But First... Coffee!

Coffee.

Most people can’t get enough of it. You can see that from the popularity of Starbucks alone. Often considered the world’s most popular coffee chain, the brand has over 16,000 locations worldwide. In large cities, there is often one on each corner. There are numerous health benefits to a daily cup of Joe. Whether it’s black, white, with sugar or without.  The nation’s favorite beverage could be considered one of the few things in this world which is good for you and tastes good. So wake up and smell the coffee. It’s about time that you make it a part of your daily grind.

Americano believe it

Coffee often has a bad reputation amongst health fanatics, due to its caffeine content. But caffeine isn’t a compulsory part of the drink. Most brands supply decaf options for the caffeine-wary consumer. Regardless of caffeine content, coffee has numerous health benefits. For example:

1. Coffee contains antioxidants that the body can easily absorb.

2. Studies have shown that drinking coffee on a daily basis can reduce your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

3. A cup of coffee pre-workout routine gives you a much-needed energy boost.

4. Research suggests that increased coffee consumption is linked to lower rates of Parkinson’s Disease.

5. Coffee is considered an aphrodisiac, as it increases your heart rate.

Whatever beans necessary

Your coffee drinking experiences need never grow dull. It might be easy to have the same old cup of instant coffee every day, but pay attention to the sheer number of beans out there. A combination of natural selection and selective breeding of coffee plants means that there is a bean to cater perfectly to your taste out there. Coffee Robusta beans are lower quality and grown at lower altitudes. They require relatively little maintenance and are resistant to disease which is reflected in their low price. Coffee arabica is typically of higher quality. These beans are grown at a higher elevation. They contain less caffeine than coffee robusta and tend to have a wider range of flavors and smells. If you’re making coffee from home, invest in a good coffee machine. Easy to use machines take pods of pre-measured ingredients, so be a Coffee Pod King and start trying out different formulas.

Espresso Yourself

Your coffee doesn’t have to be beans, a dash of milk and sugar to taste. Find a coffee that reflects you and your lifestyle. Here are a few basic styles:

1. Espresso: a shot of plain, strong, black coffee.

2. Latte: an espresso combines with hot steamed milk.

3. Mocha: a chocolate flavored take on a latte.

4. Caffe Macchiato: an espresso with a small amount of foamed milk.

5. Iced Coffee: a cold take on the classic. Typically coffee blended with ice and topped with whipped cream.

Give it a shot

Make your drink unique with a shot of flavored syrup. Vanilla, caramel and chocolate are consistently popular. Gingerbread and cinnamon add a festive touch to drinks around Christmas time. Whipped cream with caramel, chocolate or strawberry sauces will add texture and a different taste experience to any coffee. Consider marshmallows or maybe even a slice of cake to compliment your coffee come break time.

If you’re not a coffee lover, maybe tea is more up your street. Take a look at my post on the health benefits of green tea. Don't get me wrong I love the flavor of really good coffee, but realistically I love adding creamer to my coffee, which to a lot of people completely defeats the purpose of coffee right?

I will say that recently I had a chia tea mixed with cold brewed coffee and it was very delicious, since I typically don't drink too much dairy I've been getting almond milk in my chia tea!

Stay hungry my friends...

Ray B.