There are many questions than answers these days about the pros and cons of the caffeine that is found in many drinks, especially in coffee. Coffee has been around for hundreds of years and was first developed as a common, cultural beverage in the Middle East. Over time, coffee grown into an international preferred hot drink used to complement other foods. However, Caffeine, which is one of the major ingredients of coffee, has attracted so many debates among the people.
What is caffeine exactly?
Caffeine is found in different plants and majorly works as a pesticide. Precisely, it is a naturally-occurring pesticide that kills the insects that try to feed on those plants. Caffeine is generally toxic to most insects. It also protects the plant through the maturation process and serves as a protector for the seeds.
What plants contain caffeine?
Top plants like coffee and cacao contain a high level of caffeine. However, the primary source of caffeine are beans, and it varies in concentration depending on how it is brewed.
How does it affect the human body?
Caffeine is known to trigger the central nervous system of the body in such a way that the brain becomes active for some extra time. Many people use caffeine to stay awake in the night or as a source of boost to the brain power in the day.
Is it safe for humans to consume?
Depending on the purpose of use, caffeine can be beneficial and likewise harmful to the body. Consuming caffeine at a low – moderate level may be generally safe to the body. Of course, anything used in excess can produce harmful side effects.
Arabica Coffee
Arabica Coffee makes up about 70% of the entire world coffee production. Arabica is considered to be superior to other cultivated species. Roasted Arabica coffees are generally lower in caffeine than those of Robusta, which is another global; source of coffee. Arabica is a smooth coffee with a soft mouthfeel and an intense aroma.
The origin of Arabica Coffee can be traced to indigenous Ethiopia. Nowadays, Arabica is typically cultivated in every part of the world with between 610 and 1830 meters above the sea level. Therefore, it is referred to as “Mountain Coffee”. A matured Arabica coffee plant grows to an average of 5m in height which can take up to 7 years to fully mature.
Robusta Coffee
Coffea Canephora plant, or Robusta Coffee, has its origin in Africa. It accounts for about 30% of the entire world’s coffee production. Robusta is characterized by an earthy and woody flavor and traditionally blended with Arabica to produce a well-balanced Coffee blend. More importantly, Robusta has almost double the caffeine found in Arabica.
Coffea Canephora plants are less susceptible to pests and diseases, making it easier to cultivate than Arabica. More so, they produce higher crop yield and require less care than the latter. Roasted Robusta beans are also almost half cheaper than those of Arabica.
Jamaican Blue Mountain
The Jamaican Blue Mountain is frequently called a “World-Class brand” and is protected globally with its trademark certificate mark. Only a few brands of coffee have this stamp of approval from the Coffee Industry Board of Jamaica. Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee is in top demand because of its unique qualities that come from being grown in a rich and well-drained soils of Jamaica mountains of about 3, 000 – 6, 000 ft tall. Jamaican Blue Mountain is a typical example of the Arabica Coffee.