America runs on caffeine. Energy drinks, two-ounce energy “shots” and even caffeine capsules feed the growing need for caffeine. According to The Diabetes Council, the recommended daily caffeine dose should not exceed 400 mg per day. The average 16-ounce brewed coffee at Starbucks contains 300 mg, but coffee is in a category all by itself. In coffee, of course, caffeine is an important element, but it also contains a complex blend of compounds that are linked to improved emotional and mental health.
Antioxidants – the Mood Lifters
Coffee is high in antioxidants, including polyphenols and hydrocinnamic acids. According to The National Institutes of Health, these components can aid in moderating depression. In a recent NIH study, “People who consume four or five cups of coffee every day are likely to stay active and happy all day long, when compared to those who do not drink this beverage at all.”
Neurodegenerative Disease Reducer?
Our fast-paced lives are filled with distractions, and sometimes our memories suffer for it. We have less time to focus, which means less time to form memories. According to the National Institute on Aging, coffee consumption tends to increase memory. One explanation may be that caffeine positively impacts the tau protein believed to be linked to the development of Alzheimer’s Disease. The same study showed that a connection between components in coffee can prevent the formation of proteins associated with the development of Parkinson’s Disease.
The Happy Drink
Health benefits aside, coffee makes us happy. The compounds in coffee mimic adenosine, which, according to the NIH, makes us feel sleepy. The caffeine present in coffee blocks the receptors in the brain that detect adenosine. This causes the body to release dopamine – the feel-good stimulant. Those who are familiar with the runner’s high are well aware of the effect of dopamine. It makes you feel energetic and calm at the same time, allowing for more endurance during exercise. All the science is impressive, but most people just care about the end result of a cup of joe. Coffee makes us feel good.
The health benefits linked to coffee consumption are wonderful reasons to indulge in that steaming mug.
Coffee is fun. It is social. As I write this I am surrounded by people engaged in conversation. But alas, we don’t live in our favorite coffee shop…
In an earlier blog, “The Artisan Cup”, we talk about how to reproduce that WOW cup of coffee at home or in the office. It is achieved by fresh from the roast premium coffee, in ample supply (largest capacity pod), and an excellent seal that keeps the coffee fresh for several months. That’s how we match the classic pour-over. All this and we are 100% compostable.
If you would like to learn more about the Gorby 1000 and G-Pods system, contact our team to get started.