Cup-A-Joe! The Health

cup-a HEALTH -joe!

THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF coffee

ACCORDING TO HISTORY BOOKS, Arabs were the first to cultivate and trade coffee. The drink became known as the “Wine of Araby” and was eventually introduced to Europe in the 17th century. It did not take long for coffee to gain its immense popularity, and coffeehouses also made an early debut in history. Much like the coffeehouses of today, people gathered in what they dubbed “Schools of the Wise” to listen to music, watch performers, play chess, and discuss current events. From the beginning, coffee was studied for its medicinal value, and that research continues today. Here are some facts to consider over your next cup of Joe!

New research suggests that drinking coffee reduces overall breast cancer risk by about 20 percent when age is factored in.

For women, coffee may lower the risk of stroke.

All the studies have shown that high coffee consumption is associated with decreased risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer.

According to WebMD, in a study of about 130,000 Kaiser Permanente health plan members, “people who reported drinking 1-3 cups of coffee per day were 20% less likely to be hospitalized for abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) than nondrinkers, regardless of other risk factors.”

According to an article on WebMD, a study from Finland and Sweden showed that, out of 1,400 people followed for about 20 years, “those who reported drinking 3-5 cups of coffee daily were 65% less likely to develop dementia and Alzheimer’s.”

Peppermint Mocha

3 tablespoons powdered baking cocoa 3 tablespoons warm water 1 ½ tablespoons peppermint syrup or crème de menthe (do not use extracts) 4 ounces espresso 12 ounces steamed milk Whipped cream and candy canes for garnish

Combine cocoa with warm water to make a rich syrup. Pour into a 16-ouce mug and add espresso, peppermint syrup, and steamed milk. Garnish with whipped cream and candy canes (you can also crush some candy canes to sprinkle on top).

Maple Syrup Delight

1½ ounces Irish whiskey 3 ounces dark roast coffee, hot 2 tablespoons maple syrup 1 large marshmallow Whipped cream Candy canes for garnish

Pour the hot coffee into mug, stir/mix in Irish whiskey and maple syrup. Skewer one large marshmallow and roast until burnt with a cooking torch or an oven flame. Garnish with whipped cream and candy canes (you can also crush some candy canes to sprinkle on top). w