Drinking coffee is as common as eating and has become almost a national pastime since it punctuates many important events such as dinners, banquets, socials, and home gatherings. Whole businesses are made around this product such as coffee houses, delis, bars and donut shops. Manufacturers would be lost without coffee beans to process into its many forms that include not only the hot beverage, but injected into other food items such as pies, cakes, icecream, energy drinks and smoothies. There is an endless stream of products that us some form of the coffee bean to enhance, flavor and provide a shot of caffeine to eager consumers.
With so much use of coffee beans over the last 50 years, there are many questions that are asked by consumers as to the use and/or abuse of the product. There are conflicting statements made by health professionals all the time as well. Research has been conducted while consumers continue to use the product in some form or other. There is no denying that coffee is a powerful manufacturing product because it is a favorite among people worldwide. Obviously, it is here to stay. But what about the many questions that are often asked about its use? Here are a few important questions and some answers given by coffee experts that may offer you some information when deciding whether or not to drink that extra cup of coffee or eat that coffee laden ice cream pie.
Q: Are all coffee products natural or are there any chemicals used to process them?
A: It is undeniable that many chemicals are used to process many gourmet blends and flavored coffees. Companies use propylene glycol to flavor beans after roasting. This chemical is necessary to inject various flavors into the beans. If you are looking to drink coffee or use coffee products without chemicals, you would best stick with organic coffee beans and do your own grinding and blending.
Q: Does decaffeinated coffee still retain some caffeine?
A: Yes, generally, all decaffeinated coffee still retains some caffeine although most is removed. Generally, between 97% to 99% of decaf coffee is without caffeine.
Q: Are chemicals used to decaffeinate coffee?
A: Yes, a solvent called methylene chloride is used to remove most of the caffeine. Another method is to wash away the caffeine with charcoal and water. There is some concern about whether or not the solvent is completely washed away before packaging or if some residue will be ingested by consumers. By using the Swiss method of removing caffeine by passing it through charcoal and water can alleviate concerns about chemicals. Obviously, you will lose some flavor by decaf methods. If you want to go completely chemically free, you can try an organic, green coffee bean that has not been treated that will give you as close to the taste of a ‘real’ cup of coffee as you will find, but with very little caffeine. It is also a bit more expensive.
Q: Is it possible to make low acid coffee if you have stomach problems from drinking regular coffee?
A: Yes, if you suffer from problems such as acid reflux, you can purchase some ‘low acid’ coffees, but there is a method called Toddy Cold Brew System that purports to make coffee with over 60% less acid than typical coffee. You don’t have to purchase processed low acid coffee which may also have chemical residues and may not taste as good.
Q: Could drinking coffee cause a heart attack?
A: There are many medical opinions on this subject and it is best to heed the general warning that drinking too much coffee is not good for anyone because it can cause general anxiety symptoms to worsen which cause the heart rate to go up sometimes. That said, a recent study also reports that drinking coffee in moderation can actually be good for heart health.
These are just a few of the questions that come to the mind of many coffee lovers who want to continue to enjoy their hot beverage every day if possible. Obviously, coffee in its many forms will continue to be a part of the worldwide culture. As with any beverage or food, its wise to consume in moderation without giving up one of life’s simple pleasures.
P.S. Orr has been writing articles for 6 years on a variety of topics of interest. Come visit the latest website at http://www.singleservecoffeemakerstore.com/ which helps people find the best deals on travel coffee makers and more information about gourmet coffee machines.
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