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(Health Secrets) If you are a coffee lover, you will probably want to try Greek coffee, the coffee that has been documented to increase longevity. Although some health gurus and physicians claim that coffee is bad for health, most experts agree that the benefits of coffee are considerable, and they classify coffee in the category of Herbs.
Coffee, and particularly Greek coffee, has many positive effects on the body that include reducing risk for gall stones, Type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, liver cancer and gout. Coffee contains antioxidants with cancer-fighting properties. It is known to enhance cognitive ability, and has a moderate laxative effect by bowel stimulation. Other positives include improved hand-eye coordination, enhanced alertness, headache relief, mood boosting, and the appetite suppressive effects of caffeine.
Drinking Greek coffee may extend your life span.
The amazing longevity of Ikarian Greeks is the result of drinking Greek coffee, says the March 18th issue of the journal Vascular Medicine. The journal suggests the exceptional longevity of residents of the island of Ikaria is due to consumption of fine coffee that is prepared in a certain manner. Only 0.1 percent of Europeans survive longer than 90 years while ten times as many Ikarians live to the age of 90 or older.
Medical researchers at the University of Athens Medical School studied 142 Ikarians aged 66 to 91. They assessed vascular flow-mediated dilation to assess endothelial function, a measure of cardiovascular health. They reviewed lifestyle factors and dietary questionnaire responses to quantify coffee intake as low, moderate or high. They concluded:
“The present study provides evidence that chronic consumption of the boiled Greek type of coffee is associated with improved endothelial function in elderly individuals with an increased burden of cardiovascular risk factors,” they conclude. “Given the widespread use of coffee beverages across the world and the fact that even small health effects of coffee could have a large impact on public health, further studies are needed to document the exact beneficial mechanisms of coffee in vascular integrity.”
At he University of Athens Medical School, researchers are continuing their studies, and several sets of results from different studies are reported in the media. The Greek researchers found that chemicals in coffee help maintain blood vessels’ elasticity, which tend to stiffen as we age. Blood vessel stiffening increases the risk for high blood pressure and stroke.
The Ikarian Greeks in the study drank their coffee in warm relaxed social settings. It is likely the psychological well being of socializing with friends and family, along with the heart healthy Mediterranean diet contributes to the Ikarians’ longevity, in addition to the drinking of Greek coffee. It is important to note that Greek Coffee is served in small cups, demitasse/esspresso size, not U.S. style mugs.
What is Greek coffee?
Greek coffee is a type of coffee and a style of preparation. Greek coffee is unfiltered and boiled, which makes it stronger and more caffeinated than espresso. It is loaded with compounds like flavonoids, magnesium, potassium, niacin and vitamin E that fight blood vessel aging by blocking the damaging oxidation process and cutting harmful inflammation.
Greek coffee, which is similar to Turkish coffee, is served with plenty of natural foam on the top and plenty of grounds on the bottom of the cup. Fans believe it is the foam that adds the unique and special taste to Greek coffee. The coffee blends used typically have a high percentage of Brazilian coffees, and also some Robusta or a “secret” ingredient to add some more flavor (Colombian coffee, Ethiopia Harrar or Yemen Mocha).
To make Greek coffee you need a pot called a briki. This special pot has a narrow top, which facilitates the correct slow brewing needed to create the crema-froth on top of the coffee known as the kaimaki. Traditionally these pots are made of copper or brass.
Using the proper size coffee pot makes better froth. For two demitasse cups of coffee use a 2-cups size coffee pot. The taste is enhanced by fresh, good quality Greek coffee. It is preferable to use a traditional tabletop burner, or gas stove top on a low fire. A low fire and cold water will extract more flavors from the coffee.
Recipe: For one cup of coffee
- Fill the coffee pot or briki with one demitasse cup of cold water
- Add 1-2 teaspoons of Greek coffee, sugar to taste
- Place the pot over the fire
- When the mixture comes almost to a boil and foam covers the top,
- Pour it into a demitasse cup slowly retaining the crema layer (froth)
- Watch coffee mixture carefully as it foams up quickly
- Avoid spilling the foam
- Some people boil coffee only once. Others prefer boiling twice, or bringing the coffee to a boil three times as the absolute minimum
- Some people stir the coffee, water and sugar mixture only in the beginning while others stir continuously creating more froth
- For two cups or more, maximize the froth by spooning it into each demitasse cup before pouring the coffee.
The process of making and sharing Greek coffee can be a lifestyle statement—honoring tradition, hospitality, friends and good health.
For more information:
http://EzineArticles.com/1355499
http://guide2herbalremedies.com/greek-coffee-offer-great-benefits/
http://EzineArticles.com/1187074
http://reallyworks.org/blog/2010/10/10/coffee-health-benefits-include-lowering-high-blood-pressure/
Published with permission from AlignLife. Original article link is here.
