A Cup of Coffee for Good Health
Coffee Bean market is growing due to an increase in consumption by the younger population, it is the most popular beverage around the world with a billion cup of coffee consumed daily. The coffee bean is extracted from the coffee plant and it is the source of coffee. Coffee is technically not beans but is referred to as beans due to its resemblance to true beans. The fruits of coffee consist of 2 beans side by side and its main parts are the silver skin, Parchment, Pulp and the outer skin or pericarp. Coffee bean consists of natural compounds such as amino acids (proteins), carbohydrates, fiber, minerals, antioxidants, caffeine, and pectin. The amount of caffeine depends upon the coffee bean size and its weight. When coffee beans are roasted for a shorter period of time they are called “light roast” and it contains more caffeine whereas when coffee is roasted for a longer period like “dark roast” they become lighter and contains less caffeine. Coffees are graded on the basis of their size and coffee size is affected by its elevation and type. There are over 120 varieties of coffee beans and plants that are grown today. But the only small number of these varieties of coffee makes up the mass coffee production and consumption in the world.
Arabica Coffee
Arabica beans are found in Yemen, Ethiopia, and South Sudan where they have been grown and cultivated since the 12TH century and currently, Arabica beans are grown all over the world like Africa, Latin America, Asia, and in the Caribbean. Arabica coffees are the oldest and most dominant species of coffee and are majorly represent the world’s coffee production and consumption. This in return drives the coffee bean market to a larger extent. Arabica Coffee requires 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit temperature for growth and they are grown mostly in high altitude areas. Arabica coffee beans are expensive because they require intense cultivation labor, they are flat and stretched out and are highly susceptible to pests and diseases.
Robusta Coffee
Robusta coffee is found in Western and Central Africa grown in countries like Ethiopia, Tanzania, Liberia, and Angola and nowadays are even grown in Brazil, Indonesia, Vietnam, and India. Robusta coffee is less consumed as compared to Arabica coffee around the world. Robusta coffee requires between 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit temperature for growth and is mostly grown in lower altitude areas. Robusta coffee consists of more caffeine making it bitter in nature and is mostly used in espressos due to its strong more caffeine. Robusta plants are generally tougher and more resilient than Arabica plants, using a fewer amount of herbicides, pesticides.
Benefits of Coffee Beans: –
- Coffee reduces the risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Drinking caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee on a regular basis can potentially reduce type 2 diabetics. Antioxidants such as CGA found in coffee beans help in keeping insulin levels even.
- Reduces risk of heart and Parkinson’s disease
Caffeine helps in preventing disturbance or irregularities in heart rhythm and also reduces the risk of stroke. Coffee even helps in preventing certain cardiovascular problems like heart failure. Caffeine present in coffee helps in reducing Parkinson’s by stopping the nerve cells that produce dopamine from dying.
- Lowers Skin Cancer and other Cancers risk
Coffee can help in reducing skin cancer and now it has even been found that it can prevent other cancers like liver and prostate cancer. People who drink coffee are less likely to develop cancer than those individuals who don’t.
- Helps in speeding up Metabolism
Coffee helps in speeding up metabolism as coffee gets quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and increases the heart rate. It even helps in reducing the depression as it acts as a mild antidepressant by boosting feel-good neurotransmitters in the brain making us feel good mentally.
- Helps in making skin smoother and stimulate hair growth
The coffee ground can help in stimulating hair growth by messaging scalp with coffee grounds and it also helps the skin as caffeine improves blood flow. Coffee bean and coconut oil mixed together can help in scrubbing dry skin. Coffee is also a great and cheap exfoliator.
Various Uses of Coffee Beans: –
- Use of Coffee in Food and Beverage Industry
Usage of the coffee bean is increasing in specialty cafes which offer beans of best flavor which are produced in microclimates. Specialty coffee is related to the Third Wave of Coffee. It refers to the modern demand for exceptional quality coffee, both farmed and brewed to a significantly higher than average standard. Coffee beans are used in muffins, cakes, cookies, and other various supplements. An increase in coffee consumption has given rise to coffee-flavored beverages and Espresso flavor is gaining popularity due to its strong and bold taste. Coffee beans benefit is driving the food and beverage industry.
- Use of coffee in Pharmaceutical Industry
coffee plants are used for influenza, anemia, edema, asthenia and rage, hepatitis and liver troubles, externally for nervous shock, as a stimulant for sleepiness and drunkenness, as an antitussive in flu and lung ailment, as a cardiotonic and a neuro tonic and for asthmas. Coffee is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry due to the presence of a higher level of chlorogenic acid as it helps in reducing the blood pressure and weight. Chlorogenic acid present in green coffee helps in lowering blood sugar levels, improves mood, and helps with infections.
- Use of Coffee in Personal Care
Coffee is a rich source of antioxidants and it helps in increasing skin elasticity, retains hydration, single tissue repair, and protects the skin from harsh sun rays. Coffee skin products are used as it helps in removing dirt, oil, and impurities, it is suitable for all types of skin. Skincare products like masks help in cleansing skin and minimizing pores. Coffee based hair care products provide benefits like prevention of hair fall and hair loss, improvement and strengthening of hair texture, and improve blood circulation in the scalp.
