What Are Coffee Beans?

The coffee beans you brew are actually the seeds of a fruit called a top 10 coffee Beans cherry. The coffee plant is a perennial, meaning that it comes back year after year.

Coffee beans have high levels of certain compounds - like caffeine, so they should be consumed in moderation. Learn more about this popular seed.

Origin

The roasted seeds of the coffee plant are used to make a brewed beverage called coffee. The beans are a favored and profitable international commodity. Coffee plants are woody evergreen plants that thrive in the tropical regions. The majority of the world's beans is grown in the Bean Belt, which includes the areas surrounding the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn.

The most popular story about the origin of coffee began in Ethiopia with a goatherder named Kaldi. He noticed that the bright red berries from certain coffee plants caused his goats to be more energetic. Kaldi shared his discovery with the abbot of a nearby monastery, who made a drink out of the berries. The energy-boosting effect of the berries was spread.

Today, coffee beans are derived from two major varieties of the Coffea plant: Arabica and Robusta. The latter is found primarily in Africa and Indonesia and is generally cheaper than arabica. There are many smaller varieties that are a combination of robusta and arabica. They are known as Peaberries and have a scrumptier taste than regular beans.

When roasting, beans may lose their moisture, which can lead to them becoming bitter or stale. It is essential to make use of fresh, premium beans for your coffee.

Flavor

The four components of flavor- acidity, bitterness, saltiness, and sweetnesscan be influenced by bean's type, climate and processing method. These components can be combined in a variety of ways to create different flavor profiles, from sweet and fruity to nutty, and even smoky.

When coffee beans are heated they react with the amino acids in their seeds, forming hundreds of aromatic compounds that alter the taste of the beans. This process is known as the Maillard Reaction and it is the same chemical reaction that occurs in virtually every cooking. The smell of beans that are roasted reflects these compounds.

While the Maillard Reaction affects the overall flavor of a roast, nonvolatile or volatile compounds also influence the taste of coffee. The flavor of a fresh or unroasted coffee can be earthy, floral, fruity, or even chocolaty. Bitterness is often associated with roasts that are full-bodied and contain more caffeine. However, it can also be caused by poor brewing or storage.

Flavored coffee beans are coated with flavor oils that help to preserve the beans while adding an aroma and flavor. The flavored oils are a combination of natural and chemical flavors that can include everything from vanilla to cinnamon to chocolate. The flavors are linked to the beans by a chemical compound called polyphenol.

Health Benefits

Coffee beans are packed with a variety of nutrients that are good for health like magnesium, potassium and B vitamins. They are also a good source of antioxidants that help to prevent the oxidative stress (which can cause chronic diseases such as cancer and atherosclerosis). The antioxidants found in the chlorogenic acids in organic coffee beans beans are particularly effective against obesity-related diseases like diabetes or high cholesterol levels.

Coffee is a natural boost of energy that makes people feel more alert. Caffeine increases neurochemicals, which improves alertness, memory and cognitive function. It also aids in controlling blood sugar levels. Drinking moderate amounts of caffeine has been shown to reduce the risk of developing Parkinson's disease and dementia. It also improves mood, satisfaction and energy levels, as well as concentration.

Anti-aging: The antioxidants (including caffeine and the chlorogenic acids) in coffee serve as natural moisturizers for your skin, boosting cell turnover, which reduces wrinkles and fine lines. They also provide UV-protection, filtering light and preventing sun-induced damage to the skin.

Anti-depressant Coffee beans are a natural anti-depressant. They increase serotonin levels as well as dopamine levels in the brain, which increases the level of happy hormones. It also helps reduce inflammation and pain, acting as a natural painkiller, and improving the effectiveness of prescription painkillers. Coffee also has cafestol and kahweol which are diterpene esters with lipolytic properties within the adipose tissues, aiding in fighting cellulite.

Caffeine

Coffee is among the most popular drinks around the world and is now a part of many of our morning routines. Coffee beans are the seeds of the coffee plant or coffee cherry. They contain caffeine, a natural stimulant. The caffeine content of coffee is contingent on the method of roasting, prepared and brewed. But, there are basic guidelines regarding the amount of caffeine in each coffee bean that will assist you in making the right choices when selecting your joe.

The average coffee bean has approximately 2 milligrams per bean. However, the exact amount can depend on the size and the degree to which it has been roasted. It is a popular myth that darker roasted coffee beans contain more caffeine than lighter roasted ones. This isn't the case. Dark roast coffee beans contain less caffeine than light roasts because of their smaller density. However, the amount of caffeine is the same.

A typical cup of brewed coffee has around 95 milligrams of caffeine within it, however the recommended daily limit is 400 milligrams. If you are not sensitive to caffeine keeping within this range shouldn't cause any negative consequences. Caffeine isn't harmful for people who aren't sensitive. However, it is important to be aware of the amount of caffeine you consume and to avoid overdoing.