Regardless of where you’re from in the world, if you’re an adult, there’s a good chance you’ve tried coffee and if you are like me you love it. It’s a beverage that transcends geographical boundaries, but it can be difficult separating faction from fiction when it comes to this beloved brew. Here are five things you didn’t know about coffee – until now! This post is brought to you by Di Bella Coffee.
Coffee can reduce your likelihood of developing Type 2 diabetes
Assuming you’re not a ‘milk and three sugars’ kind of person, coffee can help fight off Type 2 diabetes. The antioxidants in coffee boost your sensitivity to insulin, which in turn helps regulate blood sugar levels. Studies vary, but the general consensus is that four is the magic number of cups you should consume daily. That amount can reduce your likelihood of developing Type 2 diabetes by as much as 50%.
You can still get a “buzz” from decaffeinated coffee
Coffee snobs tend to look down on the “decaf brigade”, but they mightn’t be so quick to judge if they realised the truth – that both types of coffee contain exactly the same amount of antioxidants! Caffeine might receive all the credit, but that boost in energy you get from a hot cup of coffee can also be attributed to antioxidants. Not only do they leave you feeling recharged and ready to take on the world, they also help your body defend against heart disease and cancer.
Coffee has nearly zero calories
Contrary to popular belief, coffee in its purest form will have zero impact on your waistline. Your average cup contains less than two calories. It’s the “add-ons” – cream, full-fat milk and sugar that contribute to weight gain and the overall perception that coffee is “bad for you.” When medical studies suggest drinking four cups of coffee a day to benefit your health, they’re not talking about four jumbo size caramel lattes. Be smart. There’s no reason why a few cups of brew from a popular brand such as Di Bella Coffee (purchase here) can’t form an integral part of your daily diet.
The popular ‘Mocha’ variation was named after a port in Yemen
If this was presented as a “True or False” question at a trivia night, it would definitely stump a few people. Mocha is a popular type of coffee, but how many people know of its true origins?
The Yemeni city of Mocha was the first port to export coffee beans. The beans were said to have a “chocolate-like” taste to them. As a result, all “chocolate” varieties of coffee now sold are referred to as “Mocha.” Sounds pretty obvious, come to think of it …
Coffee houses were once believed to incite rebellion
Well, according to King Charles of England, they were. He banned coffee houses in 1675, claiming that people were using them as meeting places to conspire against him. Kind of takes the idea of a catch-up over a coffee to a whole new level, doesn’t it?
Coffee is rich, addictive and comforting – with a fascinating history. Unravelling the myth is almost as fun as drinking the stuff!
What is your favourite coffee?
