Coffee - Is It The Most Popular Beverage Of All Time?

Around 850 A.D it is thought that a lone shepherd and his sheep happened upon a strange and mysterious plant growing upon a secluded and forgotten hillside. Before he could stop them some of his herd had began to gnaw away at this unusual berry. After about fifteen minutes or so the herder started to notice that his sheep were behaving in an odd manner. Not only were they unusually alert but they also appeared to be extremely hyperactive. Now being a little weary and extremely tired the shepherd decided to try the berries and see if the end results would be the same for him as they had been for his flock. To his pleasant surprise the shepherd began to feel wide awake and he too became very alert. After a few hours had passed along came a wandering monk who, after being informed of the plants amazing qualities proceeded to scold the poor shepherd and lecture him on his foolish indulgence. After he had finished telling the shepherd just what a sinner he had been the monk set upon his journey but not before he had added a little something to his backpack and supplies.

Back at the abbey the monks decided to try this new magical stimulant. Soon the endless hours of praying became easy to endure. Coffee the beverage had been unleashed. Its widespread use first took hold in the Ethiopian regions before then moving on to the Arabian empire. Here it was to be held for many years as a sacred substance until it was illegally exported to the outside world by an Arab called Baba Budan. Word of its effects then began to spread and in a short while coffee was to become one of the most treasured commodities in our history. Today we drink a staggering 4 billion cups each and every year and there are many among us who would simply refuse to start our day without it.

Although coffee is mainly known as a sleep suppressant there are those who consider coffee to have many health benefits. It is thought that people who suffer from asthma and partake of the beverage have at least 25% less symptoms which may be due to a substance in coffee called theophylline. This is known as a bronchodilator and quite simply it is thought to help those who suffer with the disease to breath with a little more ease. Drinking coffee on a daily basis is also thought to help lower your chances of developing colon cancer by a figure also in the region of about 25%. This may be due to the fact that coffee helps to keep you regular. Coffee can do more than just help you get through your day.

Apart from the benefits that have just been mentioned it has to be said that simply drinking coffee as a beverage is a delight that cannot easily be surpassed. The amazing thing is that the average person has no idea of the varied tastes that this hallowed bean has to offer. One of the growing trends of recent years has to be the rising popularity of ordering coffee via the wonder we call the internet. Never before have we been able to sample such a wide variety of tastes, blends and aromas without having to endure the tedious trials of hiking around the city. I myself tend to place small orders but I always make a point to record the name, blend and of course exactly from whom I purchased.

Now that you are aware of the tale of the mystical beans I hope that if in the days to come you are considering visiting your local coffee shop you recall the story of the lowly shepherd and think about just what you might be drinking were he not to have wandered onto that bleak and lonely hillside. Why not take advantage of the internet and try the many different varieties and blends available. Not only will you impress your tastebuds, your friends will be grateful as well.

Cappuccino or latte?

Valerie Shapero is the owner of Fuzzy Coffee which is a premier source of information about coffee. For questions or comments about this article, please visit: http://fuzzycoffee.com


Coffee Makers

If you are a gourmet coffee drinker, you may want... Read More

Starbucks Coffee Company

Starbucks Coffee Company was founded in 1971 by three businessmen... Read More

Woman Dies from Caffeine Overdose and Expert Calls for Action in New Book and FDA Petition

An autopsy released this week has found caffeine to be... Read More

Gourmet Coffee Stops Decrease Gas Mileage;Home Brewed Premium Coffee Reduce Traffic Congestion

A researcher has stirred up the commuter coffee mug with... Read More

Kenya Coffee History

In Kenya coffee production dates back several hundred years. Coffee... Read More

Coffee Breaks - Do They Create Stress?

The American custom of taking break during the working hours.... Read More

A Coffee Roaster For All Occasions

Coffee roasters and those who roast, brew and serve the... Read More

Coffee Roasting: Learning the Fundamental Art of Making Coffee Can be Fun

Coffee roasting from light to very dark, is an art... Read More

Heating Vegetable Oil to Frying Temps Forms Toxic Compound

New research by a University of Minnesota professor and a... Read More

History of the Coffee and Espresso Machine

A large percentage of the population loves to drink both... Read More

Coffee and Alzheimers Disease

With the American population aging rapidly, diseases that affect the... Read More

Brewing the Perfect Cup of Coffee

Do you remember your first experience with coffee? I'm sorry... Read More

The Coffee Culture in the USA

It wasn't until I moved to the US that I... Read More

Ethiopian Coffee

Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee, yet it is not... Read More

Make Money In Your Own Coffee Business

A 2001 survey by the National Coffee Association indicated that... Read More

Coffee, Caffeine & Fitness

One look at a line at the local Starbucks in... Read More

What Makes Hawaiian Coffee So Special?

Coffee was first introduced to the Islands by Chief Boki,... Read More

Mocha Coffee: Learn About the Source and Try Our Recipes for Making Great Mochas

Depending on how we look at it, mocha coffee may... Read More

Coffee ?Nectar of the gods

About 850 A.D it is said that a lone shepherd... Read More

Ganoderma Coffee - Can It Be Good For You?

Are you a coffee addict? Are you searching for a... Read More

Starbucks Product Review

Have you had the pleasure of tasting Starbucks new less... Read More

Which Coffees are Highest in Antioxidants?

As researchers learn more about antioxidants with health and disease,... Read More

English Coffee

With English Tea being a very familiar term, English coffee... Read More

Tips For Choosing The Perfect Travel Mug

A good travel mug is a must when you need... Read More

Try the Tradition of Turkish Coffee and Taste the Difference

The Europeans got their first taste of Turkish Coffee, and... Read More