Coffee, as one of the most popular beverages globally and is also a significant source of a natural stimulant called caffeine. While Philippine coffee production remains relatively low and is unable to even meet local consumption demand (coffee production was at 62,062 metric tons of green coffee beans in 2019 but Filipinos consume 100,000 metric tons of coffee a year and drink almost as much coffee as the people of the United States, Brazil, Japan and the European Union), the Philippines is looking to be one of the leading producers of top-grade coffee around the world.
Coffee has high level of antioxidants and beneficial nutrients such as riboflavin, pantothenic acid, manganese, potassium, magnesium, and niacin. Evidence shows that a sip of 3-4 cups of coffee per day may be the optimal amount. This amount is linked to improve energy levels and make you smarter, improve physical performance and boost metabolic rate. WebMD which is an American corporation known primarily as an online publisher of news and information pertaining to human health and well-being says that coffee may lower your risks of developing Type 2 Diabetes, Parkinson’s, and risk to certain types of cancer.
Plain coffee contains a small number of micronutrients, including vitamins and minerals. A single serving has 118mg potassium, 7.2mg magnesium, 7.1mg of phosphorus, 0.1mg of manganese, 4.7mcg of folate, 6.2mg of choline, and 4.8mg sodium.
Although coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world. Many health professionals believe it’s also one of the healthiest. To nutritionally enrich your coffee, you may add some cinnamon in it. Cinnamon is a tasty spice that mixes particularly well with the flavor of coffee. Studies show that cinnamon can lower blood glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides in diabetics. You may also want to add some cocoa and fortified milk drinks that is a good source of vitamins A and D. Plus, milk is naturally high in several other vitamins and minerals. Both fortified and unfortified milks are highly nutritious. They also promote bone health due to their high content of calcium and phosphorus, the two primary minerals that comprise bones.
Remember, a healthy lifestyle requires balance and moderation of anything we put into our mouth thus light to moderate caffeine intake must be observed to avoid untoward effects on our health and wellbeing. (PNFP Madayag/ NOIII Flores/ RNPC Laquihon)
References:
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-980/coffee
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-13-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-coffee
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-latest-scoop-on-the-health-benefits-of-coffee-2017092512429
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/8-ways-to-make-your-coffee-super-healthy#TOC_TITLE_HDR_8
https://www.fssai.gov.in/upload/media/FSSAI_News_Milk_HealthLine_04_09_2019.pdf
