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Coffee - What's The Big Deal?

By: Javica Holman That coffee can generate so many tales of romance and intrigue but also be at the heart of such a hard-headed business is truly amazing. From its start all the way up to present day, you will find that this dark and pungent drink has cured, enriched and fascinated millions, if not billions the world over.

Legends abound about the origins of the coffee plant. We have found that the most constant historic information puts coffees' discovery in Ethiopia somewhere around 500 BC. From there, upon observing the stimulating effects of its berries, travelers brought it with them to Arabia, where it acquired the name.

The Renaissance not only gave birth the arts and sciences but also to the growing production and distribution world wide of this new hedonistic drink. It was in the late 18th century that both plantations and drinking popularity now would spread around the world and across the ocean to both South and North America. People of every class and race were consuming this beverage.

Over the course of the following centuries the health effects that were due to coffee certainly can seem miraculous. Lets find out some of the real facts based upon scientific research. A study from Harvard followed over 100,000 individuals for almost 20 years they came to the conclusion that general to moderate use of coffee products will assist diabetics. Other studies show that male sperm swims faster, longer and thus farther in liquids laced with coffee. These speedy sperm are being stimulated by the caffeine kick we all love.

The antioxidants that are found in drinks like wine, are also found in coffee These are what are touted as helping keep hearts healthier. We do find that critics argue over if the pros outweigh the cons. Coffee is also a diuretic. This motivates you to experience more frequent urination. Yet others assert that the stimulation from caffeine can lead to long term nerve degeneration. If you have ever experienced caffeine withdrawal, than you know first hand it can lead to increased sleeplessness and headaches.

Whether for good or bad - or both - coffee is here to stay. The economics alone virtually guarantee that, since as a commodity coffee is second only in dollar volume to oil. Whether traded on exchanges in London, New York, Hong Kong or Lima with over 400 billion cups consumed annually, this other 'black gold' only grows in popularity. Though only 10-20% (depending on country) of adults drink one or more cups daily, over 63% of the world wide population drinks at least occasionally. This drives the total retail sales of coffee to over $12 billion annually.

Lets add the number of raw beans, grinders, roasters, brewers and cups bought for the home to those retail figures and the numbers reach amazing proportions. With the rise in both basic commodity and specialty retail prices, the future for coffee businesses continues to look bright. There are close to 24,000 coffee outlets in just the USA in 2006.

And specialty coffee shops are not the only outlet for a wide choice of blends and styles. Home roasters and brewers also can enjoy espresso, invented in 1901 and growing ever since. Straight shots, long shots or double shots are a snap now with home machines.