates;
• minerals (potassium, iron, zinc, calcium);
• proteins.

It is believed that the higher the coffee tree grows, the more aromatic the drink is obtained from its beans. The
beans also contain a high percentage of acids, which, when heat treated, provide the drink with a persistent strong aroma.

The traditional cooking method was invented by the Arabs

First, high-quality green grains were fried until brown.
Many recipes for preparing an aromatic drink have been preserved by the Arabs. The process of brewing coffee turned into a real action, which is why it took at least an hour. Only high-quality grains were used, always green.

Clay cups were filled one third with green grains and covered with hot coal from fruit trees. The next step is frying until brown. Each grain was taken out and carefully examined - if burnt or undercooked areas were found, the raw material was thrown away.

After brewing in a Turk, the coffee was poured into small cups and immediately served to the table.

The roasted grains were ground using wooden mortars into a fine powder resembling dust. The required amount of coffee was poured into the Turk with cold water and placed on low heat - the drink should not boil, but simmer slightly. The prepared aromatic liquid was poured into a large clay container, infused a little, poured into small cups, and immediately served to the table.

The first interesting legend associated with coffee

The properties of coffee were first discovered by the Ethiopian shepherd Kaldi, who noticed that his goats became energetic after eating berries from an unfamiliar tree.
There are many legends associated with the coffee drink. One of the most interesting is related to the discovery of coffee. According to legend, we have goats to thank for the invigorating drink; it was they who helped discover the properties of berries from coffee trees. One day, a shepherd grazing animals in a coffee grove noticed that the goats were happily chewing the leaves and red fruits of the tree.

At night, the shepherd was in for a surprise - the goats didn’t even think about going to bed, they moved briskly and showed no signs of fatigue. The frightened man shared his observations with the abbot of the monastery, located not far from the pasture.

The monastery decided to take advantage of the discovered qualities of coffee - an infusion prepared from the berries was given to the monks, who had to stand nights in prayer. Only many years later did the clergy learn to roast the grains, grind them and prepare invigorating nectar.

History of discovery

Ethiopia can rightfully be considered the birthplace of coffee. After all, it was there that the ancestors of the Oromo people first discovered the stimulating effect of coffee beans. According to one version, the discoverer of coffee is a certain shepherd Kaldim from the Ethiopian region of Caffa. This happened around 850. One day, a shepherd noticed how his goats eagerly ate red fruits from an unknown tree. After this, the animals felt a surge of strength and energy, and therefore behaved more actively.

A little later, coffee beans became popular in Yemen and Egypt. Then from Ethiopia they spread throughout the Near and Middle East. And already in the 19th century, coffee became popular in America, Indonesia and parts of Europe.

It is worth noting that initially something like a coffee drink or a decoction of dried shells was made from coffee beans. A little later they began to be fried over coals and then boiled in boiling water. Currently there are more than 100 varieties of coffee. Based on their origin, grains are divided into 3 groups: African, American and Asian.

On the plantations, each worker collects up to 700 kg of grains per day

Coffee beans are collected only by hand.
It is often mistakenly believed that coffee berries grow on bushes. Valuable plant materials used to prepare an invigorating liquid are collected from trees. Plants can grow up to ten meters and develop a gorgeous, huge crown. It is difficult to collect berries from large trees; special equipment is required, so already 3-4 years after planting the seedlings, pruning begins. The optimal plant height is 3-4 meters.

Collection is carried out only by hand. The beans are sent into large wicker baskets that can hold about 100 kg of raw materials. One worker can collect up to 7 such baskets per day. The payment for the work is quite high - 8-10 dollars for one braid.

You can harvest up to 1.5 thousand berries per year from one mature coffee tree.

The age of coffee trees is up to 70 years. The largest number of fruits are harvested in the first ten years after the start of fruiting. Every year the plants produce fewer and fewer grains, so it is not advisable to keep the trees for a long time - 20-25 years after planting they are uprooted, the soil is fertilized and young seedlings are planted.

Attention: how to drink coffee correctly

You drank a cup of coffee. After 20 minutes, drink a glass of water . Exactly like that and in that sequence.

Thus, prevent the phase of impaired water-salt metabolism: do not allow the kidneys to fall into a state of impaired blood flow. Live and learn.

There is only one “but”: all of the above applies to bean coffee.

Bach and Voltaire were coffee lovers

Voltaire lived to the age of 84, despite the fact that the doctor promised the philosopher an early death due to his passion for coffee.
History says that many famous personalities preferred coffee to other drinks. One of them is the French philosopher Voltaire, who believed that it was to aromatic nectar that he owed outstanding achievements. Voltaire drank up to 50 cups of the drink per day; most of the money he earned was spent on such a hobby, so the heirs were left with only minor savings.

Johann Sebastian Bach was also considered a real coffee gourmet, fond of drinking the invigorating liquid. The composer was slightly inferior in the amount of coffee consumed to the philosopher Voltaire - 15-20 cups of strong drink were enough for the great musician per day. In the 1700s, Bach created the famous Coffee Cantata, dedicated to bitter nectar. The work has humorous notes - it glorifies the necessity for the human body and some dependence on coffee.

How does coffee work?

Coffee is a very personal drink. It, like cognac, cannot be drunk in mugs!

— Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill

Caffeine begins to act in the body almost instantly :

• constricts the blood vessels of all organs;
• dilates renal vessels.

A little theory.

Caffeine is colorless or white bitter crystals. Is a psychostimulant. In small doses it has a stimulating effect on the nervous system. With prolonged use, it can cause mild dependence - theism (disease). In large doses it causes exhaustion.

The duration of the invigorating effect of coffee is 20-25 minutes. Blood pressure increases in all organs and blood flow in the kidneys improves. The kidneys begin to receive better blood supply. This is partly why many people want to go to the restroom.

When caffeine has played its “symphony”, the second alkaloid appears on the scene - theobromine . Theobromine is a white crystalline powder with a slightly bitter taste.

Theobromine has the exact opposite :

• dilates the blood vessels of all organs;
• constricts renal vessels.

Systemic pressure decreases and renal blood flow deteriorates. A person begins to feel a slight tugging sensation in the kidneys.

, a glass of clean water is brought along with a cup of coffee . A decent coffee shop differs from an indecent one in that the second (decent) one always serves water with coffee, while the first (indecent) one only serves coffee.

Coffee has its own holidays

In Costa Rica, a coffee festival is held annually on September 12, with bright, masquerade, theatrical performances.
Many countries in which coffee is a traditional drink celebrate the holiday of this invigorating aromatic nectar. In Costa Rica, the celebration occurs in September. On the 12th, colorful festivals and fairs take place; cafes and restaurants offer all kinds of drinks with the main ingredient – ​​coffee beans. At night, a fantastic action begins - fireworks, theatrical performances, masquerades.

Ireland is another country where coffee is revered so much that they decided to make it a holiday. September 19 is the day when most of the country's residents go to the streets to enjoy a cup of aromatic nectar with friends, acquaintances, and just passers-by. Many families have a tradition of gathering around the festive table; every home has a traditional recipe for making coffee, passed down from generation to generation.

The drink is not recommended for athletes

It is better for professional athletes to stop drinking coffee so as not to harm their career.
Coffee is a drink that is not welcome in sports. Doctors warn that abuse leads to health problems. Even a small amount of caffeine is undesirable if a person is involved in intense sports - the International Olympic Committee has put the substance on a par with cocaine and steroids.

Drinking about five cups of hard liquor by an Olympic athlete will result in disqualification. This amount of coffee increases the level of caffeine in the body, which is considered an attempt to increase energy and endurance, reduce sensitivity to injury, and gain an advantage in a fight or singles performance.

Harmful properties of coffee

Despite all its benefits, coffee is not the healthiest drink in the world. It increases blood pressure, is harmful to pregnant women and is addictive. In addition, scientists have discovered 18 more harmful properties of coffee.

Coffee can lead to insomnia

Coffee energizes us, but this property is harmful when we try to sleep. The energizing effect of caffeine begins to be felt 15 minutes after consumption, but it lasts much longer. It takes about six hours for the stimulating effect to wear off by half.

If you want to get enough sleep, try not to drink coffee in the afternoon. Or at least 2-3 hours before bedtime.

Coffee affects the effect of medications

If you are taking any medications, be sure to ask your doctor if you can take them with coffee. This drink may enhance, weaken, or even change the effect of the pills.

For example, researchers studied the behavior of alendronic acid (an osteoporosis drug) when taken with water and other beverages Studies of the oral bioavailability of alendronate. . It turned out that black coffee and orange juice reduce the absorption of the drug by 60%. And the effect of thyroid drugs is reduced by 55% if you take them with coffee. Altered intestinal absorption of L-thyroxine caused by coffee. .

In addition, the situation may be the opposite. Medicines can enhance the effects of coffee, causing you to feel the caffeine euphoria for longer. So be sure to consult your doctor.

Coffee may worsen acid reflux

One of the symptoms of acid reflux is heartburn. This unpleasant sensation occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (which separates the esophagus and stomach) does not close in time. Then the gastric juice enters the esophagus.

Coffee has extremely high acidity. Once in an acidic environment (stomach juice), it will cause the esophageal sphincter muscles to relax. And this can cause or worsen heartburn. Decaf coffee also poses a threat. According to some studies, such coffee increases the level of acidity in the stomach, stimulating the production of the gastric hormone gastrin. Effect of Decaffeinated Coffee on Health. . And this causes the release of gastric juice.

If heartburn bothers you twice a week or more, you should give up coffee. If you have heartburn, you should also drink tea, citrus juices, milkshakes and alcohol with caution.

Coffee can cause indigestion

Drinking a cup of coffee on an empty stomach stimulates the production of hydrochloric acid, which can lead to serious digestive problems. Hydrochloric acid is usually produced in the stomach when food enters it and is used to digest proteins and fats.

If too much of it is produced at one meal (when you ate a lot of fatty foods or drank a lot of coffee on an empty stomach), the next time it is not enough, then the food will not be completely digested. This can lead to bloating and stomach discomfort, and in severe cases, irritable bowel syndrome and even colon cancer. So try not to drink coffee on an empty stomach.

Coffee may work as a laxative

Coffee stimulates contraction of the intestinal muscles. This would seem to be a good thing because coffee can help with constipation. But this property of coffee can also cause a number of problems, such as gastric emptying. The effect of coffee on gastric emptying. . Then all the contents of the stomach enter the small intestine before the food is completely broken down and digested. The nutrients from such food simply do not have time to be absorbed, and this can lead to intestinal inflammation.

Coffee contains carcinogens

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When coffee beans are roasted at high temperatures, they can form acrylamides. These substances are considered carcinogenic and genotoxic by EFSA publications report on monitoring and exposure assessment of acrylamide.

Although dangerous levels of acrylamides are found in a variety of foods, coffee is a major source of these substances. The darker the roasted coffee beans, the more acrylamides they contain.

Coffee makes it difficult for platelets to work

Platelets are blood cells produced in the bone marrow. They help stop bleeding by clogging the damaged vessel.

In 2008, researchers studied the effects of coffee and caffeine on platelets. Study participants drank coffee or caffeine capsules and water. Those who drank coffee had a decreased ability of platelets to stick together. Effect of coffee drinking on platelets: inhibition of aggregation and phenols incorporation. . And in those who received only caffeine, the properties of platelets did not change.

It turns out that decaffeinated coffee will not solve this problem. And it can lead to serious consequences for those who suffer from anemia or other diseases associated with blood clotting.

Coffee may reduce the chance of pregnancy

According to researchers from the University of Nevada at Reno, fallopian tube activity is reduced in those who regularly consume caffeine. Inhibitory effect of caffeine on pacemaker activity in the oviduct is mediated by cAMP-regulated conductances. . These tubes transport eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. A study conducted on mice found similar problems in rodents that were given caffeine.

Coffee increases cholesterol levels

Cholesterol is a fatty substance necessary for the production of hormones and other substances important for the body. But if too much of it is released, it gets deposited in the arteries. And this leads to various problems with the heart and blood pressure.

Coffee contains a cholesterol-raising substance called cafestol. One study found that five cups of French press coffee contained 30 mg of cafestol. Effects of cafestol and kahweol from coffee grounds on serum lipids and serum liver enzymes in humans. . If you drink five cups of coffee a day for four weeks, your blood cholesterol levels will rise by 6-8%.

Paper filters used in the coffee brewing process will help protect yourself from cafestol. They will hold up most of the cafestol.

Coffee may cause osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a bone disease in which bones lose their density and become honeycomb-like. It is especially dangerous for older people.

Calcium is essential for bone health, and caffeine reduces calcium absorption. With every cup we drink, we lose about 4-6 mg of calcium. Caffeine and the calcium economy revisited. . According to scientists, caffeine increases the rate of bone loss in elderly women and interacts with vitamin D receptor genotypes. .

Coffee makes us crave sweets

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Caffeine increases cravings for fruit juices, sodas and other sugary drinks (which are addictive in their own right). This was confirmed by a randomized controlled study conducted by Australian scientists. Caffeine increases sugar-sweetened beverage consumption in a free-living population. .

Study participants were divided into two groups: some drank caffeinated drinks for several days, and others did not. The researchers then analyzed the participants' diets. It turned out that participants in the first group drank 419 ml of sweet drinks per day, while participants in the second drank only 273 ml.

Coffee reduces iron absorption

Iron is necessary for the production of hemoglobin. This protein, which is part of blood cells, carries oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body. Even if your diet is rich in iron or you take a supplement, your body will be less able to absorb iron if you drink coffee. Just 150–250 ml of coffee will reduce iron absorption by 35% Effect of different drinks on the absorption of non-heme iron from composite meals. .

Coffee can cause mastopathy

With this disease, lumps form in the mammary glands, which increase in size and hurt during menstruation. The exact cause of the disease has not yet been established; scientists suggest that it is related to hormones. According to one clinical study, in women who consume 30 to 250 mg of caffeine per day, the risk of mastopathy increases by 1.5 times. Caffeine Consumption and Fibrocystic Breast Disease. .

Coffee irritates the gastrointestinal tract

For those who suffer from gastritis, ulcers or intestinal problems, doctors advise giving up coffee altogether. It is quite possible that he led to the occurrence of these diseases.

One of the causes of ulcers is the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. Coffee, due to its acidity, corrodes the mucous membrane of the stomach, and this creates a favorable environment for bacteria. Of course, a strong immune system can protect against this, but not always.

Coffee can also cause serious harm to the lining of the small intestine. You may get cramps, colic, constipation or diarrhea.

Coffee increases anxiety and stress

Coffee stimulates the production of adrenaline, norepinephrine and cortisol. These hormones trigger the body's fight-or-flight response. This seems like a good thing because we will feel alert and full of energy. Only too much of this energy is produced, so we begin to twitch and get nervous.

This happens because caffeine blocks the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This neurotransmitter is involved in inhibition processes in the central nervous system. It relieves us of anxious thoughts. When GABA is not released, we experience stress.

Coffee may increase the risk of miscarriage

Researchers from the National Institutes of Health and Ohio State University analyzed observational data from 500 couples. Scientists have looked at the relationship between the presence of chemicals in the environment, the lifestyle of parents and their fertility.

It turned out that the risk of miscarriage was higher if both partners drank more than two cups of any caffeine drink per day in the weeks before conception. Couples' pre-pregnancy caffeine consumption linked to miscarriage risk. . The risk of miscarriage also increased if women drank coffee in the first seven weeks of pregnancy.

Coffee increases blood pressure

You may have high blood pressure for years, but you may not know it. But even if symptoms are not noticeable, the blood vessels and heart are still damaged, and this can lead to serious consequences (stroke or heart attack).

Italian researchers analyzed data from more than 1,200 patients aged 18 to 45 years with first-degree hypertension. Those who drink a lot of coffee are at risk of developing high blood pressure (the risk increases fourfold) Coffee consumption and risk of cardiovascular events in hypertensive patients. . For those who drink moderate amounts of coffee, the risk increases threefold.

Coffee can cause incontinence

Researchers from the University of Alabama found that coffee has a relaxing effect on the bladder. Caffeine and urinary inconsistency in US women. . Consuming more than 200 mg of caffeine per day leads to urinary incontinence.

Desserts are made from coffee berries

Coffee beans are widely used in preparing and decorating desserts.
Despite the fact that coffee is considered a drink, many people prefer to consume dry roasted beans. Some companies have turned this taste craze to their own benefit - flour is prepared from coffee residues, used for making sweets, desserts, and baking bread.

Flavorings are often added to such baked goods. Sweets with the aroma of fruits, berries and the taste of coffee are a gourmet dish, especially if served with a cup of an invigorating drink with milk or cream.

What is caffeine?

Caffeine is a psychostimulant alkaloid found in coffee beans, tea leaves and kola nuts. Scientists have long proven the fact that caffeine has a strong stimulating effect on the human central nervous system.

Caffeine is often used as a stimulant. It is able to increase mental and physical activity. In addition, in reasonable doses, caffeine relieves fatigue. However, the effect of this alkaloid for each person is purely individual and depends on the state of the nervous system.

Many people attribute caffeine to drugs. However, this is not so, because scientists have not been able to find a serious physical and psychological dependence on caffeine. Yes, addiction is possible, but giving up an invigorating drink will not be difficult if you do it gradually. Don't forget that tea also contains caffeine. Therefore, giving up coffee in favor of tea will not change your situation in any way.

Coffee made from feces is not for everyone

Grains fermented by the animal's digestive system to suit everyone's taste.
and not many people can afford Kopi Luwak - coffee that has undergone long-term processing, not thermal, but natural. The grains are fermented by the digestive system of an animal similar to the common house cat, the civet cat.

The animal feeds only on coffee berries, which pass through the digestive tract. The grains do not split and are not digested - the berries are collected along with the droppings, cleaned, and washed. The final stage of processing is drying.

Naturally processed coffee is quite expensive - about one and a half thousand dollars per kilogram. The drink is not for everyone - it has a specific taste, with some oiliness.

The elite and expensive variety of coffee “Black Tusk” is fermented in the stomach of an elephant

Competition Kopi Luwaku - grains that have been fermented in the stomach of an elephant. “Black Tusk” is an elite coffee variety. After elephants eat plant material, the feces are thoroughly washed, the berries are soaked for several hours and washed. The taste of the drink is reminiscent of tea - there is no specific bitterness, notes of expensive tobacco, dates, and cocoa are felt in the aroma. The cost of a sachet is 35 g. – 80-90 dollars.

Benefit for health

Coffee in moderation reduces the risk of heart disease and cancer
Regardless of the variety, coffee in moderation is considered healthy, but only if there are no contraindications. The aromatic liquid reduces the risk of developing heart disease and oncology. Some substances contained in the drink improve the functioning of internal organs and systems and have rejuvenating properties.

Regular consumption of coffee (no more than three cups per day) maintains blood sugar levels and prevents the development of diabetes. The drink also has a beneficial effect on the skin and hair - it improves color, structure, and protects against external negative factors.

History of coffee

The word "coffee" comes from a region in Ethiopia called Kaffa. It was there that coffee trees were discovered, the beans of which had such a strange effect on the goats that ate them that the shepherds, noticing the difference in the behavior of the animals, also tried the coffee beans and felt their invigorating effect. According to legend, this is how the tonic effect of coffee was discovered. Coffee was known to nomads passing through Ethiopia three thousand years ago. Coffee was first cultivated in the 7th century in the territory of modern Yemen.

They tried to process coffee beans in different ways. The grains were boiled raw, crushed and mixed into food. They tried to make tinctures with water from freshly harvested beans, and boiled the dried white pulp of the coffee fruit; this drink was called geshir or kishr, the so-called Yemeni coffee. When the Ethiopians were driven out of their ancestral lands by the Arabs, the habit of drinking coffee passed on to the new inhabitants of these lands. Coffee beans were still ground raw, mixed with fat or other ingredients, made into balls and taken on the road as a tonic. It was quite an interesting dish - after all, unroasted coffee fruits contained the same substances as any nuts, but also caffeine. Such food could both feed and invigorate on long journeys through the deserts of Arabia.

But all these early tests cannot be compared with the taste of roasted and crushed grains. Or rather, with the taste of a drink made from this powder. Only after several centuries of experiments began to roast coffee beans, grind them into powder and prepare an aromatic drink. Some sources claim that roasting coffee beans began in the 11th century in Yemen. Inventive Arabs began to prepare coffee by adding ginger, cinnamon and other spices. They were the first to mix black coffee with milk.

In the mid-15th century, coffee came to Turkey. The residents of Constantinople liked this drink so much that a few years later the world's first coffee shop opened there. Coffee became so widespread in the East that clergymen, seeing that believers spent more time in coffee shops than in churches praying, cursed this drink in the name of the prophet. In Mecca in 1511, a decree was issued prohibiting the consumption of coffee anywhere and promising severe punishment to anyone who dared disobey. Despite the strict ban, coffee was still drunk, and over time the church began to take a calmer attitude towards it. However, in the 16th century, the widespread coffee mania in Turkey began to worry the authorities, who believed that coffee loosens tongues, and unwanted conversations about politics spread from every coffee shop. Coffee shops were closed, coffee became illegal, and coffee drinkers were executed by being sewn into coffee bags and thrown into the sea. During the reign of Sultan Mohammed IV, sophisticated executions were invented for coffee lovers.

With the advent of the art of preparing a drink from coffee beans, places where such a drink is prepared in public have appeared in many countries. Coffee houses gradually evolved from a simple hut where they brew coffee to the chicly furnished and cozy Istanbul and Damascus coffee houses, where, in addition to a cup of coffee, you could comfortably sit on mats or sofas for a pleasant conversation, a game of chess or cards. The first coffee shop appeared in Damascus in 1530, 2 years later in Algeria and in 1554 in Istanbul. It is known that this coffee shop was opened by two Syrian merchants, calling it “The Circle of Thinkers.” There is a version that bridge was born in the depths of coffee shops in Istanbul. A coffee shop is a meeting place where coffee is the occasion and mediator, a pleasant connection between conversation and a warm, friendly meeting. Businesses were decided, deals were made, and disagreements were settled in coffee shops. This inner world of coffee shops was transferred to Europe, and the image of the coffee shop as a meeting place was transferred to the "café", where coffee, among other numerous dishes, is still the reason for meeting.

Coffee came to Russia from Turkey. This is evidenced by the word Turka or cezva - the vessel in which Turkish coffee is prepared. But in the Middle Ages, the bitter drink did not take root in Rus'. In the 18th century, it gradually appeared among the nobles and those close to Peter I. It was he who brought the habit of drinking coffee from Europe and even insisted on drinking it, believing that coffee helps in solving public affairs and increases the agility of the mind. The first coffee house appeared in Russia in 1740, and a little later coffee houses and numerous shops and stores selling coffee appeared. In Russia, increased interest in coffee has arisen several times. Once again this happened after 1812, when coffee began to be drunk everywhere and this activity was considered a sign of good manners. In 1884, after the famous coffee exhibition, namely the Brazilian stand, where more than 1000 varieties of coffee were presented, and where you could see the roasting process with your own eyes and even taste home-made coffee, the demand for coffee increased.

Coffee is a heat-loving plant that grows exclusively in the hottest latitudes: in the equatorial zone in Africa, India, Brazil and Chile, as well as in the Middle East. The best taste of the drink is obtained from beans grown at an altitude of more than 2000 m above sea level. Such high mountain plantations produce the most expensive and elite varieties of coffee. In fairly cool mountainous areas, coffee ripens slowly and the harvest can only be harvested once a year, while on lowland plantations up to 4 harvests are harvested, and in fact coffee bears fruit all year round. Coffee trees in the wild reach 9 meters in height. Their almost horizontal branches are covered with dark green leaves 30 cm long, which are renewed every 5 years. Coffee plantations grow trees that are modest in size but more fruitful.

There are four main varieties of coffee trees in the world, and therefore their fruits. These are Arabica, Robusta, Excelia and Liberica. Arabica trees reach 5-6 meters in height. The fruits ripen unevenly over 6-8 months and are collected by hand. Arabica beans are grown in the homeland of coffee, Ethiopia. Moreover, more than half of the coffee collected comes from wild trees. Today, 200-250 thousand tons of coffee are harvested in Ethiopia per year, less than half of which is exported, and the rest goes to the country’s internal needs. The most famous varieties of Ethiopian coffee - Harar and Jimma - despite their not very attractive appearance, have an exquisite aroma and a full bouquet.

Instant coffee appeared more than a century ago - in 1901. The recipe for its production was developed by an American chemist of Japanese origin, Satori Kato. At first, the new drink was unflavoured and completely tasteless, but over time people began to get used to this “drink of the lazy.” It was especially well appreciated by soldiers during the First World War. European soldiers brewed it right in the trench or in small camps, which they could use to cheer themselves up on the long autumn and winter days. In subsequent years, the recipe for instant coffee was refined many times, and in the late 30s, coffee of acceptable quality was obtained in Switzerland, which again became widespread among soldiers during the Second World War. After the war, the habit became stronger. This was especially noticeable among American soldiers, who included instant coffee in their rations.

In the mid-20th century, a new method of preparing coffee gave the drink new life. Espresso - or coffee made using a coffee machine - is an invention of the Italians. The first coffee machines were invented at the end of the 19th century and patented in 1901 by Milanese engineer Luigi Bezzera. The basic principle of such machines is that boiling water under pressure is passed through finely ground coffee powder, creating a water press. The taste of this drink is very rich, servings are usually 30 grams. The coffee machine has firmly taken up residence in coffee shops, cafes and small eateries, as well as in other places, including private apartments. Coffee preparation has been simplified to the limit while maintaining the quality of the drink. Espresso coffee has become a truly democratic drink. Of course, the taste, aroma, density and other characteristics of the finished drink depend on the type of coffee being loaded, the intensity of roasting, the degree of grinding and the quality of water, but nevertheless, making coffee “like in that coffee shop on the corner” has become much easier.

When preparing coffee and enjoying this wonderful drink, we must not forget about health. Everything we eat or drink should be joyful and beneficial. So, coffee contains caffeine, so you should be careful about the amount of coffee you drink. Be moderate! People who abuse coffee may become dependent on coffee, or rather on caffeine, and will no longer be able to spend a day without their usual cup, otherwise they will simply be tormented by headaches and lethargy with drowsiness in the morning. Caffeine has a bad effect on the course of heart disease and, of course, too much or very strong coffee can sooner or later undermine even the healthiest heart. Don't joke about it. Coffee should not be drunk on an empty stomach. In this case, it accelerates the appearance of gastritis or exacerbation of old gastritis and ulcers. It is advisable to drink coffee at the end of breakfast, even a modest one. Coffee stains tooth enamel and teeth become yellowish. This in itself does not lead to caries, but it does add problems. You should brush your teeth thoroughly after every drink of coffee. Coffee has a diuretic and laxative effect, remember this.

As for the benefits of coffee, researchers say that drinking it in moderation reduces the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, type 2 diabetes and cirrhosis of the liver. The aroma of coffee stimulates the appetite and increases the sensitivity of the senses. That's why jars of coffee can be seen on the shelves of perfume stores.

Coffee Recipes

Traditional Arabic coffee

Ingredients (1 serving):

1 teaspoon ground coffee, 1 cup water.

Preparation:

Pour water into the Turk and bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Add coffee, stir until foam appears, and put back on the fire. As soon as the foam begins to rise, pour in 1 teaspoon of cold water and turn off the heat. Pour into cups.

Turkish coffee

Ingredients (1 serving):

1 teaspoon finely ground coffee, 1 teaspoon sugar, salt, cup of water.

Preparation:

Pour a mixture of coffee and sugar into the Turk or mix directly in it. Add a little salt. Pour cold water over the thoroughly mixed mixture and place on low heat. When the foam rises, place a small piece of ice in the Turk and remove from heat. Let it brew for a couple of minutes and pour into cups. It is customary before spilling to carefully remove the foam by placing it in a separate cup, and then put it back into the already poured cup.

New Orleans style coffee

Ingredients (for 4 servings):

3 tbsp. spoons of ground coffee, 1 tbsp. a spoonful of ground chicory, 100 ml of milk.

Preparation:

Mix coffee with chicory and prepare it according to the classic recipe. Heat the milk and pour into cups. Pour the finished coffee over the milk in a thin stream.

Cold coffee

Ingredients (2 servings):

2 teaspoons coffee, sugar, ice, 2 cups water.

Preparation:

Brew coffee according to the classic recipe. Let cool. Fill a shaker with ice and coffee, add sugar to taste. Mix until the ice turns into crumbs and the drink takes on a milky hue. Pour into glasses. An interesting result is obtained with espresso!

Mocha

Ingredients (for 6 servings):

5 glasses of milk, 2.5 glasses of strong brewed coffee, 3 tbsp. spoons of vanilla sugar, 100 g of dark chocolate, 23 cups of whipped cream, 6 cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, sugar.

Preparation:

Pour 3 cups of milk into a saucepan and place it over low heat, but do not bring to a boil. Combine the coffee and the remaining 2 cups of milk in a separate glass fireproof container like a jug, add a little sugar. Add vanilla sugar to the milk that was left at the beginning of cooking and bring it to a boil, reduce the flame and add chocolate, broken into small pieces. Stirring gently, “dilute” the chocolate in the milk. Pour the resulting chocolate milk into a glass container and whisk until rich foam appears. Serve in tall glasses, topped with whipped cream, a cinnamon stick, and a sprinkle of nutmeg.

Coffee in Russian

The recipe is of Italian origin, so the name can be treated leniently. As they say, not everything that comes with vodka is Russian. The portion of vodka can be reduced or replaced with any other alcoholic drink.

Ingredients (1 serving):

a cup of coffee, a glass of vodka, cream.

Preparation:

Prepare coffee, pour vodka into it. Stir. Pour hot cream and coffee with vodka into a warmed cup.

Coffee grog

Ingredients (6 servings):

500 ml rum, 100 ml cognac, 50 ml sugar syrup, 500 ml coffee infusion, lemon.

Preparation:

Pour hot coffee into a jug, add cognac, then rum, sugar syrup and mix gently. Pour into porcelain cups. Add lemon to each.

Black coffee from Swahili

Ingredients (4 servings):

2 cups of water, 5 teaspoons of freshly ground coffee, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 0.5 teaspoon of cardamom, 0.5 teaspoon of ginger, cloves, grains or sugar.
Preparation:
Pour all the spices into boiling water and cook for 15 minutes, then add coffee and sugar and cook for another 5 minutes. Turn off the heat, wait until the sediment settles to the bottom, and pour into cups.

Coffee with vanilla ice cream

Ingredients (4 servings):

220 ml of cooled, strong brewed coffee, 400 g of vanilla ice cream.

Preparation:

Pour the coffee into the container, add the ice cream and beat with a blender until a homogeneous mass with thick foam appears. Pour into cups. Use immediately.

Olga Borodina

Help of coffee in treatment

Coffee protects muscles and promotes the restoration of heart cells even after a heart attack.
Numerous studies of berries have proven that plant materials contain elements that can improve health and promote healing! The effectiveness of the therapy prescribed by your doctor can be easily increased with several cups of drink a day.

Coffee contains substances that increase acidity in the stomach. Thanks to this quality, medications are quickly broken down and absorbed into the walls of the digestive tract, beginning to work much more efficiently. The main thing is not to self-medicate - some medications do not combine with caffeine. It is better to first consult with a specialist. Another prohibition is not to take the tablets with coffee. Consume your favorite nectar an hour and a half after taking medications.

What is the secret of coffee?

The popularity of the drink was primarily due to its special properties, which quickly became known to doctors and allowed them to prescribe coffee as a medicine:

• improves attention, memory and mood,
• increases concentration when a person is tired,
• effective in the fight against headaches, especially migraines,
• useful in the fight against hypotension, as it increases blood pressure,
• has a strong diuretic effect.

National ancient currency - coffee berries

In countries where coffee is grown and produced for hundreds of years, coffee beans are considered almost an analogue of national currency.
Many ancient states used coffee fruits as money. To distinguish the different denominations of the berries, they were painted in bright colors, each of which had its own value. The paints used were natural, durable - once painted grain retained its color for many years.

Prosperity was demonstrated in an interesting way - the most expensive berries were used to make necklaces with which the richest people adorned themselves. Thieves often took advantage of this; there were even entire gangs that specialized in stealing coffee jewelry.

Coffee – amulet and talisman

Enchanted bitter seeds are reliable protection for a newborn child, they believe in Uganda.
Uganda is the country that founded one interesting belief. Residents of the country believe that coffee berries can protect against the evil eye, damage, and ill-wishers. The main thing in the amulet is to combine the components correctly. In addition to coffee, spices and sweet herbs are used. Bitter grains are mixed with other ingredients, sewn into small linen bags, and dried for several weeks in direct sunlight. Fragrant amulets hung around the house are reliable protection that applies to all residents.

Coffee berries are also used to make amulets for newborns. In Uganda, it is believed that a born baby does not have a patron, so parents have to take on the role of his protector from ill-wishers. Enchanted bitter seeds are a reliable shield for a child, protecting him from the evil eye.

Secrets of instant coffee

When the caffeine fraction is extracted from coffee, the outer shell of the grain is removed. This part goes to medications, caffeine and caffeine-containing drinks (for example, citramon, energy drinks, and so on).

The inner shell of the grain is used to produce instant and granulated coffee.

An interesting fact that makes you think. The Americans are trying to push through a law so that all cans of granulated coffee should be labeled “decaffeinated coffee . Some manufacturers are already writing.

In fact, any granulated or instant coffee contains from 5% to 10% caffeine fractions. As a rule, you do not feel any invigorating effect, blood pressure does not increase, and after this coffee you want to sleep .

You should drink instant coffee in the evening (closer to the night) - you will sleep better. That's the whole effect.

Coffee is a powerful weapon against excess weight

Coffee helps break down fatty tissues and tighten the skin, which is important for those losing weight.
Few people know, but caffeine is a substance that reduces appetite. Regular consumption of coffee will help those losing weight - your favorite nectar will eliminate cravings for sweets and unhealthy foods, and will help you to snack without fear while walking past the refrigerator. Another quality of the bitter liquid is the breakdown of fatty tissues and tightening of the skin. The results of regular consumption of a cup of drink are a slim figure.

Nutritionists suggest increasing the effectiveness of coffee - adjusting the diet, engaging in simple sports. A combination of proper nutrition, coffee nectar, and exercise will allow you to lose 3-4 kg of excess weight in a week.

Proper preparation of coffee drink

To ensure a particularly rich taste and aroma, you need to grind the coffee beans immediately before brewing.
Over the years, many rules have emerged related to the preparation of bitter, invigorating nectar. The National Coffee Association, located in the United States, suggests familiarizing yourself with the main secrets and using them at home:

• Before brewing coffee, be sure to inspect the equipment and containers - the remains of old beans will give the freshly brewed drink a bitter, musty taste;
• grind the coffee berries just before brewing - a day is enough for the aroma to begin to rapidly disappear along with the beneficial qualities;
• use distilled, filtered water for cooking;
• Heat the liquid to only 90 degrees - you should not boil the drink, the taste decreases, the persistent aroma disappears, and useful elements evaporate.

Be sure to follow the chosen recipe. To prepare espresso, half a minute is usually enough; if you are preparing a cold brew drink, you will have to infuse your favorite nectar for up to 10 hours.

Coffee beans never cease to amaze – every year new interesting facts and information appear related to these aromatic berries, revered throughout the world. While enjoying an invigorating cup of your favorite drink, you should remember that everything should be in moderation, otherwise the beneficial qualities of coffee will not be able to fully manifest themselves.