What Are Coffee Beans?

The coffee beans you brew are actually the seeds of a fruit called a coffee cherry. The coffee beans london plant is perennial, meaning that it will come back every year.

Consuming coffee beans in moderation is recommended due to the fact that they contain high levels of caffeine as well as other compounds. Learn more about this popular seed!

Origin

The seeds that are roasted from the cheap coffee beans plant are used to create coffee, a beverage that is brewed. The beans are among the most popular, and profitable international commodities. Coffee plants are woody evergreen plants that thrive in the tropics. The majority of coffee in the world is produced in the Bean Belt, which includes those areas that lie between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn.

The most famous legend about coffee's origin is that of a goat herder named Kaldi in Ethiopia. He observed that his flock became more energetic after eating the bright red berries that were found in certain coffee plants. Kaldi shared this discovery with an abbot at a nearby monastery who made a drink using the berries. The energizing effect of the berries spread from there.

Today, coffee beans come from two main varieties of the Coffea plant: Arabica and Robusta. Robusta is mostly found in Africa and Indonesia and is generally more affordable than arabica. There are also many smaller varieties that are a blend of robusta and arabica. They are known as peaberries, and are more flavorful than standard beans.

When roasting, beans may lose their moisture, which can result in them becoming stale or bitter. It is crucial to make use of fresh, premium beans for your coffee.

Flavor

The bean's type, temperature and processing method can affect the four components of taste -- acidity and bitterness along with sweetness and saltiness. The amount of these components can produce a variety of flavor profiles ranging from fruity and sweet to nutty or even smoky.

When coffee beans are heated they react with amino acids contained in their seeds and produce hundreds of unique aromatic compounds that alter the taste of the beans. This process is known as the Maillard Reaction and it is the same chemical reaction that occurs in all cooking. The result is that the scent of coffee that is roasted reflects these compounds.

While the Maillard Reaction affects the overall flavor of the roast, nonvolatile as well as volatile compounds also contribute to a coffee's taste. Unroasted or green beans may be a bit fruity, floral, or earthy. Bitterness is usually associated with full-bodied roasts that contain more caffeine, but it can also be because of improper brewing techniques or storage.

Flavored coffee beans are coated with flavor oils to help preserve the beans and add distinct aroma and taste. The flavor oils can be a mixture of chemicals and natural flavors, such as chocolate, cinnamon, vanilla. The flavors are linked to the beans using polyphenol, a chemical compound.

Health Benefits

Coffee beans contain a wide range of nutrients that boost health like magnesium, potassium and B vitamins. They're also a great source of antioxidants, which help to prevent the oxidative stress (which leads to chronic diseases like cancer and atherosclerosis). The antioxidant chlorogenic acids found in coffee beans are particularly beneficial against obesity-related diseases, such as diabetes or high cholesterol levels.

Coffee is a natural energy boost that helps people feel more alert. The caffeine it contains stimulates neurochemicals in the brain, which improve mental vigilance and memory, increases cognitive function and helps control blood sugar levels within the body. Drinking moderate amounts has been proven to reduce the risk of Parkinson’s disease and dementia. It can also improve mood, satisfaction, energy, and concentration.

Anti-aging: The antioxidants in coffee (including caffeine and chlorogenic acids) act as a natural skin moisturizer increasing cell turnover and reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. They also possess UV-protection capabilities that block light and prevent sun damage to skin.

Anti-depressant Coffee beans are a natural anti-depressant. They increase dopamine levels and serotonin levels in the brain, which increases the amount of happy hormones. It can also relieve pain and inflammation, acting as a natural painkiller and improving the effectiveness of prescription painkillers. Coffee also has cafestol and kahweol which are diterpene esters with lipolytic qualities in the adipose tissues, aiding in the fight against cellulite.

Caffeine

Coffee is one of the most sought-after drinks around the world and it has become an integral part of many morning routines. Coffee beans are the seeds of the coffee plant, or coffee cherry. They are a source of caffeine, which is a natural stimulant. The caffeine in coffee may differ depending on how the bean is processed, roasted, and prepared. There are some rules that can help you pick the right coffee.

The average coffee bean contains about 2 milligrams of caffeine, however the exact amount will differ according to the bean's size and the degree of roasting it has been. It is a common myth that cafe coffee beans beans roasted in darker roasts contain more caffeine than lighter roasted ones. This is not the case. Dark roast coffee beans will have less caffeine than light roast coffee beans roasts due to their lower density. However the amount of caffeine is the same.

The daily limit recommended for caffeine is 400 milligrams. A typical cup of coffee is 95 milligrams. If you are not sensitive to caffeine, staying within this range isn't likely to cause any adverse effects. Caffeine is not harmful to those who are not sensitive. However it is important to monitor how much caffeine you drink and to avoid overdoing.