What Are Coffee Beans? The coffee beans that you brew are actually seeds from a fruit called a coffee cherry. The coffee plant is perennial, meaning that it will return every year. Consuming coffee beans in moderation is recommended due to the fact that they contain high levels of caffeine as well as other compounds. Find out more about this renowned seed! Origin The roasted seeds of the coffee plant are used to create coffee, a beverage that is brewed. The beans are a popular and profitable international commodity. https://www.coffeee.uk/categories/coffee-beans are woody, evergreen plants that thrive in the tropics. The Bean Belt includes the areas surrounding the Tropic of Cancer, and the Tropic of Capricorn. The most popular origin story of coffee began in Ethiopia with a goatherder named Kaldi. He noticed that the bright red berries produced by certain coffee plants made his goats more energetic. Kaldi shared his discovery with the abbot of a nearby monastery, who brewed a drink using the berries. The berries' energizing effects took off from there. Presently coffee beans are made by two main varieties of Coffea plants: Arabica and Robusta. The latter is primarily found in Africa and Indonesia and is generally cheaper than arabica. In addition to the primary varieties, there are also smaller specialty beans that are a mixture of robusta and arabica. They are known as peaberries and are more flavorful than regular beans. In the process of roasting beans lose their moisture which can lead to them becoming stale and bitter. To prevent this from happening, it is important to use only fresh, premium beans for your coffee. Flavor The four components of flavor- acidity, bitterness, sweetness, and saltinessare influenced by beans' type, climate, and the method of processing. The intensity of these elements can create a wide range of flavors that range from sweet and fruity to nutty, or even smoky. When coffee beans are heated they react with amino acids within the seed, forming hundreds of aromatic compounds that impact the flavor profile. This process is known as the Maillard Reaction and it is the same chemical reaction that happens in virtually every cooking. The aroma of roasted beans is a reflection of these substances. The Maillard Reaction is responsible for the overall flavor, however volatile and nonvolatile compounds also contribute to the flavor of coffee. Green beans, whether unroasted or not, can be a bit fruity, floral, or earthy. Bitterness can be a result of full-bodied roasts containing more caffeine. However, it can also be caused by poor brewing or storage. Flavored coffee beans are coated with flavor oils to help preserve the beans while adding a specific aroma and taste. The flavor oils are made up of chemicals and natural flavors, including cinnamon, vanilla and chocolate. The flavors bind to the beans using an extremely chemical compound known as polyphenol. Health Benefits Coffee beans are a fantastic source of magnesium, potassium, and B vitamins. They also are a great source of antioxidants, which help prevent the effects of oxidative stress (which can lead to chronic diseases such as atherosclerosis and cancer). The antioxidants chlorogenic acids in coffee beans are especially beneficial against obesity-related diseases such as diabetes and high cholesterol levels. Coffee is also an effective natural energy booster and helps people feel more alert and energized. Caffeine boosts neurochemicals and improves alertness, memory and cognitive performance. It also aids in controlling blood sugar levels. Drinking moderate amounts of caffeine has been proven to decrease the risk of Parkinson’s disease and dementia. It can also improve mood, satisfaction and energy levels, as well as concentration. Anti-aging The antioxidants (including caffeine and the chlorogenic acids) in coffee act as natural moisturizers for the skin, boosting cell turnover to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. They also have UV protection properties, which block light and avoiding sun-induced skin damage. Anti-depressant Coffee beans can be used as an anti-depressant which boosts dopamine and serotonin in the brain to increase the amount of happy hormones. It can also relieve inflammation and pain and pain, acting as a natural painkiller, and improving the effectiveness of prescription painkillers. Cafestol and Kahweol, both diterpene ester compounds with lipolytic properties. They aid in reducing cellulite. Caffeine Coffee is a favored drink throughout the world. It is now a part of many morning routines. Coffee beans are actually seeds of a plant called the coffee plant or coffee cherry and they are a natural stimulant caffeine. The caffeine content of coffee can vary depending on how it is roasted and prepared before being brewed. There are however some basic rules about the amount of caffeine present in each coffee bean that will allow you to make informed decisions when it comes to choosing the right joe. The average coffee bean has around 2 milligrams caffeine per cup, however the exact amount can vary according to the size of the bean and how darkly roasted it is. There is a popular belief that dark-roasted beans have more caffeine than light roasted ones but this isn't the situation. A dark roast coffee bean is likely to have less caffeine in it than lighter roasts due to its lower density, however the total amount of caffeine will be the same. The recommended daily limit for caffeine is 400 milligrams. A typical cup of coffee contains 95 milligrams. Keeping within this range should not have any adverse side effects unless you are sensitive to caffeine. Caffeine isn't harmful to those who are not sensitive. However it is essential to keep track of how much caffeine you consume and avoid overdoing.