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Gourmet Decaf Coffee Facts and HistoryDecaffeinated versions such as gourmet decaf coffee are becoming increasingly popular around the campfire. For most people camping and coffee have always been a natural. Just not for our family. We've always avoided regular coffee because of the bitter acidic taste and the effects of caffeine. Certain types of gourmet decaf coffee, however, have been a pleasant surprise. First, here are a few facts about the golden brew:
No one knows exactly how coffee was discovered. The province of Kaffa in Ethiopia probably grew the first plants and thus also gave birth to the name. In the 6th century it's thought Persian armies carried it to the Arabian Peninsula. There the Arabs brewed the bitter seeds into a drink to make them taste better. Soon the new beverage spread to Europe. By the start of the 17th century so much was passing through the Arabian port of Mocha that mocha became another word for coffee. During the 18th century coffee culture spread to Asia and the New World. Indonesia dominated the world market for nearly a century. Brazil then surpassed Indonesia and has held the leading producing position for many years. Coffee was first introduced to Western Europe in the early 1600s. Some people said it was intoxicating. Others thought it was poisonous. But gradually it was accepted, and coffee houses became the center of social, literary, and political life. Today the "coffee break" is a regular morning ritual in homes and offices around the world. It has become the second most popular beverage in the world next to water.
This organic compound (alkaloid) is a stimulant in coffee beans and tea leaves. It is considered the main reason why coffee has become such a popular drink, because of its addictive tendencies. eliminate effects of caffeine Health Problems from Normal Coffee When some people in the 1600s thought coffee to be "poisonous", their suspicions had some merit. It's only been in the last several decades researchers have discovered the negative side-effects of caffeine and high acidity in coffee. These include: Heart Disease: In addition to elevating heart rate and blood pressure, caffeine is linked to coronary spasms, the cause of 20% of all fatal heart attacks. Stress: The increased excretion of stress hormones stimulated by the drug can cause higher levels of irritability, anxiety, pain, muscular tension, insomnia, indigestion and decreased immunity. Emotional Disturbances: Mood swings, depression and attention disorders are associated effects. Caffeine actually decreases blood flow to the brain by up to 30 percent. Gastrointestinal Problems: Burning, heartburn, gastro-esophageal reflux and increased risk of ulcers are common problems experienced from drinking coffee. Nutritional Deficiencies: Caffeine inhibits the absorption of some nutrients and causes the urinary excretion of calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and trace minerals, all essential elements necessary for good health. Male Health Problems: Frequent urination and enlarged prostate glands are problems associated with coffee and caffeine consumption. Female Health Problems: PMS, breast disease, osteoporosis, fertility problems, miscarriage, low birth weight infants and menopausal symptoms are all intensified by caffeine intake. Adrenal Gland Exhaustion: Consumption leads to adrenal exhaustion which can leave you vulnerable to a variety of health disorders related to autoimmunity, inflammation and fatigue. Aging: Caffeine dehydrates the body and contributes to aging of skin and kidneys. It has been shown to inhibit DNA repair and slow the ability of the liver to detoxify toxins. Acid Imbalance: There are over 208 acids in coffee. These contribute to a variety of conditions associated with arthritic, rheumatic and skin irritations. Acid indigestion is common. The body needs an alkaline ph balance for optimal health. Blood Sugar Swings: The drug forces the liver to release glycogen into the blood stream. The pancreas responds to the rise in blood sugar by releasing insulin, the hormone which causes excess carbohydrates to be stored as fat. Within a short period of time, there is a sharp blood sugar drop resulting in a state of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Your mind thinks it's time for another cup and the whole cycle starts over again.
This difficulty appears to be solved by adding a well known herb called ganoderma lucidum, or Reishi, as it is commonly known. For thousands of years Reishi has been considered "the king of herbs." It provides sustained energy (the "boost") without the negative side-effects of caffeine. Rich in antioxidants (over 150, compared to green tea which has 8), Reishi increases immunity and has many other health benefits. When refined properly it is tasteless in coffee.
healthy gourmet decaf coffee
• Made from real Brazilian beans and so maintains taste, without the high acidity of normal coffee. • Uses beans only from FTP (Fair Trade Practice) countries. • Non-acidic, ph of 7.2-7.4 • Very low caffeine--has less (1 mg) than regular decaf coffees (10 mg). • High antioxidant content (150+) which boosts immunity. • Uses no chemicals or hormones in the decaffeination process. • Is less expensive than purchasing from chain coffee shops. New Trick for an Old Dog I mentioned the discovery of this type of gourmet decaf coffee was a pleasant surprise. Actually, for the first time in my life I've become a coffee drinker. The taste is decent (as far as coffee goes in my opinion). I don't get the characteristic crash, shakes or other negative side effects of caffeine. In fact, my overall energy level has increased. The immune boosting properties are noticeable. I'm not getting sick. So, after nearly 50 years I can finally sit around the campfire with a real cup of coffee in my hands and feel good about it.
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