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Coffee College
Coffee - Good & Good For You
Coffee, the much maligned but undoubtedly beloved beverage, just made headlines for possibly cuting the risk of the latest
disease epidemic - type 2 diabetes.
In recent decades, some 19,000 studies have been done examining coffee's impact on health. And for the most part, their results
are as pleasing as a gulp of freshly brewed Breakfast Blend for the 108 million Americans who routinely enjoy this traditionally
morning - and increasingly daylong - ritual. In practical terms, regular coffee drinkers include the majority of U.S. adults
and a growing number of children.
"Overall, the research shows that coffee is far more healthful than it is harmful," says Tomas DePaulis, PhD, research
scientist as Vanderbilt University's Institute for Coffee Studies, which conducts its own medical research and tracks coffee
studies from around the world. "For most people, very little bad comes from drinking it, but a lot of good."
Consider this: At least six studies indicate that people who drink coffee on a regular basis are up to 80% less likely to
develop Parkinson's, with three showing that the more they drink, the lower the risk. Other research shows that compared
to not drinking coffee, at least two cups daily can translate to a 25% reduced risk of colon cancer, an 80% drop in liver
cirrhosis risk, and nearly half the risk of gallstones.
There's also some evidence that coffee may help manage asthma and even control attacks when medication is unavailable, stop
a headache, boost mood, and even prevent cavities.
The Lingo
Espresso Shot - A fresh shot forms three layers: the crema, the body, and the heart. The crema holds in the complex flavors,
but it dissipates quickly.
Americano - The European approach to American-style coffee: a shot of espresso topped with steaming hot water.
Latte - Steamed milk laced with a rich, fully-bodied shot of espresso and topped with a small crown of foamed milk.
Mocha Latte - Intensely flavored mocha syrup and espresso are mixed with steamed milk.
Cappuccino - A shot of espresso (1/3) blended with steamed milk (1/3), capped by a deep layer of creamy foam (1/3). With
less milk than a latte, a cappuccino offers a strong espresso flavor and luxurious texture.
Frappuccino (blended beverage) - A creamy low-fat blend of coffee, milk, and other flavors. Can be customized with mocha,
caramel, or other flavored syrups. For greater coffee intensity, add a shot of espresso.
Breve - Made with half & half instead of milk. You can order a Breve Latte or Breve Cappuccino.
Storage & Brewing Basics
TO STORE - Store what you will use in a week in an airtight opaque container. Your coffee beans' worst enemies are moisture
and air. Do not store beans in the refridgerator. For storing more than a week's supply, store in the freezer in airtight
bags. Plan to gring your own beans. Ground beans lose their vitality within one week. Grinding your own beans is the most
significant thing you can do to improve the taste of your coffee.
TO BREW - Make sure your equipment is clean, that you use cold water, that you use the correct amount of coffee, and that
you serve the coffee right away or keep it in an airpot. For a household drip electric coffeemaker, use about 1/3 cup of
ground coffee per pot.
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