Benefits of Coffee That You Probably Did Not Know About | Foodies worldwide flock to Asia not only for its pristine beaches, rich culture, and life-changing experiences. This part of the globe is also home to some of the best coffees in the caffeine-addicted world. Here are some advice for the coffee drinkers.
From Vietnam’s Cà Phê Sũ’a Nóng to Indonesia’s Kopi Luwak, Thailand’s Oliang, and the Philippine’s Kapeng Barako, there is a coffee drink that can surprise even the most discriminating taste buds. After all, seven of the world’s top 25 coffee-producing countries are in Asia.
Asian coffee has distinct flavors that set it apart from its South American and African counterparts. For example, Philippine coffee – a variant of Liberica – has a unique smoky taste, fruity and floral notes, and a full-body that many coffee lovers find exotic.
On the other hand, Vietnamese coffee is quite different because of its slow roasting and brewing process. Their coffee has an espresso’s rich crema and the full and thick body of drip coffee. Coffee beans grown in Indonesia, Malaysia, Laos, and China also offer distinct flavors that coffee enthusiasts find pleasing.
Apart from the exotic tastes unique in this region, Asian coffee provides many benefits that gourmands look for in their beverage. After all, people have been drinking coffee for ages because of the good things it can do for them.
The good news is that these benefits are no longer based on anecdotes and hearsays. Now, there are countless studies that support coffee’s many physiological and psychological effects.
For example, coffee contains antioxidants that many people in the west find reassuring in their quest for youthful aging. Numerous studies identify a number of oxidation-busting compounds in coffee, including n-coumaric acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, and chlorogenic acid. Research also shows the roasting process can also form phenylalanines, compounds with high antioxidant activity.
Coffee’s antioxidant properties can bring various benefits to people. Not only do they feel younger. They also experience fewer inflammatory symptoms, while protecting themselves against colorectal and liver cancer.
While it is true that coffee can induce palpitations, science shows that the increase in blood pressure is lower than when people exercise. A cup of Joe will only elevate blood pressure by three to four millimeters Mercury. Hence, if you have a blood pressure of 120/80, you may have a 124/82 BP reading after downing coffee. Moreover, the effects typically wear off in several minutes.
There is also evidence refuting claims that coffee can increase heart disease risk. On the contrary, modest amounts of coffee can lower the risk of heart diseases, especially among women.
Whether it is for heart health or stroke prevention, coffee is a healthy drink. It makes people happy by reducing their risk of getting depressed, while also improving their mood. It is not surprising why Asians are some of the happiest people on Earth. A daily dose of coffee is all they need to always look on the bright side.
People with an increased predisposition to Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease can also take advantage of coffee’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Evidence shows a remarkable reduction in the risk of these health conditions.
It can also lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes while improving stamina, cognitive functions, and physical performance.
With so many benefits coffee provides, there is no doubt it is one of the superfoods enjoyed worldwide.
The good news is that enterprising and creative people are always looking for newer ways to unleash coffee’s potent health-giving properties. Today, Asians and the world community can enjoy their coffee not only in fascinating beverages. They can also get their caffeine kick from coffee-infused savory dishes and sweets.
Coffee makes the world a more interesting place to live in, empowering people to be at their best. If you want to learn more about the benefits of coffee in greater detail, here’s an infographic from Cuppabean.
