Qahwah as the Arabs called it or Caffé as the Italian put it can be called the grandparents of modern day Coffee. Coffee first came into being in the 15th century. Said to 
have originated in Ethiopia and Yemen, coffee is a brewed drink made from roasted seeds called coffee beans. Coffee beans are obtained from the coffee plant which is more like a shrub whose berries are roasted to give coffee beans. The coffee plant is found in two forms, Coffea arabica and Coffea robusta which are resistant to a devastating coffee weed.
Coffee is a rich source of caffeine. Due to its high content of caffeine, it is believed to have a stimulating effect on the human body. The presence of caffeine in coffee is both advantageous and a drawback. Several years ago, studies had been extremely critical of the caffeine content in coffee. Scientists admonished coffee saying that excessive consumption of this caffeinated drink can be unsafe for the general well being of individuals. These claims were not completely false.
Coffee intake interferes with the absorption of iron causing iron deficiency anemia in individuals. The caffeine present is also said to cause stiffening of arterial walls, besides other ailments like migraines, arrhythmias and sleep disturbance if consumed in excessive amounts. Caffeinated coffee was also said to be a causal factor of coronary heart disease.
Some of the above mentioned harmful effects of coffee can be negated by using a suitable means of preparation. It is believed that preparing coffee using paper filters considerably reduces the oily components called diterpenes. Diterpenes are complex hydrocarbons which have been proven to cause heart diseases. Besides the method of preparation, the risks of caffeine can be prevented by avoiding coffee intake in excess.
Recent studies have however invigorated this caffeinated drink and given a new lease of life to coffee lovers. The antioxidant properties of caffeine have played a major role in giving back coffee its status of being the most consumed drink in America. Antioxidants help in fighting and prevention of cancer as well as in delaying the signs of aging. Coffee intake is also beneficent for weight loss as it increases metabolism and suppresses appetite. Also, consumption of caffeine in a moderate quantity reduces the risk of acquiring Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, dementia and liver cirrhosis.
All in all, coffee intake can be healthy if consumed in moderate amounts.
