Which coffee is healthier?
Which coffee is healthier: espresso, Turkish, brewed.
What is coffee? Has anyone ever asked themselves this question while brewing it? Recently, while sipping on coffee, I decided to check it out. Coffee is a beverage made from roasted and then ground or instant cocoa beans, usually served hot. Coffee itself originates from Ethiopia and appeared in Europe a bit later around the 16th century[1].
The name coffee probably comes from the Arabic word kahwa. It made its way into most European languages through the Turkish word kahve and the Italian word caffè_[2]._
In Poland, coffee appeared in Turkish form after the Battle of Vienna in 1683. However, in Kamieniec Podolski when it was occupied by Ottoman troops, cafes with coffee were opened for them[3].
Coffee caused a lot of controversy centuries ago. Initially, its extraordinary effects were praised, but over time coffee was suspected of causing various illnesses, including stomach problems, heart attacks, cancer, and osteoporosis. Therefore, the discussion began about the health properties of coffee. Research conducted so far has not shown which diseases drinking coffee can lead to, nor has it allowed it to be classified as healthy food. Scientists do not agree on any of these issues, due to the impossibility of conducting some studies requiring a large sample of people and the proper consideration of independent factors[4].
Coffee, rich in caffeine, serves a stimulating role. It clearly stimulates the body, increases thinking ability, eliminates feelings of mental and physical fatigue. Due to these properties, people usually reach for it in the morning to wake up and gain strength and energy for work. We begin to feel the effects of caffeine on our body after approximately half an hour from consuming the beverage[5].
There are three most popular ways to brew coffee:
· Coffee from an espresso machine is brewed in just a few seconds at a pressure between 9-15 bars. Only the essence escapes into the cup, while in Turkish coffee, ground beans lie in hot water for several minutes to several dozen minutes, extracting residues from the roasting process into the drink. The brewing temperature is 92-96 degrees and most espresso machines are programmed for this. If the temperature is too high, the brewed coffee will be bitter; if it is too low, the effect will be acidic and watery, lacking aroma.
There are 3 most popular espresso machines:
ü Pressure espresso machine - uses ground coffee beans.
ü Filter espresso machine - requires finely ground coffee.
ü Drip espresso machine - also uses ground coffee. The coffee in these machines should spend less time at a high temperature, and then it must be immediately cooled[6].
· Turkish coffee - the oldest mentions of preparing coffee in this way come from Yemen in the 15th century. Chronicler Ibrahim Pecevi in 1640 noted that until 1554 there were no coffee shops in Ottoman lands. Around 1554, Hakem from Aleppo and Şems from Damascus arrived in Constantinople and opened the first coffee shop in the Tahtakale district. Currently, the popularity of this method of brewing coffee is decreasing. It is being replaced by other hot drinks such as Turkish tea or espresso. In 2013, the tradition of brewing and drinking coffee in Turkey was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
For preparing Turkish coffee any type of coffee is suitable, provided it is freshly brewed and freshly ground to a fine powder. It is usually brewed in a small, mostly copper pot with a narrow neck - a cezve - equipped with a long handle. The narrow neck allows the foam to form without bringing the liquid to a boil.
The preparation method looks as follows:
Fill the container with cold water, add finely ground coffee and sugar. Place the cezve over low heat. To achieve better results, place the container in a sand bath container. The liquid should rise to the edge of the container 2-3 times, and from the side, a small amount of steam should escape from under the foam layer each time. The first brewing takes 2-3 minutes, during which the liquid should start to foam. Then remove the cezve from the heat and wait for the foam to settle. Then place the cezve back on the heat, and the liquid begins to foam more quickly. At that point, remove the container from the heat again and wait for the foam to settle. After the third reheating, there should be a thin layer of foam on the surface.
Serve coffee from the cezve in tiny cups without straining.
Turkish coffee is black (without milk) and sweet. It is served with a glass of water and is usually consumed in cafes.
It is worth noting that brewing for too long can cause the foam to collapse, resulting in an unpleasant taste. On the other hand, interrupting the brewing process too early can prevent the foam from forming, affecting the taste of the coffee[7].
· Moka pot coffee - the moka pot was created as an alternative to the espresso machine to simplify the preparation of coffee as much as possible. The inventor is considered to be the Italian entrepreneur Luigi De Ponti, who designed the device for Alfonso Bialetti. Nowadays, the moka pot can be found in virtually every home. It stands out for its low price and simplicity in preparing a good brew. It is most commonly used in Europe, especially in countries such as Italy, Portugal, Switzerland, and Hungary. It is available in many sizes to suit individual needs.
Preparing coffee with the moka pot:
First, pour the ground beans into the moka pot filter - the coffee should fill the entire filter. Use your finger to level the surface and remove any excess. Then pour warm water into the lower part of the moka pot, through the high pressure overflow valve. Tighten the moka pot and place it over low heat. Leave the top cover open to control the brewing process. During tightening, do not hold onto the handle, as it is the most delicate part of the moka pot. After a minute, the coffee begins to flow into the upper part of the pot. When it turns a golden color, remove it from the heat and close the lid. This is the most crucial moment in the brewing process. If left on the heat for too long, the coffee will have a bitter taste, reminiscent of burnt flavor. If the brew stops boiling, pour it into cups[8].
So far, there has been no definitive evidence of the impact of coffee on health, but according to some studies, coffee ingested in reasonable quantities shows positive, and sometimes even medicinal, properties. The advantages of drinking coffee include:
· reduces the risk of liver disease,
· aids concentration,
· has a positive effect on circulation and the digestive system,
· speeds up metabolism,
· reduces the risk of gallstones in men,
· reduces the risk of Parkinson's disease,
· reduces the risk of colon and liver cancers,
· reduces the risk of developing type II diabetes,
· improves intestinal peristalsis,
· limits tooth decay.
On the other hand, negative effects of coffee consumption include:
· increases feelings of anxiety and fear,
· impairs memory,
· causes physical dependence,
· due to stimulating properties, it makes falling asleep difficult for most people,
· consuming large amounts by pregnant women can result in stillbirth,
· when boiled, it can raise cholesterol levels,
· may increase the likelihood of a heart attack in people with a slow metabolism,
· the caffeine it contains inhibits neurogenesis in the hippocampus, sensitizes dopamine receptors, and blocks adenosine receptors[9].
As we know, coffee has its advantages and disadvantages. The pleasant aroma of coffee and the presence of caffeine have made it an integral part of our lives. Drinking coffee has become an art, and the skill of brewing coffee requires skill and knowledge of varieties and taste. According to researchers, coffee has more advantages than disadvantages, so if we feel like it, let's drink it. However, excess is harmful in any case.
REFERENCES
1. https://diagnozujmy.pl/kawa/.
2. https://jakiekspres.pl/kawa-z-ekspresu/.
4. http://www.delonghi.com/pl-pl/produkty/kawa/delonghi-kawa/jaka-kawa-do-ekspresu#.
5. https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawa_po_turecku.
[1] https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawa_po_turecku (29.08.2019).
[2] Ibidem, (29.08.2019).
[3] Ibidem, (29.08.2019).
[4] https://diagnozujmy.pl/kawa/ (29.08.2019).
[5] Ibidem, (29.08.2019).
[6] http://www.delonghi.com/pl-pl/produkty/kawa/delonghi-kawa/jaka-kawa-do-ekspresu# (29.08.2019).
[7] https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawa_po_turecku, (29.08.2019).
[8] https://kawa.pl/artykuly/metody-parzenia-kawy-czyli-9-sposobow-na-przygotowanie-kawy/#kawazekspresukolbowego, (29.08.2019).
[9] https://diagnozujmy.pl/kawa/, (29.08.2019).
Which coffee is healthier: espresso, Turkish, brewed.
What is coffee? Has anyone ever asked themselves this question while brewing it? Recently, while sipping on coffee, I decided to check it out. Coffee is a beverage made from roasted and then ground or instant cocoa beans, usually served hot. Coffee itself originates from Ethiopia and appeared in Europe a bit later around the 16th century[1].
The name coffee probably comes from the Arabic word kahwa. It made its way into most European languages through the Turkish word kahve and the Italian word caffè_[2]._
In Poland, coffee appeared in Turkish form after the Battle of Vienna in 1683. However, in Kamieniec Podolski when it was occupied by Ottoman troops, cafes with coffee were opened for them[3].
Coffee caused a lot of controversy centuries ago. Initially, its extraordinary effects were praised, but over time coffee was suspected of causing various illnesses, including stomach problems, heart attacks, cancer, and osteoporosis. Therefore, the discussion began about the health properties of coffee. Research conducted so far has not shown which diseases drinking coffee can lead to, nor has it allowed it to be classified as healthy food. Scientists do not agree on any of these issues, due to the impossibility of conducting some studies requiring a large sample of people and the proper consideration of independent factors[4].
Coffee, rich in caffeine, serves a stimulating role. It clearly stimulates the body, increases thinking ability, eliminates feelings of mental and physical fatigue. Due to these properties, people usually reach for it in the morning to wake up and gain strength and energy for work. We begin to feel the effects of caffeine on our body after approximately half an hour from consuming the beverage[5].
There are three most popular ways to brew coffee:
· Coffee from an espresso machine is brewed in just a few seconds at a pressure between 9-15 bars. Only the essence escapes into the cup, while in Turkish coffee, ground beans lie in hot water for several minutes to several dozen minutes, extracting residues from the roasting process into the drink. The brewing temperature is 92-96 degrees and most espresso machines are programmed for this. If the temperature is too high, the brewed coffee will be bitter; if it is too low, the effect will be acidic and watery, lacking aroma.
There are 3 most popular espresso machines:
ü Pressure espresso machine - uses ground coffee beans.
ü Filter espresso machine - requires finely ground coffee.
ü Drip espresso machine - also uses ground coffee. The coffee in these machines should spend less time at a high temperature, and then it must be immediately cooled[6].
· Turkish coffee - the oldest mentions of preparing coffee in this way come from Yemen in the 15th century. Chronicler Ibrahim Pecevi in 1640 noted that until 1554 there were no coffee shops in Ottoman lands. Around 1554, Hakem from Aleppo and Şems from Damascus arrived in Constantinople and opened the first coffee shop in the Tahtakale district. Currently, the popularity of this method of brewing coffee is decreasing. It is being replaced by other hot drinks such as Turkish tea or espresso. In 2013, the tradition of brewing and drinking coffee in Turkey was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
For preparing Turkish coffee any type of coffee is suitable, provided it is freshly brewed and freshly ground to a fine powder. It is usually brewed in a small, mostly copper pot with a narrow neck - a cezve - equipped with a long handle. The narrow neck allows the foam to form without bringing the liquid to a boil.
The preparation method looks as follows:
Fill the container with cold water, add finely ground coffee and sugar. Place the cezve over low heat. To achieve better results, place the container in a sand bath container. The liquid should rise to the edge of the container 2-3 times, and from the side, a small amount of steam should escape from under the foam layer each time. The first brewing takes 2-3 minutes, during which the liquid should start to foam. Then remove the cezve from the heat and wait for the foam to settle. Then place the cezve back on the heat, and the liquid begins to foam more quickly. At that point, remove the container from the heat again and wait for the foam to settle. After the third reheating, there should be a thin layer of foam on the surface.
Serve coffee from the cezve in tiny cups without straining.
Turkish coffee is black (without milk) and sweet. It is served with a glass of water and is usually consumed in cafes.
It is worth noting that brewing for too long can cause the foam to collapse, resulting in an unpleasant taste. On the other hand, interrupting the brewing process too early can prevent the foam from forming, affecting the taste of the coffee[7].
· Moka pot coffee - the moka pot was created as an alternative to the espresso machine to simplify the preparation of coffee as much as possible. The inventor is considered to be the Italian entrepreneur Luigi De Ponti, who designed the device for Alfonso Bialetti. Nowadays, the moka pot can be found in virtually every home. It stands out for its low price and simplicity in preparing a good brew. It is most commonly used in Europe, especially in countries such as Italy, Portugal, Switzerland, and Hungary. It is available in many sizes to suit individual needs.
Preparing coffee with the moka pot:
First, pour the ground beans into the moka pot filter - the coffee should fill the entire filter. Use your finger to level the surface and remove any excess. Then pour warm water into the lower part of the moka pot, through the high pressure overflow valve. Tighten the moka pot and place it over low heat. Leave the top cover open to control the brewing process. During tightening, do not hold onto the handle, as it is the most delicate part of the moka pot. After a minute, the coffee begins to flow into the upper part of the pot. When it turns a golden color, remove it from the heat and close the lid. This is the most crucial moment in the brewing process. If left on the heat for too long, the coffee will have a bitter taste, reminiscent of burnt flavor. If the brew stops boiling, pour it into cups[8].
So far, there has been no definitive evidence of the impact of coffee on health, but according to some studies, coffee ingested in reasonable quantities shows positive, and sometimes even medicinal, properties. The advantages of drinking coffee include:
· reduces the risk of liver disease,
· aids concentration,
· has a positive effect on circulation and the digestive system,
· speeds up metabolism,
· reduces the risk of gallstones in men,
· reduces the risk of Parkinson's disease,
· reduces the risk of colon and liver cancers,
· reduces the risk of developing type II diabetes,
· improves intestinal peristalsis,
· limits tooth decay.
On the other hand, negative effects of coffee consumption include:
· increases feelings of anxiety and fear,
· impairs memory,
· causes physical dependence,
· due to stimulating properties, it makes falling asleep difficult for most people,
· consuming large amounts by pregnant women can result in stillbirth,
· when boiled, it can raise cholesterol levels,
· may increase the likelihood of a heart attack in people with a slow metabolism,
· the caffeine it contains inhibits neurogenesis in the hippocampus, sensitizes dopamine receptors, and blocks adenosine receptors[9].
As we know, coffee has its advantages and disadvantages. The pleasant aroma of coffee and the presence of caffeine have made it an integral part of our lives. Drinking coffee has become an art, and the skill of brewing coffee requires skill and knowledge of varieties and taste. According to researchers, coffee has more advantages than disadvantages, so if we feel like it, let's drink it. However, excess is harmful in any case.
REFERENCES
1. https://diagnozujmy.pl/kawa/.
2. https://jakiekspres.pl/kawa-z-ekspresu/.
4. http://www.delonghi.com/pl-pl/produkty/kawa/delonghi-kawa/jaka-kawa-do-ekspresu#.
5. https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawa_po_turecku.
[1] https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawa_po_turecku (29.08.2019).
[2] Ibidem, (29.08.2019).
[3] Ibidem, (29.08.2019).
[4] https://diagnozujmy.pl/kawa/ (29.08.2019).
[5] Ibidem, (29.08.2019).
[6] http://www.delonghi.com/pl-pl/produkty/kawa/delonghi-kawa/jaka-kawa-do-ekspresu# (29.08.2019).
[7] https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawa_po_turecku, (29.08.2019).
[8] https://kawa.pl/artykuly/metody-parzenia-kawy-czyli-9-sposobow-na-przygotowanie-kawy/#kawazekspresukolbowego, (29.08.2019).
[9] https://diagnozujmy.pl/kawa/, (29.08.2019).
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