In this post we wanted to answer some of the most pressing questions people have about coffee as for example how much caffeine there is in a coffee cup or that there are almost zero calories in coffee!
Or that there are several health benefits in coffee? Check out the post below to find out about some of the most interesting benefits in coffee.
4 Facts About Coffee
- Who invented coffee
- Calories in coffee
- Caffeine in coffee
- Benefits in coffee
1. Who invented coffee
Who invented coffee – thats a good questions and not easily answered. Coffee originated thousands of years ago after observing the unusual behaviours of goats.
Yes, you read that correctly – goats.
In the 9th Century in Ethiopia, the Kaldi presented an idea to the abbots of the local monastery about making a beverage with coffee berries by drying or boiling them in a specific way.
The Kaldi had goats that ate a number of berries from a tree and and the locals noticed how they were getting more energised and excited.
Nowadays modern coffee has taken plenty of aromas such as espresso, cappuccino, mocha, cafe latte, and much more. According to a research, more than 400 billion cups of coffee are consumed every year.
Let’s see what else there is to know about coffee.
Introduction of Coffee Shop Culture
Coffee culture depicts a social environment and series of related social behaviours that depends heavily on coffee such as a social lubricant. At the end of the 17th and 18th centuries, coffee shops in different countries become popular conversation or meeting places for writer, socialites, and artists. In the 20th century, espresso became dominant in the Western and urbanised world.
Hundreds of coffee brands spread their franchises of businesses and they vary in coffee shop culture from country to country. Many people including students, executives, and coffee lovers appreciate the efficient and easy nature of coffee shops. Numerous students are so reliant on black coffee because it is a great source of caffeine without adding too many calories.
The Largest Producer of Coffee
Coffee is the third-most consumed beverage around the world. After tea and water, coffee beans come in high demand in every region, city, and country.
According to the International Coffee Organisation, Brazil is the largest producer of coffee. Back in 2016, it produced an amazing 2,595,000 metric tons of coffee beans. For over 150 years, Brazil has been the world largest producer of coffee. Coffee plantations alone in Brazil are about 27,000 square kilometers (that’s the same size as Albania or Puerto Rico and the Bahamas combined!
Majority plants are located in Sao Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Parana as well as other three southeastern states. In these areas, the temperature and climate are typically most suitable for producing coffee. Brazil adopts the unique coffee producing methodology that is different from other nations who are producing coffee as well. Brazilians use a dry process to produce coffee that is unwashed coffee where the cherries of coffee are dried up in the sun.
The Largest Consumer of Coffee
Nowadays you will find a café and coffee chain at every corner of the street. According to the International Coffee Organization, Finland is the largest consumer of the coffee. Finland is one of the oldest and coldest countries in the world… naturally hot coffee should warm you up.
History of Coffee in Different Countries
Coffee trade and cultivation initiated on the Arabian Peninsula. In the 15th Century, coffee was produced in Yemen which was an Arabian district at the time.
By the 16th century, coffee became famous in Egypt, Turkey, Persia, and Syria. In addition to that, European tourists to the near east fetched the story of a black beverage.
By the 17th century, this black beverage became popular in Europe with the name of coffee.
And then, by the middle of the 19th century, coffee became the most vital commodity in world trade.
At first, coffee was a beverage of dignity and only the high-class community was able to afford it.
By the mid 18th century, the lower and middle-class community started consuming coffee believing it to be a highly-energising beverage.
In the 21st century, people enjoy coffee in a different way to either kick-start their day or to finish a meal (among many other uses).
At present, you’ll find many coffee chains open at every corner of the street where people would get comfortable, relax or do their work. Nowadays coffee shops have somewhat become a second office to digital nomads or people that work online.
2. Calories in Coffee
If you’ve put on some weight or want to lose some then it’s time to get a diet going. Dieting is difficult and for a good reason; you have to cut out eating almost everything you love.
But the good news is that you don’t have to worry about cutting your daily cup of joe.
Coffee Doesn’t Have Any Calories!
On its own, coffee has virtually no calories. Hooray! How good is it to hear that your favourite brew doesn’t increase your calorie count.
A coffee bean doesn’t need any energy naturally so it doesn’t add any calories to your consumption. Black coffee virtually has no calories. A typical 8 fl oz cup (14gm of coffee in 237ml of water) of coffee only comes with 1 calorie.
The small amount of calories in coffee comes from the brewing process. The only other ingredient is water and we all know water has no calories.
A coffee bean is basically just seed with the purpose to sprout a coffee plant. (Yes, you heard that right, it’s a seed!).
Coffee plants get all their energy from the leaves through photosynthesis once they start growing. So, being a seed, a coffee bean just has a small and insignificant amount of energy that even in accumulation turns out to be almost nothing when consumed.
However, when you add other ingredients, the number of calories start to increase.
Calories in Coffee with Milk
Now if we talk about adding milk, there are different ways to look at it. 100 gm of 1% fat milk contains approximately 42 calories. 100 gm of 2% fat milk has 50 calories while the same quantity of 3.7% fat milk has 64 calories.
On the other hand, fat-free milk of the same quantity only contains 34 calories. Now if you add these quantities to 14 gm of coffee then the calorie count for different types of milk will turn out to be like this:
| Coffee Quantity | Amount of water | Milk Type | Calories (Coffee + Milk) |
| 14 gm | 1 cup (237ml) | Nonfat (100 gm) | 1 + 34 = 35 calories |
| 14 gm | 1 cup (237ml) | 1% fat (100 gm) | 1 + 42 = 43 calories |
| 14 gm | 1 cup (237ml) | 2% fat (100 gm) | 1 + 50 = 51 calories |
| 14 gm | 1 cup (237ml) | 3.7% fat (100 gm) | 1 + 64 = 65 calories |
Calories in Coffee with Whole Milk
When you consider adding whole milk to your 237 ml cup of coffee then the number of calories will be very close to what 3.7% fat milk has. 100 gm of whole milk has 61 calories in it. Hence, if you add this quantity of whole milk to 237 ml of coffee you’ll get 62 calories.
Calories in Black Coffee
Black coffee is your ultimate choice of drinks when it comes to having calorie-free drinks. The USDA has proved that 1 cup or 237 ml which is slightly over eight and a half fluid ounce only has 1 calorie. It is still significantly low provided that it has been brewed from ground beans.
Calories in Black Coffee with Sugar
Now adding sugar to your cup of coffee can boost the number of calories to different levels if you are on a diet. 100 gm of sugar contain 387 calories
A teaspoon or 4.2 gm of sugar has 16 calories. A cup of black coffee with sugar will have 17 calories in it which still turns out to be a very insignificant number based on your weight loss regime.
Calories in Coffee with Cream
100 gm of cream contains 367 calories and then there are different types of creams as well. We talk about regular fresh cream here.
If you are using 100 gm of cream in your cup of coffee then the number of calories will go up to 368 calories.
Calories in One Cup of Coffee with Milk and Sugar
Sugar and milk together can turn your low-calorie drink into a high-calorie beverage.
Coffee only has 1 calorie in a cup. If you add a teaspoon of sugar (4.2 gm) to your cup of coffee then the calories will be changed according to the type of milk you are using as well as the quantity of sugar.
The milk contents can dramatically be different in terms of calories as mentioned in the table above.
| Coffee Quantity | Milk Type | Sugar | Calories (Coffee + Milk) |
| 1 cup | Nonfat (100 gm) | 4.2 gm | 1 + 34 + 16 = 51 calories |
| 1 cup | Nonfat (100 gm) | 4.2 gm | 1 + 42 + 16 = 59 calories |
| 1 cup | Nonfat (100 gm) | 4.2 gm | 1 + 50 + 16 = 67 calories |
| 1 cup | Nonfat (100 gm) | 4.2 gm | 1 + 64 + 16 = 81 calories |
My Take
To sum it all up, coffee is the best beverage that you can have without any calorie concerns. Adding milk or/and sugar is going to increase the number of calories in your cup to a good extent.
If you are drinking your coffee for fitness purposes then don’t add these two ingredients otherwise your calories will be tripping all over the place even without intimating you.
Having said all of that even a cup of coffee with milk and sugar has less calories than a Coca Cola. So you shouldn’t worry too much about cutting coffee out from your diet. Ideally if you can’t do without milk, add milk but try to cut the sugar.
Caffeine in Coffee – Is it bad for your Health?
Ever since coffee entered into urban household, there has always been a myth. People have always speculated that caffeine found in coffee is bad.
To be more specific, many claim that it is bad for the cardiovascular system. While some of these claims might be true, just how bad is caffeine for your health? And is there enough caffeine in your coffee to be concerned about?
Researchers are still going on, but there’s a lot we do know about it. The benefits and drawbacks pretty much balance each other out. But certain people might be at a higher risk. So stay vigilant and read on to see just how (bad) coffee affects you.
What’s Good in Coffee?
Regular coffee drinkers have been found to be less vulnerable to Alzheimer’s and type-II diabetes. This is news for the elderly, as Alzheimer’s affects over 10% of retired folks.
Coffee has also been known to decrease the risk of Parkinson’s disease. Furthermore, a large portion of coffee lovers has to deal with a 40% decrease in the risk of arthritis. Particularly, the chances of gout are reduced. With all these in mind, we can safely say that coffee would benefit the elderly.
As for the youth, a study showed that coffee may actually reduce the chances of alcoholic cirrhosis. It’s also good if you’re concerned about getting Hepatitis C.
Let’s not forget that coffee also contains tons of antioxidants. In fact, some researches show that coffee may hold more antioxidants than many berries and fruits. These include raspberries, grapes, orange juice, and even blueberries.
Are There Any Negative Effects of Coffee?
Now onto the negative side effects! Firstly, caffeine drinkers have been known to have an interrupted sleep pattern. This is good if you want to stay up late for a night. But if done too frequently, it can be detrimental.
A few scientists have found that coffee causes gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This can create all sorts of discomforts, such as heartburn and ulcers.
If you’re suffering from a case of high blood pressure, then there is bad news for you. Studies suggest that excessive coffee drinking can increase blood pressure.
Similarly, another study found that too much coffee can increase calcium in the urine. This means that you’re more likely to develop osteoporosis. People who have a lower calcium intake are higher at risk.
Exactly How Much Caffeine in Coffee Are You Consuming?
The amount varies from brand to brand, but most studies show that an average cup contains about 180 milligrams of caffeine. The daily recommended amount is 200 to 300 milligrams. At this point, the effects of caffeine can be felt but only slightly. Of course, the amounts of cups you drink in a day also influence your health.
Moderate drinkers can have up to 3 cups of coffee in a single day. This means that the maximum caffeine they intake is about 540 milligrams. This is a bit above the recommended mark, which is why moderate drinkers are more prone to side effects.
Another factor that may influence your caffeine intake is that other foods contain caffeine as well. Tea, for example, is the second highest carrier of caffeine.
Even some soft drinks, especially the carbonated ones, can contain significant levels of caffeine. So even if you have just one cup of coffee per day, you can still hit the 300 mg mark.
What Do Caffeine Levels Depend On?
The amount of caffeine in your coffee depends on the type of brew, coffee beans, and the serving size.
The Brew:
Brewed coffee can be prepared by pouring hot water over ground coffee beans. Some customs use milk or other substances as well. This is also known as regular coffee. This can contain 70 to 140 mg of caffeine per serving. Of the various brewing methods, filter, French press, and percolated are the recommended ones. Even Greek or Turkish coffee is beneficial.
The Coffee Type:
There are over a hundred ways to make coffee, popular ones include cappuccino, latte, and espresso. Espresso is made by letting a very small quantity of water pass through fine coffee beans. As a result, the espresso contains more caffeine than any other type.
Instant coffee is the safest. It is made from dried pieces of regular coffee. It contains the least amount of caffeine (as low as 30 mg).
Serving Size:
The serving size also comes into play here. One regular 8 oz. mug of coffee has about 95 mg of caffeine. A bigger mug, such as those in commercial outlets, can contain more caffeine. The serving size is a major issue with getting the right amount of caffeine.
My Take
Caffeine certainly has a lot of myths surrounding it. And while some of them might be true, a lot has been proven to be false. Caffeine is a great way to fight the effects of old age and to strengthen your bones.
But everything comes with a price. Coffee leaves your heart and stomach vulnerable to all sorts of adversities. So always remember to monitor your intake, and don’t take more than the recommended limits.
Whether you like your coffee espresso or latte, watch your health first! If you want to opt for a lower caffeine intake you make want to look at decaf coffee.
4. Health Benefits of Coffee
Ever since the alleged discovery of the coffee plant in Ethiopia, the popular drink has penetrated all continental borders. Coffee was well known among the Africans and the Arabians.
But the first cultivation outside of this region was in around 1616. And as we sip our morning caffeine, we stay unaware of the benefits of coffee.
For example, did you know that caffeine consumption prevents Alzheimer’s? So what exactly are the benefits of coffee and demerits?
Should you drink coffee every day? And how much!
We will go over a few of these benefits and a few intake recommendations.
Health Benefits:
- Good for the Elderly: Coffee contains high amounts of caffeine, a stimulant which has known side effects. It reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s, gout (a type of arthritis), as well as Parkinson’s. It also reduces the risk of diabetes type-II.
- Prevents Hepatitis: Caffeine also reduces vulnerability to hepatitis C. Experts suggest a daily intake of coffee to prevent the disease.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Coffee is also pretty rich in antioxidants. In fact, many studies suggest that it may have more antioxidants than berries and citrus fruits.
Risks Associated With Overdosing of Coffee:
- Disruption of Sleep: It is a well-known fact that coffee keeps you up at night. This may be helpful for pulling an all-nighter. However, it can have serious issues with your circadian rhythm. As a result, you might develop chronic insomnia and agitation.
- GERD: GERD occurs when the acid in your stomach comes up the food pipe. As a result, you can develop ulcers, stomach pain, sores, and acidity.
- “Caffeinism”: Caffeinism is an unofficial term for the immense addiction to the stimulant caffeine. Symptoms include agitation, anxiety, trembling fingers, and coffee withdrawal symptoms. Being a coffee lover doesn’t mean you’re addicted to it. But if you do develop an addiction it can be hard to get rid of.
Nutritional Value:
Coffee contains a set amount of nutrition and elements. These differ from brand to brand, and obviously the brew type, the ingredients used, and the serving.
An average 8 oz. cup contains about 95 mg of caffeine, 92 mg of Potassium, 8 mg of Magnesium, and traces of Sodium, Manganese, Vitamin B2, and B3.
Espresso contains 1 calorie in one shot, if unsweetened. It can contain about 100 mg of fat and almost zero carbs. Espresso coffee holds about 63 mg of caffeine.
Decaf contains as little as 3 mg of caffeine. One cup contains about 240 mg of protein, 5 mg of calcium, and 12 mg of calcium and magnesium.
Of course, all of this depends on how you brew the coffee, and how much sugar and milk you add. In fact, the addition of sugar very much increases the calories in a single cup of coffee
Is Black Coffee Healthy?
Many people want to know whether black coffee is healthy or not. Opinions and facts differ. Some researchers suggest that caffeine can help burn more fat. But others show that your body becomes accustomed to the effects after a while.
Black coffee particularly contains more caffeine than other sources. So it’s safe to say that this type of coffee is best for weight loss. It’s diet friendly and helps burn off more fat than tea or soft drinks.
As for health concerns, there are little to no risks. The daily recommended amount of caffeine is 200 to 300 mg.
One or two cups of black coffee every day won’t exceed the limit. Just be sure to monitor your intake and never take more than what’s needed.
How Much Coffee is Too Much?
So exactly how much coffee should you have? The answer depends on your diet, what you’re trying to achieve, and your underlying conditions.
For people with diabetes, decaf or unsweetened, espresso is best. For the elderly, any type can work, although be wary of other conditions you might have.
We recommend talking to a doctor first. In general, as much as 400 mg (0.4 g) every day for adults is recommended. That’s about 4 cups of coffee. For children, the intake can be halved. We do not recommend feeding coffee to your infant or pet.
Take Away:
To conclude, when brewed right, coffee can be a hypnotic drink that is pretty hard to put down. However, if not moderated properly, caffeine overdose can be detrimental.
So remember to always stay within the prescribed limits. And never have more than 4 cups of coffee or other caffeine-rich beverages a day.
