The benefits of coffee: When did it become a focus of attention?

The benefits of coffee: When did it become a focus of attention?

Coffee is a popular drink that is not only rich in aroma and taste, but is also believed to have certain benefits. Since its discovery, people have begun to study it and gradually discovered its various benefits. This article will explore the origins of coffee's focus from a historical perspective.

1. Origin and spread of coffee

According to archaeologists, the earliest use of coffee beans to make beverages can be traced back to the 9th century BC. At that time, wild coffee trees grew in Ethiopia, Africa. It is said that a shepherd noticed that his flock became unusually active after eating a certain plant and reported the discovery to the local monastery.

Monks then began to experiment with making these plants into drinks and soon realized that it could refresh the mind, increase alertness and relieve fatigue. The use of coffee gradually spread to the Arab region, where it was widely promoted and popularized.

2. Coffee takes center stage

As coffee became more popular in the Arab world, more and more people began to pay attention to its benefits. During this period, coffee was considered a medicine and used to treat various conditions. People found that drinking coffee could relieve headaches, eliminate drowsiness, increase concentration and improve thinking ability.

At the end of the 17th century, coffee began to be introduced to Europe and quickly became a must-have drink in aristocratic social occasions. Many cultural celebrities at the time developed a strong interest in coffee and regarded it as a luxury. As time went by, people gradually explored the effects of coffee.

3. Coffee and health

In recent years, with the advancement of science and technology and the continuous accumulation of nutritional knowledge in the medical field, people are paying more and more attention to the health benefits of food and beverages. Coffee is no exception and has become one of the hot topics of research.

A large number of studies have shown that drinking coffee in moderation is beneficial to the human body. First, coffee is rich in antioxidants, which can help scavenge free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Secondly, coffee has also been found to increase metabolic rate and fat oxidation capacity, thereby helping to control weight and prevent obesity.

In addition, several studies have shown that moderate coffee drinking is associated with a reduced risk of chronic non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, Parkinson's syndrome, etc. However, it should be noted that not everyone is suitable for drinking coffee, and excessive intake may cause adverse reactions.

4. Coffee and mental state

In addition to its effects on physical health, scientists have also begun to pay attention to the effects of coffee on mental state and cognitive function. Studies have found that drinking coffee in moderation can improve attention, memory and reaction time, and enhance the brain's cognitive ability.

In addition, the caffeine in coffee has been shown to have antidepressant and stimulating effects. Moderate caffeine intake can increase the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin, thereby improving mood and reducing fatigue.

5. Coffee and Athletic Performance

Some recent studies have also found that moderate coffee consumption can improve exercise performance. This is because the caffeine in coffee can stimulate the central nervous system and promote muscle contraction. Taking a small amount of caffeine before long or high-intensity exercise may delay the depletion of sphingomyelin and reduce the perceived degree of effort.

Summarize

Since people began to pay attention to it, the exploration of the effects of coffee has never stopped. From being regarded as a medicine in the early days to being a widely consumed beverage today, coffee plays an important role in people's lives. However, it should be noted that it should be consumed in moderation, and different individuals may have different reactions to coffee. If you are interested in coffee, it is recommended to consume it reasonably under the guidance of a doctor or professional.