Posted on November 29, 2008 in Diet-Trends, Diet-Types
With nearly half a trillion cup consumed every year, coffee is the most widely consumed beverage in the world. It is also the second most widely traded commodity in the world, next to only petroleum. Nearly 500 million people worldwide are directly or indirectly engaged in the global coffee trading.
Types of Coffee
There are mainly 2 main types of coffee bean, arabica and robusta.
- Robusta
Robusta accounts for nearly 30% of the world population. Grown at lower altitudes, robusta has a stronger flavour than Arabica. Its distinct woody aftertaste is used for making various blends. Brewed and freeze-dried, robusta can be used for instant coffee. Robusta is mainly grown in India, Brazil, Srilanka, Vietnam, Sumatra, Java, and in western and central Africa.
- Arabica
Considered superior to robusta, arabica accounts for the rest 70% of the world population. It has a refined aroma with a caramel aftertaste. It is grown in Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador, Venezuela, Columbia, Peru, Argentina, India, eastern Africa, etc.
Short Term Effects of Caffeine
It is suggested that a cup of coffee can contain 20-100 mg of caffeine. The effect of caffeine is different, person to person.
Listed below are some short-term effects of caffeine:
- Boosts Metabolic Activity: It is suggested that drinking 1-2 cups of coffee can increase general metabolic activity or can increase our body temperature.
- Promotes Urination: As a diuretic, coffee can cause frequent urination.
- Elevates the Heart Rate: It is suggested that as a central nervous system stimulant, coffee can promote secretion of adrenaline. This can elevate our heart rate and increase respiration.
- Changes the Blood Sugar Level: Experts suggest that drinking coffee can release the supply of glycogen into the blood stream. To counteract the effect of rise in blood sugar (glycogen), pancrease may respond by releasing extra insulin into our system. This can result in low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia).
- Postpones Commencement of Sleep: Coffee may delay the time of commencing of sleep because of its effect on central nervous system. Increase in secretion of adrenalin into our system can make us alert.
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