Fresh Brews: Health Benefits, Smiley Faces And Vacations

No bikini wearing baristas or coffee machines held hostage, but that doesn’t mean that it was all quiet in the coffee world.

Prone to headaches? Drink coffee. No wait, don’t.
Every week it seems like there’s a new medical study that contradicts another from the week before. The newspaper stories about them can be confusing and frustrating, but this health reporter found a different way to tackle the latest studies about caffeine and the conflicting stories in general.

Turns out the coffee bean can be a lean, mean, health-boosting machine
I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of articles touting the health benefits of coffee.

In moderation, these natural sources of caffeine are associated with weight loss, the treatment of asthma and headaches and a reduced risk of Parkinson’s disease. Coffee, in particular, is associated with a decreased risk of depression, colon cancer and type two diabetes, according to researchers at Vanderbilt University’s Institute for Coffee Studies.

Aug. 11, 1903: Instant Coffee, a Mixed Blessing
Last week, Instant Coffee celebrated it’s 106th birthday. I had no idea it had been around for that long. Whether you like instant coffee or not, this article tells the history about the quickest method of making coffee.

Coffee perks up July sales at McDonald’s
McDonald’s sales were up last month and their coffee is at least part of the reason why. Starbucks profits are up because of cost cutting moves, but their sales are down. It looks like it’s another battle in the Coffee Wars was won by McDonald’s.

Company may supply free coffee to NJ town
Before you get your hopes up and plan your move there, 8′Clock Coffee is just going to supply the town employees with free coffee. However, it’s nice to see the company stepping up and helping out a town that couldn’t afford to give their workers coffee anymore.

Coffee Club of Seattle organizer creates ‘smiley face method’ for judging coffee
Michael Allen Smith, of I Need Coffee and Coffee Hero, has come up with a different way of judging coffees, it’s simple enough, that even I could use it. He uses smiley faces to rate tastes he likes and frowns for ones that he doesn’t like.

Storm Felicia Menaces Hawaii Sugar, Coffee Areas
It’s hurricane season again, there’s two tropical storms that could be lined up and possibly aiming for my state of Florida, but I’m more concerned with the safety of the coffee crops in Hawaii.

Best Trips For Coffee Addicted
I think my coffee related journeys are going to start with Seattle or San Francisco, but here’s ten other ideas. I wouldn’t mind a trip to Brazil or Hawaii if someone’s up for paying.

Everything You Know About Coffee Is Wrong
This article is specifically about the Long Island coffee culture, but in general it’s more of an observation about the way we drink our coffee across the country.

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Photo by yuki*

Category: Coffee News