What is Coffee?

Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages in the world, second only to water. The coffee plant originated in Ethiopia and was discovered during the 9th century. Legend has it that a goat herder discovered the coffee tree when his goats began to eat the red berries it produced. After noticing an apparent increase in their energy, he decided to try for himself and eventually shared his findings with a local monastery. They found that boiling the fruits whole resulted in a brew too bitter to be enjoyed. However, when just the seeds (aka beans) were roasted, tasty and invigorating coffee was born.

Benefits of Coffee

Coffee has been heavily studied, especially over the last several decades, and results have linked moderate consumption (three to four cups per day) to an overall longer lifespan and many other more specific health advantages. Aside from the caffeine as a stimulant, coffee is also high in polyphenols (antioxidants), which are a big reason its physical and mental benefits are so far-reaching. Coffee also contains several important nutrients including riboflavin, manganese, potassium, magnesium and niacin. Coffee is believed to:

• Protect the liver
• Support cognitive function
• Fight depression
• Lower inflammation
• Lower risk of Alzheimer’s