Coffee!……..Northwest Cascade Wanderings

Coffee! Can you imagine a start to the day without it? Nope-neither can I! ☕️

There are over 120 varieties of coffee with Arabica and Robusta being the most impactful from a commercial aspect.

Did you know that the coffee plant is an evergreen? I had no idea! They grow anywhere from 9-15-is feet for Arabica and up to 33 feet or so for Robusta. Coffee plants bloom and the blooms develop into cherries, holding 2 coffee beans. Each plant produces approximately 2-4-ish pounds of coffee.

Green beans prior to roasting.

We roast coffee as we invested in two tabletop commercial roasters which roast one pound per cycle. A micro-roaster, if you will!

Even though we roast our own, it’s still nice to head out to a coffeehouse and enjoy not only the coffee, but the ambiance as well.

So what are the health benefits? I asked GROK and this was the response:

Potential Health Benefits

1. Cognitive Function:
   • Caffeine improves focus, reaction time, and memory by blocking adenosine receptors in the brain.
   • Studies suggest moderate coffee intake (2-4 cups daily, ~200-400 mg caffeine) may reduce risk of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
2. Cardiovascular Health:
   • Antioxidants may improve blood vessel function and reduce inflammation.
   • Moderate consumption is linked to a lower risk of heart disease and stroke in some studies, though excessive intake (>6 cups/day) may increase blood pressure.
3. Metabolic Effects:
   • Coffee may enhance metabolism and fat oxidation due to caffeine, potentially aiding weight management.
   • Associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, possibly due to chlorogenic acids improving insulin sensitivity.
4. Liver Health:
   • Regular coffee consumption is linked to lower risks of liver diseases, including cirrhosis and liver cancer, possibly due to antioxidants and anti-inflammatory effects.
5. Physical Performance:
   • Caffeine boosts adrenaline, enhancing physical performance and endurance, making coffee a common pre-workout drink.

What about health risks? Here’s GROK’s reply:

Potential Health Risks

1. Overconsumption:
   • Excessive caffeine (>400 mg/day for most adults) can cause anxiety, insomnia, palpitations, or digestive issues.
   • Pregnant women should limit intake to <200 mg/day due to risks of miscarriage or low birth weight.
2. Cholesterol:
   • Unfiltered coffee (e.g., French press, espresso) contains diterpenes that may raise LDL cholesterol levels.
3. Acid Reflux:
   • Coffee’s acidity can trigger heartburn or worsen acid reflux in sensitive individuals.
4. Dependency:
   • Regular use can lead to caffeine tolerance or mild dependence, with withdrawal symptoms like headaches or fatigue.
5. Bone Health:
   • High intake may reduce calcium absorption, potentially affecting bone density, though evidence is mixed and mitigated by adequate calcium intake.

When we ‘buy’ a coffee, I drink caffeinated. However at home, I roast water processed decaf for myself and will use that or mix it with the regular caffeinated coffee we roast for a half/caf.

I cannot imagine a day without this wonderful brown elixir!

Coffee roasting!

My step count for the day:

That’s gonna be it for today. Take care and enjoy the rest of your day wherever you are! 🙏🌏🙏

👣🐑☕️☕️☕️🌻😎👍😁😊🌙🥱😴

NKJV Psalm 40: 4-5

Blessed is that man who makes the LORD his trust,
And does not respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.
Many, O LORD my God, are Your wonderful works
Which You have done;
And Your thoughts toward us
Cannot be recounted to You in order;
If I would declare and speak of them,
They are more than can be numbered.

Picture taken by me and altered by cliptocomic app

@elizabethbit is a member of ladiesofsgs4eva
a sweet group of lady stackers of SGH