Being without Coffee versus Living Longer with Coffee!

This week I found myself so busy that I didn't go to the store to restock on my favorite coffee! And I went two days without having a cup of caffeine. Believe it or not it had the most negative effect on me. I didn't have the usually energy that I would usually have throughout the day. I felt sluggish and frustrated most of the time. The normal car rage around the city that I'm usually shaking my head at, I found myself apart of. But what did it for me the most was that I had the most excruciating headache two days in a row that would occur in the afternoon. Which is when! I realized that I was having caffeine withdrawal! Crazy and yet very frustrating.

I eventually found time to get to the store and buy me some caffeine. Oh was I joyful and so ready to consume this must needed beverage in no time. After drinking my coffee, an hour later I was experiencing rapid heart beats. So weird that I look at my hands and at times they were shaking a bit! I knew right then that I was experiencing what some people consider the after shock of caffeine withdrawal. This goes to say that Coffee plays a great deal in my life and to any regular coffee drinker. I came across this article from TIME magazine that was posted on Twitter by one of my favorite coffee tweeters. Which was about a study that claimed Coffee can make you live longer, this came at the right time for me for what I had experience this week without having coffee in my life. I've posted the article below! Enjoy

HOW COFFEE CAN HELP YOU LIVE LONGER

By: Alexander Sifferlin


There's great news for coffee lovers this week.

A new study published in the journal Circulation found that regular coffee drinkers—people who drank less than five cups of coffee in a given day—have a lower risk of dying early from a number of different causes.

That doesn't necessarily mean that coffee is the answer to longevity. But the researchers found that those who drank coffee on a regular basis had a lower risk of dying during the study's 30 year follow up from problems such as heart diseases, diabetes, brain conditions and suicide. The findings only show a link, and cannot confirm that coffee is directly responsible for the reduced risk of death from these causes, but the scientists report that the many compounds in coffee are known to help lower insulin resistance or inflammation, which could result in better health.

MORE: You Asked: Is Coffee Bad For Me?

The researchers studied several large groups of people totaling 208,500 men and women. They asked the volunteers about their coffee drinking habits every four years for the three decades. The connection between coffee consumption and a lower death risk was even more pronounced among people who never smoked.

The researchers admit that the self-reports of coffee consumption aren't completely reliable, and the study was not designed to find a direct health benefit from coffee. But, they argue, the link deserves more research to understand what might be driving it, since previous studies have isolated some potentially beneficial compounds, from antioxidants to inflammation fighting agents, in coffee. Interestingly, the researchers found the lower risk of death was similar among people who drank caffeinated as well as decaffeinated coffee. That suggests, the researchers write, that "other components in coffee besides caffeine might play a beneficial role mediating the association between long-term coffee consumption and risk of mortality."

The results are only the latest in a rehabilitation of coffee. For many years coffee was deemed unhealthy. As TIME previously reported, much of that concern came from research in the 1970s and 1980s that linked coffee to higher rates of cancer and heart disease, but didn't account for the fact that coffee drinkers are also more likely to smoke, possibly drink and engage in other behaviors that contribute to cancer and heart problems. More recent studies that account for these factors are starting to find the opposite, showing that coffee drinkers might have a slightly lower mortality risk. As with any food or behavior, however, it's all about moderation. As long as you're not overdoing it, says the study authors, "results from this and previous studies indicate that coffee consumption can be incorporated into a healthy lifestyle."

THE REASON CAFFEIN IS NEEDED DAILY!!

This is a Great Article I read today on Coffeeism.com! I love their great knowledge on coffee and how it affect our bodies!! Please read and let me know what you think as well as Coffeeism!!

Ways That Coffee Affects Productivity (The Good and The Bad)

It’s not uncommon for employers and employees alike to reach for a caffeinated beverage when they need a bit of an energy boost. And while some might prefer to get their caffeine in the form of soda or an energy drink, the majority of consumers’ favorite mood-lifter is coffee itself.
That addiction is likely fueled by caffeine, which seems to have an impact on mental clarity and performance. The down side? Besides being addictive, caffeine can encourage weight gain and obesity. But there is a plus side – so let’s focus on that side.
Caffeine actually blocks the adenosine receptors, which keeps you feeling alert and on top of your game, even when your brain would usually be trying to slow down a bit. Because of this, coffee not only increases our energy and keeps us from being sleepy, but it helps our concentration. That’s why when we drink a cup of coffee before working, we feel like we can focus and get things done.
But what does it really do…

1. (The Good) It improves mental performance and alertness.

Medical writer Stephen Braun has said that caffeine blocks receptors for adenosine, a compound in your brain that causes drowsiness. This explains why many of us feel less tired when we consume coffee!
In low doses, caffeine also is said to improve mental performance and alertness. However, caffeine does not affect everyone the same way. Your personal response to caffeine could be vastly different from that of someone you know.
In shorter bursts, moreover, coffee can increase your cognitive functions, memory, alertness and energy. But as we all know, this effect can be short-lived, and you might crash later in the day.

2. (The Bad) It can affect the quality of your sleep. 

In smaller doses, caffeine should not affect your sleep schedule. But if you consume too much, you may find it harder to fall asleep at night. This can unfortunately create an unhealthy cycle of not sleeping enough, stressing out and performing poorly at work. A longer-range result may even be burnout or an anxiety attack.
Only you can decide what’s right for you, but either way, it’s good to be aware that your sleep can be negatively affected by caffeine. Most importantly, listen to your body.

3. (The Good) It may enhance your willpower.

As it turns out, coffee can strengthen your willpower and self-control, particularly when you’re exhausted. Making a big decision when you’re tired isn’t wise. You could end up compromising your values, succumbing to pressures in negotiations or taking on new projects at inopportune times.
Drinking coffee beforehand, however, may help you stand your ground and make better decisions. This is a good thing to keep in mind if you’ve had a busy day and still have important decisions to make.

4. (The Bad) Drinking coffee at the wrong time will lead to increased blood pressure and adrenaline levels.

Entrepreneurs (here, here) are constantly facing new challenges and putting out fires. In business, a strong mentality is a prerequisite, but even the best people can become frazzled and stressed out. If this continues over the long haul, you could even burn out.
However, reaching for cup after cup after cup is not affective.

Fun fact: between 8am and 9am – and noon and 1pm, as well as 5:30pm and 6:30pm – most people have a spike in their level of cortisol, which helps the body metabolize and use sugar and fat for energy. In other words, you’re already revving up. So target the caffeine jolt to between 9:30 am and 11:30am, and if you want to keep sailing through the day, have another cup of java between 1:30 to 3:30.
Caffeine blocks adenosine, so the buildup can suddenly come flooding in as you crash, making you feel even more tired. So you don’t need more caffeine when you’re coping with high levels of stress, despite its overall benefits when you aren’t under extreme pressure.

5. (The Good) It can help you learn faster.

Drinking coffee after first learning something increases the chance you’ll remember it. How much more productive would you be if you could learn stuff faster? Well there’s good news. A study from PLOS One reports that intake of 200 mg of caffeine – 2 cups of coffee worth – prompts the brain to identify words and phrases more quickly.
Many entrepreneurs make it their goal to pick up new skills, learn technology or gain a better understanding of where their company stands among others in their industry. A cup of coffee – or two – just might be what you need to give your full attention to the material you’re studying and put it to use in your company.

6. (The Good) Coffee Protects Our Brains

The oils in coffee – kahweol and cafestol – are unique potent neurological anti-inflammatory agents that actually protect the brain against oxidative stress and DNA damage. An inflamed brain is surely a poorly functioning brain. Regular consumption of coffee can keep our brains safe from the many stressors and therefore, healthy for the long run. Be sure to use a French press, gold filter or good espresso machine to preserve these precious oils, though!

 7. (The Good) Coffee Rituals Increases Creativity

We know that coffee improves our ability to focus, but does this interfere with our creative thinking ability? Research suggests that coffee can actually help people to be more creative.
Coffee is a part of regular routines for many creatives — writers in particular. Coffee shops are also preferred work spaces, as the ambient noise found in coffee shops has been shown to be conducive to creative cognition.
As Maria Konnikova wrote in a New Yorker article looking at the science behind coffee and creativity, “Creative insights and imaginative solutions often occur when we stop working on a particular problem and let our mind move on to something unrelated.” Since coffee keeps us focused, that means our caffeinated minds don’t have the chance to wander.

Final thoughts

Other factors in your personal response include the dosage you consume, your weight and age and even the quality of your sleep. You should be aware that you can build up tolerance to caffeine over time, so one cup of coffee might not be enough to give you the same boost it used to.
In fact, some people don’t feel anything until they’ve downed two cups, though that may not be anything to brag about. It just means you’ve been hooked on caffeine a long time.
It’s important to be aware of both the upsides and downsides of coffee. Moderate use, with accompanying attention to your sleeping habits and stress levels, can be beneficial. Meanwhile, be aware that overuse and misuse may agitate an existing health problem or develop a new one. Typically, caffeine abuse isn’t worth the trouble it brings, so set boundaries for yourself and stay healthy.

Green Coffee Bean Powers!

(NaturalNews) While most in society believe that coffee is bad for health this is only a half-truth. Pure green-coffee extract has become one of the top selling weight loss products on the market. Green coffee bean extract has some very good health and performance related benefits.

There are two major types of coffee plants; Arabica and Robusta. The highest quality green coffee bean extract comes from the Arabica plant which is higher in the polyphenol anti-oxidants chlorogenic and caffeic acids. The majority of coffee drinkers are missing out on much of the benefits that coffee contains. The deep roasting process significantly reduces the anti-oxidant content.

Additionally, coffee is one of the most widely pesticide/herbicide sprayed crops in the world. Studies have shown over 1000 toxic chemicals in roasted coffee. It is essential to use organic coffee that is free of these dangerous chemicals that mimic hormones, congest our liver, kidneys and bowels and promote cancer growth.

Another powerful carcinogen is produced when high temperature cooking (baking, frying & roasting) damages sugars which then interact with the amino acid asparagine. This chemical reaction creates the potent carcinogen acrylamide. Instant and deeply roasted coffee has been shown to have significantly more acrylamide than brewed coffee.

There are many great health benefits associated with coffee consumption. A recent 2011 study indicated that individuals who consumed the most coffee had the lowest risk of type II diabetes. The researchers found that the chlorogenic acid reduces the release and creation of excess glucose in the body.

Blood sugar balance

Blood sugar balance is an absolutely critical measure of healthy aging in the body. Too much sugar and grains in the diet will lead to blood sugar imbalances. The body then goes through spirals of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia. These blood sugar imbalances cause inflammation in the body that damage hormonal control systems, organs, and immune function.

Glucose overload is another major cause of blood sugar imbalances. This happens when glucose is released into the bloodstream by the muscle and liver tissues even though the blood sugar is already elevated. The common sign of this is elevated fasting blood sugar levels. At night, the individual has elevated glucose-6-phosphatase (G6P) enzyme activity that causes an elevated release of blood sugar from the muscle and liver. The body is basically eating these tissues.

The latest evidence shows that healthy fasting blood sugar ranges are between 65-85 mg/DL. Meanwhile, post meal ranges (2 hrs after) should never go above 120 mg/dL. When levels test higher it is a clear indication of oxidative stress damaging cells and tissues of the body.

The major anti-oxidant in green coffee bean extract, chlorogenic acid, has been shown to profoundly inhibit the release of the G6P enzyme which significantly stabilizes blood sugar levels. In one clinical study a dose of 400mg of green coffee bean extract showed a 32% reduction in the post meal blood glucose spike. This translates into someone who would have an extremely dangerous 160mg/dL blood sugar level down to a safe post-meal level of 109mg/dL

Stable blood sugar allows for better energy, mental clarity, hormone function, detoxification capabilities and weight loss. Raw green coffee bean extract along with other superfoods such as cacao and cinnamon all show great results in stabilizing blood sugar and improving overall bodily functions. The combination of these three also synergizes to create even greater effects in the body.

Due to the diuretic effects of caffeine in the coffee it is necessary to consume extra water. The water should ideally be from a natural spring or have gone through a deep filtration process to remove environmental toxins.

Coffee Can Eliminate Cancer Risk 😁

It shows that Coffee drinkers have a possible lower mortality rate, as well as a low risk in various cancers. I took this information to be seemingly important seeing that I have had several friends and family members who have either lost their battle to cancer within the last two years, or have endured a battle for their health that they will never forget.

According to Natural News, That morning cup of java may be providing a lot more benefits than just giving you the energy to start your day. Numerous studies have shown that daily consumption of coffee can help you to live a longer, healthier life.

You may have heard of some of coffee's many health benefits, but there may also be a few that you weren't aware of. Last year, the Harvard Gazette reviewed a number of studies and discovered "an emerging picture of coffee as a potentially powerful elixir" against a range of ailments, from cancer to cavities.

The scientific evidence continues to mount: Coffee is good for you!

And the good news just keeps on brewing. One of the most recent studies found that coffee consumption not only reduces the risk of death from heart attack, but also reduces mortality risk even after a person experiences an acute myocardial infarction.

But that's just one reason to keep drinking the beverage that inspired Bach to write a cantata in its praise.

Here are a few of coffee's scientifically-proven health benefits:

· Overall Longevity: As mentioned above, coffee helps prevent cardiovascular disease and cancer, but several studies have shown that daily consumption also lowers the risk of death from several other illnesses, including type II diabetes and neurological disease.

· Cancer Prevention: Coffee has been shown to play a role in the prevention of several types of cancers, including lethal prostate cancer, skin cancer, liver cancer and colorectal cancer.

· Alzheimer's Prevention: Several studies have found coffee to be effective in preventing Alzheimer's and dementia.

· Parkinson's Prevention: A recent study in Sweden showed that people with certain genetic predispositions may have increased resistance to Parkinson's disease if they also consume caffeine.

· Diabetes Prevention: One study showed that drinking six cups of coffee per day decreases the risk of developing type II diabetes by 22 percent. A review of several studies conducted by a Harvard researcher found that the risk of diabetes is lowered by 9 percent for each cup of coffee consumed daily.

· Liver Health: Research has shown that coffee not only lowers the risk of liver cancer, but also helps to prevent cirrhosis of the liver.

· Fighting Depression: Coffee has been shown to reduce depression and suicide risk. One study found that women who drank four or more cups of coffee daily "were 20% less likely to suffer from depression."

· Oral Health: Drinking black coffee helps kill tooth bacteria, but adding sugar or milk negates the effect. Coffee may also help to prevent gum disease.

· Retinal Damage Prevention: The antioxidants found in coffee may prevent retinal damage caused by oxidative stress.

· Gout Prevention: A study involving more than 50,000 men found that the risk of developing gout decreases as coffee intake increases.

· DNA Protection: One study found that coffee strengthens DNA. The white blood cells of coffee drinkers showed significantly less spontaneous DNA strand breakage than that of non-coffee drinkers.

· Multiple Sclerosis Prevention: Four or more cups of coffee per day may help prevent the onset and recurrence of multiple sclerosis. Recent research suggests that coffee prevents neural inflammation that may lead to the development of MS.

· Muscle Pain Relief: Drinking two cups of coffee has been shown to cut post-workout muscle pain by nearly 50 percent.

Why is coffee so effective in preventing disease?

The actual mechanisms involved in coffee's many health benefits aren't entirely known, even though numerous studies have repeatedly proven its power to prevent many types of disease.

Although caffeine is one of the beneficial compounds, there are more than 1,000 others contained in the beverage, and it's relatively unclear which ones provide the various proven disease-fighting effects.

What is known, however, is that coffee provides a powerful antioxidant effect, and that may be one key to many of its health benefits. Coffee provides more antioxidants for most people than any other source, according to one study.

It's important to note that adding sugar or milk to coffee can decrease its beneficial effects; a little sugar or milk may be okay, but it's best to drink it black. Artificial sweeteners and skim milk should also be avoided, cautions Dr. Sanjiv Chopra, Harvard Medical School professor and renowned coffee advocate.

Sources:

NJ.com

News.Harvard.edu

CaffeineInformer.com

Journals.LWW.com

MedicalXpress.com

Science.NaturalNews.com

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/055643_coffee_health_benefits_disease_prevention.html#ixzz4W7nkH7hJ

Where did Coffee From!

When you think about how great coffee is to many people in this world, it makes you wonder. Where could such a bean originate from? So I did some research, and I'm not sure if this has ever been validated or if it's true. The story is so wonderful and cute I'm going to say that is too good to not be true.



According to the National Coffee Association, in the ancient forests in Ethiopia. There was a goat herder there named Kaldi. Kaldi is the first person to ever discover coffee beans. One particular day Kaldi realized that his goats could not sleep at night. They became fond of this particular berry tree. Kaldi notice after his goats would eat the berries from this tree they would become so energetic causing them not to sleep at night. So Kaldi decided to share what he had discovered to the local monastery, which was the religious home of monks. One of the monks decided to make a drink with the berries and found that it made him more alert throughout his day of prayer well into the evening. He eventually shared this knowledge with other monks, who reveled off the drink and caused it to spread and eventually make its way to the Arabian Peninsula, which begin the coffee bean journey across the globe and into our wonderful lives.

(picture source unknown)