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Coffee not only helps to give most of us a little kick-start to our day, but a recent study has found that it could help us live longer….
A Bit of A Legend
Coffee has a rich history and according to legend, ancestors of a region of Ethiopia were believed to have been the first to recognise the energising effect of the coffee plant. In particular, a goat herder called Kaldi has been credited with this discovery.
Kaldi noticed that his goats became excited, jumping around, after chewing on red berries from a particular bush. Kaldi investigated by chewing them himself and became instantly invigorated, which prompted him to take them to an Islamic monk who in turn threw them into a fire in disapproval.
The berries gave off a rousing aroma that enticed Kaldi and the Islamic monk to take them out of the fire and grind them up to dissolve in hot water- hence creating the first cup of coffee.
The Study itself
A European study on the effects of coffee, led by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, used more than half a million people from 10 European countries. Dr. Marc Gunter, who was leading the study said:
“We found that higher coffee consumption was associated with a lower risk of death from any cause and specifically for circulatory diseases and digestive diseases. Importantly, these results were similar across all of the 10 European countries, with variable coffee drinking habits and customs. Our study also offers important insights into the possible mechanisms for the beneficial health effects of coffee.”
The study found that people who drank two to three cups a day had an 18% reduced risk of death. The study went on to discuss that even the consumption of just one cup a day was effective, as 12% were less likely to die than those who drank none at all.
Coffee contains antioxidants and phenolic compounds that play an important role in disease prevention. Although this study does not describe particularly what chemicals may have this effect, it is clear that it can easily be incorporated into a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Coffee – A Few Facts
Coffee is the world’s favourite beverage, with an estimated 2.25 billion cups drunk globally each day.- 55 million cups of the hot drink are consumed in Britain every day.
- Finland consumes the most, with 2.64 cups being drank per person per day.
- Brazil is the largest producer; producing over two and a half million tonnes of coffee beans a year.
One Last Sip
Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world. More stereotypical in the United States with a ‘cup of joe’ compared to the traditional English cup of tea here in the UK. We live in a good time with cafes and a Starbucks on every corner, and a huge variety on offer; cappuccinos, mochas, espressos, and the ‘flat white’ to name just a few of what we can caffeinate our taste buds with.
With studies coming out identifying benefits of over the top consumption of this delicious hot drink it will be no surprise in the rise of Brits reaching for a cuppa at tea time!
A Carelink24 Summer Suggestion
Carelink24’s summer suggestion for you hot drink fans is the Iced Vanilla Latte! All you need is the following ingredients:
- 110ml of coffee
- 50ml cold milk
- 2 scoops of Vanilla ice cream
- Ice cubes
- Stick of Vanilla
Then:
Stir milk until frothy- Mix coffee and some of the milk stirring well, leaving a little froth left over.
- Then, put two scoops of vanilla ice cream, the mixed coffee and 3 ice cubes into a cold glass jug and mix all the ingredients together.
- Pour the contents into a glass and top with cold milk froth left over
- Garnish with vanilla stick
Note: we updated this blog on 17/05/2021 to include the latest information. Originally published 20/07/2017