Also known as arabica, cappuccino, espresso, java, latte, and mocha; it is America's most widely used herbal infusion. The average American drinks 28 gallons a year.
Scientific studies are argumentative as to whether coffee has any specific health benefits. However, the overall balance of risks and benefits are on the side of benefits. Various studies clearly show reductions in the risks of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, heart disease, diabetes mellitus type 2, cirrhosis of the liver and gout. It may help prevent asthma attacks, boost physical stamina, lose weight and over come jet lag.
It can also cause significant health problems. It should be used carefully and in moderation, as any other healing herb. It's active ingredient, caffeine, is addictive. It has always been more popular as a beverage than as a healing herb.
No doubt about it, coffee is a powerful central nervous system stimulant, which can have its down side if taken to freely. It causes irritability, trembling, confusion, ringing in the ears and bowel disorders.
A few studies showed that coffee helps prevent asthma attacks. The caffeine opens the bronchial passages in the lungs. In fact, caffeine and Theophylline (a popular asthma drug) are almost identical and your body does not know the difference. Caffeine content of a single serving can vary greatly depending on the type of coffee and method of preparation.
Coffee may even help some people lose weight by boosting the number of calories they burn per hour by about four percent. That translates into a significant increase in calories burned after a meal in people with weight problems.
It may help shift the body's natural time cycle after abrupt time-zone changes. Some jet lag authorities recommend drinking coffee in the morning when traveling west and in the late afternoon when traveling east.
Coffee may increase anxiety, blood pressure, cholesterol, heart and respiration rate and secretion of stomach acid. It may cause insomnia and nervousness.
It grows in tropical areas around the world. The plant is an evergreen shrub or small tree. You can, however, grow a coffee plant purely as an ornamental if you live in a sunny, humid area where the temperature does not go below 60 degree Fahrenheit. It requires full sun, moist air, moist soil, good drainage and regular feeding.
Coffee plants are available as a house plant, but still requires full sun and high humidity.
Can anyone recommend where to purchase a coffee plant?
*Most of these sites require registration or login to bookmark
