The ultimate cheatsheet for coffee lovers

With our lives getting busier and busier, we sometimes require a healthy dose of caffeine to jumpstart the day. Coffee lovers all have their favorite orders, blends, syrups, and more. But, is coffee good or bad for our bodies?

• Daylight savings can take it’s toll. Here are some tips to help you cope.
• If you needed even more reason to have an extra cup of Joe, recent studies show that coffee can actually reduce your risk of cancer.

When a brand like Starbucks goes global because of the way they make coffee, you know how important this beverage has been in our lives. In fact, we’d even go as far to say that coffee connects us across nations. It’s a beverage accepted globally in various forms and tastes.

Pro-tip: Traveling soon? Figure out how to say “coffee” in the local language before you get there.

Some prefer to start their day with an espresso while some can’t do without their Starbucks latte. Either way, caffeine is getting into our systems one way or another each day. We love this drink so much that we have now started using caffeine even in our desserts. As a matter of fact, even T.S.Eliot said:

I have measured out my life with coffee spoons

While that sounds like the norm for true coffee lovers, it’s been a controversial topic for quite some time. Scientists and researchers have been figuring out the effects of caffeine on our bodies and whether or not this beverage is actually doing us any good.

Did You Know: The coffee tree’s fruit is called a cherry.

What do the researchers say?

– Drinking four cups of coffee a day can cut down your chances of early death.

– Too much coffee can cause insomnia.

– Caffeine intake along with a healthy diet can boost your memory.

– Caffeine is a stimulant for anxiety.

– Caffeine can also make you crave more sweets.

– Coffee can also help prevent Type 2 diabetes (although you’d need to cut down your sugar).

– If you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), it’s better to avoid having too much coffee.

However, coffee has always been a major source of antioxidants for Americans. So, giving it up completely isn’t a wise choice. What you need to know is how to make your coffee healthy for your body.

How can you make your coffee healthy?

Most researchers have said that drinking 3-4 cups of coffee a day is good for your health. Now, by 3-4 cups they mean strictly coffee, not including the milk, sugar, or cream. You need to understand that while your creamy latte might taste wonderful and make you feel happy, it isn’t doing much good to your system if you’re having it multiple times in a day.

In fact, Tom Sanders, professor emeritus of nutrition and dietetics at King’s College London says:

Patients with abnormal heart rhythms are often advised to drink de-caffeinated coffee. Caffeine also acutely increases blood pressure, albeit transiently.

To make your cup of coffee healthier, you need to:

• Use low-fat milk and skip the cream
• Avoid sugar in your coffee
• Choose filtered coffee if you have high cholesterol
• Avoid drinking coffee in the evening and before going to bed

Fun Fact: The best times to drink coffee in the day are between 9:30-11:30am and 1:30-3:30pm. Unless you’re a night owl, never drink coffee in the evenings.

Coffee makers – a savior in disguise!

Semi-Automatic Espresso Maker

Popular with coffee lovers all over the world, the Gaggia Classic makes it easy for you to create the perfect cup every time. Featuring a commercial chrome-plated brass portafilter and brew group, the machine offers ideal heat stability.

Pressure Brew Coffee On The Go With Túbereka

Brew your java the right by adding grounds and water at the same time or use the vacuum release system to make fresh coffee on the go. With precise internal pressure and an engineered filter, Túbereka lets you add coffee and water to their own compartments, which will remain separate until you decide to brew.

STARESSO Portable Espresso Maker

Totally compact, this system has everything you need for the perfect brew. Simply add in your ground coffee beans, pour in hot water, and you’re ready to go. The Espresso Maker has a built-in French-style press.

Newton Lever-Press Espresso Maker

Using a clean and simple design, this system delivers delicious coffee in a matter of moments. The Newton Espresso can sit on your counter or mount to the wall.

AnZa Concrete Coffee Machine

It uses concrete and Corian for the entire structure. Seeing these materials in this application juxtaposes the delicious coffee that comes out the front. In addition to these materials, the handles feature beautiful white ceramic reminiscent of classic French bathrooms.

Ember Ceramic Smart Coffee Mug

Once it’s brewed, keeping your coffee hot is the toughest part. This intelligent mug keeps your coffee nice and warm so you can take your time to drink it. Working with a connected coaster, you can even fine-tune the exact temperature to really enjoy every sip.

Although we really love our coffee, we think it would be an injustice to not mention its leafy sibling for the tea lovers out there. Now, if you prefer tea over coffee, it’s perfectly fine. While coffee is excellent to jump-start your morning, tea makes sure you get to relax after a tiring work day. There’s certainly a place for both to balance your day.