Tuesday, May 12, 2009

11 Effects of Caffeine on The Body

Caffeine is big business. There are new coffee shops popping upall over the place. You can’t go far without running into aStarbucks. "Let’s get together for coffee. Time for a coffeebreak. Coffee pot goes off before my feet hit the floor. Travelmugs for sipping coffee on your way to work. I’ll just have thischocolate bar to pick me up this afternoon." Caffeine - It’severywhere! It’s everywhere!

Many people have grown so accustomed to having their morningcoffee or soda that they don’t even consider the damaging effectscaffeine has on the body. On the contrary, most will tell youthat they NEED their jolt to get them moving in the morning or tokeep them upright throughout the day. Caffeine is present notonly in coffee, but also tea, soda, chocolates and in certainpain relievers, such as aspirin or acetaminophen. It is alsosometimes used in combination with an antihistamine to overcomethe drowsiness caused by the antihistamine.

If you don’t think it’s addicting, try going off caffeine, coldturkey. See if you don’t have a headache for two to nine days. That’s caffeine withdrawal! You don’t need to be a coffeeholicto experience negative physical symptoms. Even as little as oneto two cups a day can negatively affect you.

You may be experiencing a number of physical ailments that couldbe caused solely from caffeine. The most common side effects ofcaffeine include dizziness, headache, irritability, muscletension, nausea, nervousness, stuffy nose, unusual tiredness andjitters.

Too much (overdose) of caffei

Coffee Percolators - How They Work To Make A Distinctive Cup Of Coffee

Making coffee with a coffee percolator and information on how it works

We all enjoy a good cup of coffee early in the morning but how many times do we stop and think about the technology that went into refining the machines that make a good cup of coffee? Coffee machines or automatic drip coffee makers all started out from coffee percolators. Coffee Percolators still have a following, as the distinctive taste of coffee brewed in a percolator is irresistible to true coffee connoisseurs.

How does a percolator work? The basic mechanism that is employed to make coffee in a percolator is to use boiling water to extract coffee from coarsely ground beans. A percolator consists of two chambers; one stacked on top of the other and connected to each other. One chamber at the bottom is filled with boiling water that rises through a small tube to the chamber at the top, which contains the ground coffee beans. The liquid is then strained at the top through a sieve and falls to the chamber at the bottom. During this process, the gurgling sound of water rising to the top can be heard - the typical sound of a percolator. It is when this sound stops that you know the process is complete.

There are various types of percolators that are differentiated by their heating mechanisms. The heating mechanism could be electrical (the most popular) or stovetop. Most percolators today use glass for the users to view the percolation process.

Some of the vintage designs that were used are quite interesting to explore. In the early part of the 16th century, the basic design was around the way coffee grinds react. A rounded container with a spout in the middle was one of the designs used to separate the coffee bean residue from the drink. In due course, cloth was used to sieve out the residue from the drink. The designs that followed usually employed the manual process of pouring hot water over beans. More innovations refined the designs but the basic process remains the same.

Though the process of making a shot of espresso in an espresso machine cannot be termed as 'percolation', the process deserves mention due the popularity of the drink. Espresso making has, over the years developed into a science. Accurate quantities, correct temperatures, and adequate pressures are required to make the perfect shot of espresso. In an espresso machine, water that is just a few degrees below boiling point is forced over a quantity of beans at specific pressure. Note however, that the fundamental extraction has some similarities with percolation. Learn more at http://www.espressomachinecomparisons.com

Today, the percolator faces stiff competition from other brewing tools like the French press and the drip brewer. The biggest criticism against the Coffee Percolator is that without manual intervention, percolators will boil the taste out of the coffee beans. Other brewing tools like the French press are able to combat this problem by using strict temperature control. A French press is a familiar sight in coffee houses of the orient. The device consists of a glass jar with a chamber for the coffee beans in which hot water is poured. A piston is then used to force the water over the beans and extract the liquid. A drip brewer is an improvement and probably one of the most popular forms of the brewing tools that are used to make a fresh cup of coffee. So, the next time that you load coffee into your coffee machine, think about the wonderful machines that go into creating that perfect start to the day!


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Read more information about high quality Espresso Machine models for making a great cup of coffee at => http://www.espressomachinecomparisons.com

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Italian coffee – something for everyone

Espresso, caffè latte, cappuccino; there would seem to be as many types of Italian coffee as there are pastas. And just like pasta, Italian coffees are an art form accompanied by hundreds of customs and traditions. Whether it's a corretto coffee thrown back like a shot of alcohol, a cappuccino coffee and croissant for breakfast, or an iced coffee to cool off from the hot midday sun, in Italy there is a coffee drink specific for every time and mood.

But how do you make the perfect cup of espresso? There are fully automatic espresso makers, pump driven espresso machines, lever piston espresso machines, and, of course, the classic aluminium espresso coffee maker – the choices are endless. All will make a great cup of coffee but it is entirely dependant on the features that you desire. The perfect cup of coffee depends not only on the bean type and the milk you use but also the machine - blade vs. burr coffee grinders, tamp pressure, water temperature, and humidity. Caffeine lovers not only have their favorite local coffee house or cafè, but even prefer certain baristi because of their ability to deliver a perfect espresso coffee.

So what kind of coffee should you order? The possibilities can be as daunting as a Starbucks menu. Below is a list of the most popular coffee beverages.

caffe (espresso)—a small cup of very strong coffee, i.e., espresso
caffe Americano—American-style coffee, but stronger; weaker than espresso and served in a large cup
caffe doppio—double espresso
caffe freddo—iced coffee
caffe Hag—decaffeinated coffee
caffe latte—hot milk mixed with coffee and served in a glass for breakfast
caffe macchiato— espresso "stained" with a drop of steamed milk: small version of a cappuccino
caffe marocchino— espresso with a dash of hot milk and cacao powder
cappuccino — espresso infused with steamed milk and drunk in the morning, but never after lunch or dinner
granita di caffe con panna—frozen, iced beverage (similar to a slush, but ice shavings make it authentic) and topped with whipped cream

If you are looking for that special blend of Kona roast and you are tired of spending lots of money on pre-roasted and pre-ground tins then you should consider buying coffee online. Buying coffee online is the way to go. Whether you are that single morning cup of java drinker or an espresso guru, buying coffee at home and having it delivered fresh to you when you need it, is all you need to know. The ability to browse literally hundreds of roasters and wholesalers, all eager to sell you top line coffees at discount prices will make your coffee buying experience an enjoyable one.

When you buy coffee online, it is both practical and economical. By purchasing direct from wholesalers, not only are you assured fresh coffeeHealth Fitness Articles, but you also avoid paying retail overhead. Why buy retail if you can buy coffee direct and save money?

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Looking for information about Coffee?
Go to: http://www.dkcoffee.com
DK Coffee is published by Julie Carter
The Complete A to Z Of Coffee Resources
Check out more Coffee related articles at:
http://www.dkcoffee.com/archive

Coffee With Class

A gift basket loaded with gourmet coffee and snacks is a present sure to be appreciated by coffee connoisseur and college students alike. Coffee gift baskets are available with both decaf, for those who enjoy the flavor, and regular coffee, for the caffeine addicts you know.

Coffee gift baskets often come with not only coffee, but cookies, biscotti, and other treats. In addition, many include mugs or other coffee related items such as canisters or grinders. If your recipient has a preferred brand of coffee, such as Gevalia or Starbucks, you are in luck! Many premium coffee brands are available in gift baskets.

For college students, look for a coffee gift basket that includes instant coffee products that require only the addition of hot water since they may not have access to a coffee maker to brew ground coffee. For coffee lovers that preferred brewed coffee but don.t have a coffee maker, look for a gift basket that includes a small French press.

Coffee gift baskets are available in a variety of sizes and price ranges, making them perfect for office birthdays, college care packages, and even gifts to the whole family. Smaller gift baskets are often available for under $20 and include a couple varieties of coffee and treats, and often a mug or other small item. Larger gift baskets range in price to around $150 and include a wide variety of coffee and goodies in larger quantities, and may also include a full set of mugs or canisters.

For those that don't like coffee, there are also hot chocolate gift baskets and tea gift baskets available. They are similar to the coffee gift basket, except for the focal beverage. They are available in the same sizes and price rangesFree Reprint Articles, and many of the extras are similar as well.

A coffee gift basket is a great gift for any occasion and sure to be appreciated by the coffee lovers in your life. It.s a nice way to let someone special know you are thinking of them.


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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bob Bassett is the owner of Unique Gift Baskets Online which offers a wide selection of gift baskets for any occasion including baby gift baskets, food gift baskets, wine and corporate gift baskets. http://www.uniquegiftbasketsonline.com

Coffee club membership is a joy for coffee lovers

Coffee club membership is a joy for coffee lovers The coffee club concept is relatively new but is taking the world by storm. Reward yourself or your friends and relatives with coffee clubs by joining up and saving loads. Each month, you will get a shipment of coffee delivered direct to your door. This is a great way to taste new coffees, sample different varieties, find a brew that you really like and ultimately avoid a trip to the store to buy your favorite coffee. Automatic shipment is very convenient, especially if you like your coffee first thing in the morning because this means you will never run out when you need it the most.

Clubs are now springing up all over America and different clubs have different offerings so it is easy to find one that suits you. Most clubs offer a coffee of the month and/or your choice of flavors. With flavors you can choose what coffee you want delivered each month, or allow the company to surprise you. Depending on the club, it could be your favorite flavor, or a different flavor every month. Amounts vary from company to company also. Usually it is one pound per month, but you can order more if you desire.

Some clubs even offer newsletter subscriptions with informative articles about the month's featured coffee as well as coffee recipes and helpful hints about coffee making and removing coffee stains. When you join one of these clubs, you are also usually entitled to a members-only discount. If the company has a sale or special offering, generally the club members will be the first to hear about it through the newsletter. In addition to coffee, gourmet coffee clubs sometimes include extras like coffee mugs or books with coffee recipes in them.

With clubs, the membership terms are usually fairy flexible. You can usually choose the length of your club membership, from three to twelve months, whether you want whole beans or ground, the type of grind you would like and finally, you can choose flavored or regular, caffeinated or decaf coffee. The choices are endless and are designed to cater specifically for each person’s tastes. This is more work for the club but at the end of the day is done to induce you to buy more coffee.

An idea for a coffee gift is a coffee club membership. This is where you purchase a subscription for a coffee of the month club, and your recipient gets coffee delivered to them each month. Gourmet coffee clubs make a great gift idea for holidays, birthdays, or as thank you gifts. you are looking for a unique business gift, think about giving a coffee club subscription. Most people appreciate a good cup of coffee; it is enjoyed around the world. This is one gift that transcends borders. Your recipient will like the convenience of having the coffee delivered on schedule, without having to reorder all the time. If you give a club subscription as a gift, you will be able to send a gift card or letter to your recipientPsychology Articles, notifying them of your gift membership.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Looking for information about Coffee?
Go to: http://www.dkcoffee.com
DK Coffee is published by Julie Carter
The Complete A to Z Of Coffee Resources
Check out more Coffee related articles at:
http://www.dkcoffee.com/archive

Who, When and Where in the History of Coffee

Coffee has been a part of culture for over one thousand years. The history of coffee varies widely depending on which sources you use. This is especially true when something as powerful as coffee is involved, as coffee has brought much wealth and prosperity to individuals throughout the history of coffee.

Coffee was discovered around 850 A.D. in the part of Africa now known as Ethiopia. According to one story that has been passed down through the generations, a sheep herder named Kaldi discovered coffee as he tended his sheep. He noted that his sheep became extremely active after eating the red cherries from a plant as they went from one pasture to another.

He ate a few of the cherries himself, and was soon as overactive as his herd. The story goes on to say that a monk passed by and scolded him for "partaking of the devil's fruit." However, the monks soon found themselves eating the same fruit to help them stay awake for their prayers.

Originally, the coffee plant grew naturally in Ethiopia. But once the people of Arabia became enthralled with coffee and transplanted plants to Arabia, coffee was monopolized by them. Later, countries beyond Arabia whose inhabitants believed coffee to be a delicacy guarded its secret and with caution began to siphon off coffee plants from Arabia.

The Arabian government prohibited the transportation of the plant out of the Moslem nations, so the actual spread of coffee was started illegally.

In the 17th century, Italian traders introduced coffee to the West and changed the history of coffee forever. Many Christians believed that coffee was the drink of the devil.

But in Italy, Pope Clement VIII drank and endorsed coffee against the advice of his advisors who wanted it to be considered part of the infidel threat. Because of his endorsement of coffee, it became acceptable as a Christian beverage and spread throughout the West.

Coffee Houses began opening in the mid-17th century in the Western world. The first coffee house opened in Italy in 1645, in England in 1652, in Paris in 1672 and in Berlin in 1721.

In 1668, Edward Lloyd's coffee house opened in England and eventually became Lloyd's of London, the best-known insurance company in the world. By this time, coffee had replaced beer as New York's City's favorite breakfast beverage.

In the late 17th and early 18th centuries, the Dutch became a prominent force in the coffee industry with a coffee plant smuggled out of the Arab port of Mocha. The Dutch cultivated coffee commercially in Ceylon and in their East Indian colony of Java, which came to be the source of coffees' nickname.

However, the French stole a seedling and transported it to Martinique. Fifty years later, an official survey found 19 million coffee trees on Martinique, and eventually it’s estimated that ninety percent of the world's coffee spread from this one seedling.

The Dutch and French monopoly was broken up in 1727 when Brazil entered the fray. Lieutenant colonel Francisco de Melo Palheta was sent by the Brazilian government to arbitrate a border dispute between the French and Dutch colonies in Guiana. Not only did he settle the disagreement, but he also began an affair with the wife of the governor of French Guiana.

The dear lady bid the lieutenant colonel adieu with a bouquet in which she hid cuttings and fertile seeds of coffee that began the Brazilian portion of the history of coffee. By 1907, Brazil accounted for 97% of the world’s coffee production.

As the Industrial Revolution swept through Europe and the United States, coffee was changed forever. Hills Bros. became the first company to vacuum pack coffee, changing the coffee industry from a local one to a regional and even national one. Sanka was introduced to the United States as the first decaffeinated coffee. And Nestle learned how to freeze dry coffee and keep it fresher longer.

The most recent changes in the history of coffee come over the last sixty years. In 1946, the espresso machine was invented in Italy, giving rise to the Cappuccino.

And in 1971, Starbucks opened its first store in Seattle’s Pike Place public market. And that ladies and gentlemen is a small and brief history of coffee, which I hope you enjoyed.

© Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved.

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Article written by Randy Wilson and brought to you by http://www.ultimate-coffees-info.com.

Things To Look For In An Automatic Coffee Maker

Coffee is not only a means to keep you awake when you need to sleep. It is a pleasure. It can even be the most important thing for someone. You can get addicted to certain type of coffee. You can even get so addicted, that you drink 10 cups daily! It all depends on the coffee brand that you use. Coffee is too general a term to be used without some precaution. There are different types of coffee, come of which are made in different ways: there is the instant coffee, the coffee from coffee machines, the Turkish coffee and so on.

When someone says he doesnt like coffee, this doesnt mean that he is not fond of it in GENRAL: this only means that he doesnt enjoy the type of coffee he is drinking. For getting nice coffee it is extremely important to have a certain procedure of coffee making.

Instant coffee, for example, is preferred by a lot of busy people: it is the easiest to make, and it does not requiire any skills apart from boiling some water and sipping the coffee into it. But I can tell you one thing about instant coffee: It SUCKS, as all things that are made quickly. If you dont put some energy and patience into the preparation of your coffee, you havent tasted anything from it. I really prefer making my own coffee, preparing it with the love I have inside and waiting for it to be ready. Thats why I use an automatic coffee maker. It is technological thing, and it does not require huge amount of time.

It is not as hard to make as the Turkish coffee. But there is some concept when using automatic coffee maker: you pour certain quantity of water and sip doses of coffee, then wait a little to boil These things really make the taste different, believe me, and not only that: by using automatic coffee maker you get better coffee than any brand of instant coffee can give you. If you really respect your good taste, you should give up drinking instant coffee. It is by no means delicious, and it makes you sick. It can even make you hate coffee! When you prepare your morning cup with the help of an automatic coffee maker, you get what you love: a real, freshBusiness Management Articles, naturally prepared coffee. Just give it a try: start using the automatic coffee maker and see what difference it makes.


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Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning shopping. Get the information you are seeking now by visiting Automatic Coffee Maker