The Benefits and Properties of Coffee – How to Brew the Perfect Cup
Coffee is such a beloved drink that only water surpasses it in global consumption. If you pour a little passion into your coffee routine, here are the secrets hidden in every cup and how you can best enjoy it.
General Information
For many people, coffee is both a delight and a stimulant. Over the years, the craving for coffee has opened trade routes, connected cultures, and energized city life. Often seen as a guilty pleasure, coffee – when consumed without sugar, milk, or creamers – can offer many health benefits for the brain and body.
Rich in antioxidants and nutrients, this aromatic beverage supports the nervous and cardiovascular systems. As long as you limit yourself to 3–4 cups per day, coffee can improve both mental and physical well-being – and even your social life. After all, many great friendships and romances begin over coffee.
The History of Coffee
Stories about coffee’s origins are as rich and varied as its aromas. One legend speaks of the people of Kaffa in Ethiopia, who discovered coffee’s energizing effects 900 years ago. Another tells of Kaldi, a shepherd who noticed his goats became lively after eating red berries from a certain tree. In Yemen, a story survives about Sheikh Omar, who discovered the miraculous effects of the roasted beans.
The first documented use of coffee dates to the 15th century, in Yemen, where Sufi Muslims used it to stay awake during rituals. Coffee spread through the Arab world, reaching Persia, Turkey, and Africa, and eventually Europe in the 17th century. Although initially seen with suspicion, it gained popularity after Pope Clement VIII gave it his blessing. British ships took it to the New World, where New Amsterdam (now New York) embraced it fully.
Popular Brewing Methods
Filtered Coffee
Invented in 1870, this method is still a favorite at home and in cafés. Use 12 grams of coffee per 200 ml of water. Brew below boiling temperature for 3–3.5 minutes for the best flavor.
Turkish Coffee
Robusta beans, with higher caffeine content and bitterness, are often used for this method. For 100 ml of water, use 2–4 teaspoons of coffee. Dissolve sugar in water first, then stir in the grounds. Heat slowly, and once the foam rises and darkens in the center, it’s ready to pour.
Espresso
Originating in early 20th-century Italy, espresso is brewed under high pressure in about 30 seconds. It’s ideal to grind fresh beans just before brewing. Espresso can be enjoyed plain or used as the base for drinks like cappuccino or latte.
Nutritional Value & Properties
Coffee is a top source of antioxidants, with 210 mg of polyphenols per 100 ml. A 150 ml cup contains no more than 80 calories—if no sugar or cream is added. It contains caffeine, tannins, xanthines, citric and chlorogenic acids, and other compounds beneficial to health.
Precautions
Despite its benefits, too much coffee can lead to dehydration, anxiety, and disrupted sleep. High consumption may affect fertility in women and should be avoided by those with anxiety or depression. Always drink in moderation.
Health Benefits
- Improves focus, memory, and energy
- Speeds up metabolism – aids in weight loss
- Rich in B2, B3, B5 vitamins, magnesium, and potassium
- Reduces risk of type 2 diabetes
- Lowers the chance of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s
- May prevent liver and cervical cancers
- Improves heart and brain health
Alternative Uses
Even after your last sip, coffee continues to offer value. Used grounds can repel insects and fertilize gardens. Spread them in storage areas or soil to enrich your vegetables and plants.
Ultimately, coffee is history, social connector, nutritional supplement, and a daily ritual. Most of all, it’s a sensory experience you owe yourself—to fully taste life.