What Is Coffee Bean And Why Is Everyone Dissing It

What Are Coffee Beans?

The coffee beans that are used to brew coffee are actually seeds of a berry called the coffee cherry. The coffee plant is perennial, meaning that it will return year after year.

Coffee beans are high in concentrations of specific compounds - including caffeine, and should be consumed in moderation. Learn more about this renowned seed.

Origin

The seeds that are roasted from the coffee plant are used to create a brewed beverage called coffee. The beans are among the most well-known and lucrative international commodities. The coffee plants are evergreen, woody plants that thrive in tropical climates. Most of the world's coffee is produced in the Bean Belt, which includes the areas surrounding the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn.

The most widely-known myth of coffee's beginnings starts with the goat herder Kaldi in Ethiopia. He discovered that the bright red berries that came from certain coffee plants stimulated his goats. Kaldi shared his findings with an abbot of a nearby monastery, who made drinks with the berries. The energizing effect of the berries are spread throughout the monastery.

Currently coffee beans are made by two major varieties of Coffea plants: Arabica and Robusta. Robusta is mostly found in Africa and Indonesia and is generally cheaper than arabica. There are many smaller varieties that are a combination of arabica & robusta. These beans are called Peaberries and have a more flavorful taste than standard beans.

When roasting, beans lose their moisture, which could result in them becoming stale and bitter. To avoid this, it's important to use only fresh, premium beans for your coffee.

Flavor

The bean's variety, climate and processing method can influence the four elements of taste - acidity and bitterness as well as sweetness and saltiness. These components can be used in a variety ways to create various flavor profiles that range from sweet fruity to nutty, and even smoky.

When coffee beans are heated they react with amino acids in the seeds, resulting in hundreds of aromatic compounds that impact the flavor profile of coffee beans. This process is known as the Maillard Reaction and it is the same chemical reaction that happens in all cooking. The result is that the flavor of roasted coffee is a reflection of these compounds.

The Maillard Reaction is responsible for the overall flavor, but volatile and nonvolatile substances also contribute to the flavor of coffee. Unroasted or green beans may be a bit fruity, floral, or earthy. Bitterness can be a result of full-bodied roasts containing more caffeine. However, it could be caused by faulty brewing or storage.

Flavored coffee beans are flavored with flavor oils on them that preserve the beans and give them a distinct aroma and taste. These flavored oils can be composed of chemicals as well as natural flavors, including cinnamon, vanilla and chocolate. The flavors are bound to the beans with a chemical compound called polyphenol.

Health Benefits

Coffee beans contain a wide variety of health-boosting nutrients including potassium, magnesium and B vitamins. They are also a fantastic source of antioxidants, which help prevent oxidative stresses (which can lead to chronic diseases such as cancer and atherosclerosis). The antioxidant chlorogenic acid in coffee beans is especially effective against obesity-related illnesses, such as the high cholesterol level and diabetes.

Coffee is also an effective natural energy booster and helps people feel more alert and energetic. Caffeine increases neurochemicals, which enhances alertness, memory and cognitive function. It also helps regulate blood sugar levels. Studies have shown that drinking moderate amounts of coffee can help reduce the risk of developing Parkinson's disease and dementia, and also improve mood, satisfaction, energy and concentration.

Anti-aging The antioxidants (including caffeine and the chlorogenic acids) in coffee work as a natural moisturizer for the skin, boosting cell turnover to reduce wrinkles and nearby fine lines. They also possess UV-protection properties that block light and prevent sun damage to skin.

Anti-depressant - Coffee beans are a natural anti-depressant. They increase serotonin levels as well as dopamine levels in the brain, thereby increasing the level of happy hormones. It also helps relieve inflammation and pain, acting as a natural analgesic while improving the effectiveness of medical painkillers. Cafestol and nearby Kahweol, both diterpene ester compounds with lipolytic properties. They help reduce cellulite.

Caffeine

Coffee is a favored drink throughout the world. It is now a part of many morning routines. Coffee beans are actually the seeds of a plant called the coffee plant or coffee cherry, and they contain the natural stimulant, caffeine. The amount of caffeine in coffee can differ based on the method by which the bean is roasted, brewed and prepared. There are a few rules that can help you select the right coffee.

The average coffee bean contains approximately 2 milligrams per bean. However the exact amount could differ depending on its size and the degree to which it has been roasted. It is a popular myth that darker roasted coffee beans contain more caffeine than lighter-roasted ones. This is not true. Dark roast coffee beans contain less caffeine than light roasts due to their lower density. However the amount of caffeine is the same.

The daily limit recommended for caffeine is 400 milligrams. A typical cup of coffee has 95 milligrams. If you stay within this limit, it should not cause any adverse unwanted effects unless sensitive to caffeine. Those who are not sensitive to caffeine may enjoy their coffee, but it's crucial to be aware of the amount of caffeine you're inhaling and avoid overdoing it.