Finally, coffee! After a long, tiring day, whether you’re dealing with a slight headache or a major one, or if you want to relax and enjoy the rain, or you’re on your way to work, it’s hard to think without a cup of coffee.
But what about caffeine? Many coffee lovers find it hard to give up their favorite drink, even if they’re worried about caffeine. The good news is, Ethiopian coffee is different. You don’t have to worry about the caffeine or the taste. It’s a delightful and health-conscious choice.
Improves your physical performance
In short-term coffee drinkers, caffeine can help burn fat, with studies showing it can burn up to 28% of fat in lean people and 10% in obese people. This broken-down fat then enters your bloodstream as free fatty acids. This you can use as fuel.
Coffee also increases your metabolic rate by 3-11%, depending on the type of coffee. More importantly, caffeine increases adrenaline levels in your blood, giving you an adrenaline rush that prepares your body for intense physical activity.
All these factors combined mean that drinking coffee can improve your physical performance. So, next time you head to the gym, try having a cup of black coffee first! Agree?
Helps with Depression
Depression is no joke. A cup of Ethiopian coffee can lift your mood and give you the energy you need throughout the day, both mentally and physically.
Research has shown that people who drink coffee tend to have less severe symptoms. This is because coffee contains caffeine, which can improve mood and help fight off feelings of sadness or fatigue. Additionally, the antioxidants in coffee can have a positive effect on brain health. So, drinking coffee may help make you feel happier and more energetic.
And yes, this is one of the many reasons that Ethiopians drink coffee everyday!
Mental Alertness
Mental alertness refers to a state of being fully awake, attentive, and responsive. When you are mentally alert, you can think clearly, focus on tasks, and react quickly to new information.
Drinking Ethiopian coffee can help you stay mentally alert. The caffeine in the coffee makes you feel more awake and focused, so you can think clearly and pay better attention. Plus, the rich flavor and smell of Ethiopian coffee can give you a nice boost, helping you stay sharp and engaged throughout the day.
Coffee can lower risk of Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes is a very serious problem most people face; around 250-300 million people according to the latest 2024 report revealed.
Coffee appears to lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Studies indicate that drinking coffee can reduce this risk by 23% to 50%. In some cases, the reduction can be as high as 67%! A review of 18 studies involving 457,000 participants found that each cup of coffee consumed daily can decrease your risk of diabetes by 8%.
Traditional Processing Methods and Ethiopian Coffee
Ethiopian coffee is special because of its traditional processing methods. Two main methods are used: the washed process and the natural process. In the washed process, the coffee cherries are pulped to remove their skin, fermented, and then dried. This method makes the coffee taste clean and bright, bringing out its unique flavors.
In the natural process, the whole cherries are dried in the sun before removing the outer layers. This method gives the coffee a richer, fruitier flavor as the beans absorb more of the natural sugars from the fruit.
Unique flavour profile
Due to the country’s changing climates, high altitudes, and rich soils, Ethiopian coffee beans develop a different range of flavors. You might taste bright, fruity notes like citrus or berries, or enjoy rich, floral undertones. Some Ethiopian coffees even have hints of wine-like or spicy flavors.
These unique flavors come from the traditional processing methods, such as washed and natural processes, which increases the coffee’s natural characteristics.
Ethiopians and coffee
In Ethiopia, drinking buna (coffee) is often a social activity rather than something done alone. In fact, the phrase for getting together and chatting is “buna tetu,” which means “drinking coffee.” This highlights how coffee is always part of a gathering, and gatherings usually include coffee and good company.
And here’s a secret – Ethiopians drink an average of 3-4 cups of strong arabica coffee everyday. Secret of their mental & physical health!
Conclusion
Ethiopian coffee isn’t just tasty, it’s also good for your health. It helps with physical performance by burning fat and increasing energy, improves mental alertness and mood, and can lower the risk of type 2 diabetes. The special ways Ethiopian coffee is processed give it unique flavors that make it a favorite in social gatherings. Ethiopians drink 3-4 cups of strong coffee every day, and it’s part of their healthy lifestyle. So, when you enjoy a cup of Ethiopian coffee, you’re not only having its rich taste but also benefiting from its health perks.