If you’re one of the 200 million coffee drinkers in the United States, you probably know a thing or two about a good cup of Joe.
Whether you brew it at home or grab a cup on the go, do you ever stop to think about what goes into producing coffee? Where it comes from or its origin?
There’s more to your morning brew than you might think. Here you’ll discover some fascinating facts about coffee.
Grab your travel mug and let’s get into it!
1. Caffeine is a Stimulant
Most people reach for their daily dose of caffeine to deliver a much-needed energy boost. But did you know that coffee is actually classified as a stimulant?
In fact, coffee is the most addicting drug in the world. While it’s nearly impossible to overdose on caffeine, anyone brazen enough to down 30 or more cups in a row could potentially overdose.
Caffeine stimulates your body’s natural nervous system. Similar to other stimulants, caffeine helps with focus, alertness, and mental performance.
It’s these mental changes that, over time, can become addicting. Coffee also offers uplifting, positive feelings that keep drinkers coming back for more.
2. Some People Want to Ban Coffee
Dating back to the 1500s, some people actually tried to ban coffee. Some leaders in Mecca feared that coffee encouraged radical thinking and outlawed its sale or consumption.
The negativity surrounding coffee continued into the 1600s with clergymen claiming the dark brew was satanic.
King Charles the II banned and closed countless coffee shops to prevent townspeople from meeting there to conspire against him.
But the mission to rid the world of coffee didn’t end here. In the 1800s, Sweeden banned not only coffee but all coffee-related products including mugs and dishes.
3. Coffee Beans are Really Seeds
We’ve all seen those small black beans ground into aromatic, fresh grinds. But did you know that coffee beans are actually seeds?
Coffee seeds are the pits of cherry-like berries grown on flowering shrubs. The legume-like shape of these seeds is what led to their name – coffee beans.
Centuries ago, people mixed whole coffee berries with fat to create a high-energy snack. Some even used fermented pulp from the seeds to create a drink similar to wine.
4. Only Two US States Produce Coffee
Even though the United States boasts some of the world’s most avid coffee-drinkers, the country doesn’t add much to the production side of things.
Coffee generally grows in tropical climates, which is why you can thank California and Hawaii for producing Kona coffee.
Worldwide, Brazil is the leading producer of coffee with Vietnam coming in a close second. Even with large numbers of beans harvested in Vietnam, Brazil still produces a third of the world’s supply.
Other top-producers include Asia, Africa, South America, and the Caribbean.
5. Some Coffee is a Delicacy
The average cup of coffee costs just under $3.00. But did you know that some roasts are worth hundreds of dollars?
One of the purest forms of coffee, Luwak, comes from the feces of the Asian mongoose. That’s right. If you want to indulge in a decadent cup, you’ll have to wait for the beans (seeds) to be digested and pooped out!
This interesting brew will cost you right around $160 per pound. If that’s slightly out of your budget, you can indulge in a Black Ivory variety (made from elephant poop) for a mere $50 per cup.
Add these unique coffee types to your list of coffee terms and people will think you’re a coffee connoisseur!
6. Difference Between Light and Dark Roast
Most people believe that the darker the brew, the stronger the coffee. This is a common misconception.
In fact, lighter roasts boast a stronger cup with more caffeine. It’s all in the science of the brew.
Beans lose mass during the roasting process. When you measure your coffee in scoops, light-roasted coffee has more caffeine. If, on the other hand, you weigh out your scoops, darker roasts are actually more caffeinated because they have less mass.
7. Coffee is a Diuretic
Does your morning coffee have you running to the bathroom? That’s because coffee is a diuretic, increasing your urge and need to urinate.
It’s interesting to note that although caffeine increases how much you urinate, it doesn’t often lead to dehydration.
It can, however, cause your stomach to produce more bile thanks to its acidic properties. Some coffee drinkers report heartburn or acid reflux due to high-levels of acid.
8. Coffee Promotes Weight Loss
Looking for a way to enhance your exercise regime and your metabolism?
Caffeine not only provides the energy you need to get through your next workout but it may even speed up your metabolism, leading to increased weight loss.
Because it’s a stimulant, caffeine can also increase your adrenaline levels and release fatty acids from fat tissues inside your body. This enhances your physical performance and endurance.
Try sucking down a cup of Joe before your next sweat sesh and feel the benefits.
9. Coffee Can Help You Live Longer
For all those coffee naysayers, listen up! There are several health benefits tied to regular coffee consumption.
Research shows that regular coffee consumption can help lower your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Coffee can also benefit your internal organs, including your liver.
People who drink several cups a day are less likely to develop cirrhosis and maintain healthy liver function.
But the benefits don’t stop there. Coffee contains a high-level of several beneficial nutrients including vitamin B2, B5, Manganese, and Potassium. Coffee is also chock full of antioxidants, which promote overall good health.
Try to avoid adding flavored creamers or sugar to your next cup. Coffee alone is low in sugar and free of additives and chemicals. Swap your regular additives for a black cup from time to time.
Take These Facts About Coffee on the Go
We hope these facts about coffee have taught you more than you ever realized! Keep these interesting facts in mind the next time you grab a cup on the go.
Looking for more tips on living your best life? Check our blog daily for updates!
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