6 things you didn’t know about coffee

diamond hope

February 15, 2018 1:51 PM

Coffee is everyone's favorite choice but there is a lot we don't know about it.

While we all are fans of coffee to help stay awake and keep droopy eyes at bay, there are things we don’t know about our coffee.

Whether it’s debunking myths or confirming you guesses, here are 6 things you didn’t know about coffee, until now.

1. Coffee is made from a seed, not bean

Although widely called coffee beans, the part of the plant that is roasted and ground to make your cup of coffee is actually a seed. It is the pit of a red fruit called a coffee cherry.

2. Coffee is a highly demanded product

Coffee is the second most traded commodity on Earth after oil. According to the Global Exchange, there are approximately 25 million farmers in over 50 countries involved in producing coffee.

3. It was discovered by shepherds in Ethiopia circa 800 A.D.

Legend has it that 9th-century goat herders noticed the effect caffeine had on their goats, who appeared to dance after eating coffee berries. A local monk then made a drink with coffee berries and found that it kept him awake at night, thus the original cup of coffee was born.

4. There are actually two types of coffee beans

There are actually two types of coffee beans that are produced; Arabica and Robusta. Seventy percent of coffee beans are Arabica. Although less popular, Robusta is slightly more bitter and has twice as much caffeine which makes it much stronger.

5. Coffee is mostly produced in Brazil

Although Colombia and Vietnam are the second and third highest producers of coffee, Brazil remains the leader. Brazil produces 40% of the world's coffee, which is twice as much as Colombia and Vietnam.

6. Drinking coffee lowers the risk of Alzheimer's disease

Researchers found that older patients with high levels of caffeine in their blood were more likely to avoid Alzheimer's. Also, studies show that caffeine has positive effects on type 2 diabetes and Parkinson's disease. It has also been shown to protect against skin cancer in women.

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