Coffee has become an essential part of the daily routine for many people around the world, including India, where its consumption is steadily increasing. Although coffee is often associated with providing energy, it is also enhanced with many health benefits.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Neleema Rana George, Head – Coffee Works and Technology at Kelachandra Coffee, addressed these issues while focusing on coffee drinking trends, domestically and globally, the overall coffee industry India’s uniqueness and regularity. growing cafe culture.
The Global Coffee Landscape
The world consumes about 10 billion kilograms of coffee every year, according to the International Coffee Organization (ICO). Coffee is the second most important commodity after petroleum in the world. That’s a daily average of 2.25 billion copies and about 815 billion copies per year. Europe is leading the race, accounting for almost 30% of the world’s coffee, with Finland having the highest per capita. North America, particularly the United States, also ranks high, with Americans drinking more than 400 million cups of coffee a day. Asia, especially India, is seeing a growing interest in coffee, driven by urbanization, lifestyle changes and the growth of coffee culture. The beauty is that we are growing coffee under the shade and growing in the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats, known for their variety that will capture all the volatiles (kairomones) from the shade trees and give with a pleasant sensation of mouth.
Coffee as an Experience: The Rise of Coffee Drinking and Café Culture
India, traditionally a tea-drinking country, has shown a noticeable change in coffee consumption over the past two decades. The Coffee Board of India reports that domestic coffee consumption is growing at a rate of 5-6% annually, driven by the youth population and the growing coffee culture. India is one of the leading producers of coffee, with the southern states of Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andra Pradesh and extended to the North-East contributing 3-4% of the world’s coffee production. in width.
The tradition of coffee and café started by Indian Coffee House was developed by Café Coffee Day. This approach to offering coffee as a social experience was further strengthened by Starbucks, Barista, and the subsequent chain of cafés. This coffee trend is estimated to be worth more than INR 3,000 crore (about 400 billion) by 2023 and is expected to grow exponentially as urban millennials adopt the trend. For them, coffee is not just a drink; it is now considered a source of health benefits as well.
Health Benefits of Coffee: Backed by Science
Coffee is considered more than just a drink; it is a powerful source of antioxidants, brain boosters and nutrients that can positively impact your health. Coffee is a complex chemical compound that contains large amounts of chlorogenic acid and caffeine. Here are six science-backed health benefits of coffee, important to global and Indian consumers:
1. Reduced Risk of Death from All Causes
A study published in the British Medical Journal found that coffee drinkers were less likely to die from any cause compared to non-drinkers. This may be due to the high levels of antioxidants in coffee that help fight oxidative stress.
2. Positive Effects on Improving Cardiovascular Health
Coffee is a rich source of antioxidants, more so than green tea in its antioxidants. These compounds help fight oxidative stress, which can reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Research published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology shows that drinking two to three cups of coffee per day is associated with a lower risk of heart disease, which is particularly important in India. due to the prevalence of cardiovascular conditions. In addition, coffee consumption is associated with a reduced risk of various types of cancer, including prostate and endometrial cancer and can help reduce neurological, metabolic and liver conditions.
3. Reduced Complications of Type 2 Diabetes
Drinking coffee, whether caffeinated or decaffeinated, is associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a growing health problem in India. Several studies suggest that coffee drinkers have a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, with a meta-analysis published in the Archives of Internal Medicine showing that every cup of coffee of daily is associated with a 7% reduction in risk.
4. Protective Effects on Liver Health
Coffee has been shown to have significant protective effects on the liver, with research showing a reduced risk of liver diseases such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, cirrhosis of the liver, cirrhosis and liver cancer. A study published in the Journal of Hepatology found that drinking four cups of coffee a day can reduce the risk of liver cirrhosis by 80%. Due to the increasing incidence of liver related diseases in India, this benefit is very important.
5. Reduced Risk of Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and Depression
Regular coffee consumption is associated with a reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease, depression and cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s. This is especially important in India, where the number of elderly people is increasing rapidly. A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease found that coffee drinkers have a 65% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
6. Improved Mental Function:
Caffeine, the main active ingredient in coffee, is known to boost brain activity. It blocks the inhibitory neurotransmitter adenosine, which leads to increased levels of other neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine. This results in improved mood, memory, and cognitive function.
The Right Amount and Method of Drinking Coffee
Although coffee offers many health benefits, drinking it in quantity and in the right way is important. For most healthy adults, up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day—the equivalent of about four 8-ounce cups of coffee—is considered safe. Here are some tips to maximize the benefits of coffee:
- Time of Day: It is better to drink coffee in the morning or in the afternoon to avoid disturbing sleep.
- Avoid Excessive Additives: To keep your coffee healthy, limit the use of sugar, flavored syrups and full-fat milk. Choose black coffee or add a little milk or plant-based alternatives.
- Stay Hydrated: Since coffee is a mild diuretic, it is important to balance it with drinking enough water throughout the day.
- Balance and Balance: Although coffee offers many health benefits, it should be part of a balanced diet. Combining coffee with nutrient-dense foods and a healthy lifestyle is key to enjoying its benefits.
Neleema Rana George emphasized, “Coffee, when enjoyed in moderation, offers a wide range of health benefits that go beyond its well-known energy-boosting role. From its ability to reduce risk of chronic diseases to its positive effects on mental and emotional performance, coffee stands out as an important part of a balanced diet in rapidly urbanizing regions like India, understanding how to maximize its benefits becomes even more important.”
He concluded by saying, “Embracing coffee as part of a conscious and health-conscious lifestyle can improve your well-being, provide happiness and good health outcomes. By choosing quality coffee beauty and enjoying it in moderation, you are not only participating in a popular daily tradition but also supporting sustainable practices and contributing to the growing coffee culture. So, the next time you taste a cup of coffee, appreciate it not only for its taste but also for its ability to positively affect your life, so eat with emotion.”
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