News of Antioxidants in Coffee not a License to Make It a Mainstay in Health Regimens

Coffee may be a chief source of antioxidants in the American diet, as recently reported at the meeting of the American Chemical Society by Dr. Joe Vinson of the University of Scranton, but "that is not a license to make it a mainstay of your health regimen," says Dr. Keith I. Block of the Block Center for Integrative Cancer Care & Optimal Health in Evanston, Illinois. Vinson recently found that, based on both the concentration of antioxidants in coffee and the relative amounts we consume of coffee and the more conventionally acknowledged antioxidant sources - fruits and vegetables - coffee contributes more to our antioxidant intake than any other food.

"Vinson's results are perhaps more a reflection on the inadequacy of our fruit and vegetable intake than on the health benefits of coffee, which has some significant health concerns for many people," noted Block. Caffeinated coffee joins several other popular caffeine sources in the diet in contributing to excess intake of this natural drug. Recent studies highlight the role that caffeine overdose plays in insomnia, anxiety disorders, elevation of stress hormones, urination and bladder problems in older women, and non-cancerous breast lumps. It produces a small but disturbingly significant elevation of blood pressure. Even decaffeinated coffee contributes to health problems. When it's combined with high-fat milk, cream, sugar or flavorings, a single 16-oz cup can have over 250 calories - a questionable addition to the diet of anyone trying to keep their weight under control (not to mention their budget)! "Decaf and caffeinated coffee alike contribute to a range of gastric problems that are becoming ever more important in contemporary society, including both ulcers and the widespread gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD or chronic heartburn), which can be a precursor to esophageal cancer," explained Block, who is co-founder and Medical/Scientific Director of the Block Center. "While a little coffee can be fine for most people, increasing beyond a cup or two a day can lead to clinical problems. The supersized caffeinated blends can actually be toxic! In fact some studies have found that increases in blood levels can be responsible for adverse effects among persons consuming only moderately increased doses over average consumption. Though usually toxic dosing requires quite high dosing, upwards of 150 ounces daily, toxicity can result for some people if they were to consume 35 to 70 ounces in a short period. This is only 7 to 14 cups at only 5 ounces per cup. Or, at the supersize 16+ ounce level, only a few!"

While many people may be able to tolerate coffee in the small cup or two per day that Dr. Vinson points out as being reasonable, anyone with health problems that are potentially coffee- or caffeine-related needs to examine their daily coffee intake closely.

"Yes, coffee is chock full of antioxidants," says Dr. Block, "but don't run to your neighborhood coffee-house in place of consuming fruits and vegetables. These colorful plants contain an array of plant chemicals that help reduce your risks of killer diseases like cancer and heart disease."

The Block Center for Integrative Cancer Care and Optimal Health, located in Evanston, Illinois, was founded in 1980 by Penny and Keith Block, M.D. with a focus on treating the patient as a whole person, not treating just the diagnosis or symptoms. The Center's research-based treatment integrates an innovative approach to the best of conventional medicine with scientifically sound complementary therapies -- therapeutic nutrition, botanical and phytonutrient supplementation, prescriptive exercise, and systematic mind-body strategies -- to enhance the recovery process. Block has pioneered this "middle ground" approach to cancer care and optimal health - designing a total treatment plan that is tailored to the precise needs of each patient, using a unique set of clinical and laboratory assessments. The Block Center is breaking new ground with the creation and development of Cancer Rehab as an innovative treatment modality, and currently is the only private North American medical center using chrono-modulated chemotherapy. While the Block Center is a full treatment clinic, it is involved in collaborative research with M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas as a Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP) and is also engaged in clinical cancer research with other university facilities in the United States and Israel ( www.blockmd.com )

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Grinding Gourmet Coffee Beans

The fast rule of thumb is the faster the infusion the finer the grind. The objective is to get the most flavor out of your ground gourmet coffee beans when infused with hot water. The type of coffee grind that you use is important in order to properly match the type of brewing method you will be using.

The espresso brewing method need the least amount of time and requires the grind to be very fine. The various grind categories are "fine," "medium" and "coarse." The finer grinds don't need to be in contact with water for as long as the coarser grinds.

If you would like to make a stronger or weaker brew it is easier to just add or reduce the amount of ground coffee than to vary the grind. If you tried using an espresso grind in your drip filter machine, the water will take much longer to filter through and the flavor will not improve.

After deterioration expect to taste stale and coffee with a reduction of flavor. Oxygen and moister in the air quickly deteriorates ground coffee as it oxidizes and looses its flavor. The effective life of ground coffee is only a few days after grinding. It cannot be emphasized more that grinding coffee immediately before brewing makes a huge different in the freshness of your coffee.

There are a larger variety of bean grinders available on the market that can either look as a nice appliance in your kitchen or can be quickly put away. Grinding beans at home is very easy to do.

The oldest bean grinders are the mortar and pestle. This takes a while to use and the grind is not consistent. But since we are in living in the electronic age there are simpler and faster methods.

Electric motor grinders can either have blades or two crushing burr plates. The blade grinders are the least expensive and can be found at places such as Wal-Mart for under $15. The burr grinders are little more expensive. An attractive burr grinder can be found at finer food or kitchen appliance stores for $50 and above. Check out place such as Williams-Sonoma, Bed Bath and Beyond or Linens and Things.

Burr vs. Blades

Burr vs. Blades

The extra expense of a burr grinder will translate into a better grind. A blade does not really grind but slashes the beans into smaller and smaller particles. The blade particles are inconsistent; around the edges are fine powder and larger chunks in the center.

Blade Grinder

Blade Grinder

The blade grinder is the best option as someone's first grinder. It is the least expensive and can be quickly put away after use. The two major draw backs are that they are messy as the grounds spill from the container when you open it and the inconsistent grind mentioned above. Still, having a blade grinder will cause a major difference in the flavor your experience from your gourmet coffee beans if you are currently buying ground coffee.

How to Use a Blade Grinder

How to Use a Blade Grinder

When you use a blade grinder do not hold your finger on the button the entire time but push it in intervals. Grind in quick bursts of 2-5 seconds so that it prevents the beans from heating up too much. Also hold it with two hands with one over the top container and shake it up and down as you grind to mix up the contents and to give it a better consistency.

For a course grind spin your blade grinder for 7-10 seconds, a medium grind will take 10-14 seconds and a finer grind will take 15-20 seconds. If you drink espresso you will need one of the more expensive burr grinders, a blade version will not produce the consistently fine grind that is required for espresso.

One of the latest developments is a drip coffee machine with a built-in blade grinder. It has a timer you can set so in the morning the beans are automatically ground then pushed into the coffee filter and the brewing will start automatically. All you have to do is add the beans and water in the morning. This is perfect for people on the go. One of the most popular models is the Cuisinart Stainless Steel Grind & Brew, which retails for around $120. The only drawback is that a burr grinder is not available but we have hope for the future.

Burr Grinders

Burr Grinders

If you are looking for the best method for grinding your gourmet coffee beans go straight for a Burr grinder. The grind is consistent and most of the machines have various grind settings. Many include a bean hopper on top where you can store your beans with an airtight lid. Some have a setting to set how many cups you want to grind and include a receptacle where your coffee grounds are deposited. After grinding you simply pour your coffee grounds from the receptacle into your coffee maker. This type of burr grinder not only produces a great and consistent grind, it also keeps your ground coffee well contained with little spillage.

For the professional users you will find bean grinders that will grind directly into your coffee filter which is ideal for restaurants. Check out versions from Gaggia and Bunn for these types of burr grinders.

The Bottom Line

The Bottom Line

Stop settling for lower quality pre-ground store bought coffee. If you have not already done so, make the jump and get a quality grinder and buy whole bean coffee to grind just before you brew. If you are on a budget or are not ready for a larger commitment, get an inexpensive blade grinder. If you are a lover of coffee and want the best for your beans, buy a quality burr grinder. A good burr grinder will eliminate some of the hassles and spillage of a blade grinder and will produce a more consistent grind.

All Rights Reserved. Copyright © 2005 Volcanica Coffee Company.

The Best Cup of Drip Coffee Possible

With a "good" cup of coffee costing almost as much as a good sandwich these days, more and more people are taking to making their coffee at home from an "old fashioned" drip coffee machine. With the influence of Starbucks and the others out there, people are demanding a better cup of coffee all of the time. This article should help you make the best cup of drip coffee possible.

Coffee from a can just doesn't work for the general public anymore. You know what I'm talking about and it sounds as lousy to you as it does to me. The good news is that great coffee beans can be obtained at pretty much any grocery store. If you use coupons (and if you don't, shame on you), you should do quite well if you aren't too worried about the brand name. My tip for you - worry about quality more than anything else. The big stores like Sams Club and Costco offer big bags of coffee beans at some very good prices. Your author's favorite, in case you're interested, is Kirkland brand (two pound) of Espresso Roast (Starbucks) that you can find at Costco.

Be willing to experiment with different bean types to find the kind of coffee you like best. For what it is worth, more times than not, I've found that a good espresso roast makes a great cup of drip coffee as well. Do experiment though, you just might be surprised at what you find.

Good beans deserve a good grind. You'd be surprised at the difference between a good grind and a bad one. If you don't have a good grinder at home, consider grinding the beans at the store where they were purchased as the grinders there often do a great job. Burr grinders are the best, and the most expensive.

It is probably obvious but good water makes a difference as well. The more things you take out of the water, the better your coffee will taste.

A good drip machine is also a must. More than anything else, the warming element is what you need to worry about. If you find that your coffee often has that scalded burned taste, the warmer might be too hot. And, of course, there is seldom a way to change that so, … you'll need a new machine.

Consider the French Press alternative. French presses are dirt cheap, make an incredible cup of coffee, and never leave you worrying about overactive warmers, water tube build-up and the like. Remember that the grind for French Press is different than normal drip coffee so grind accordingly.

What about people stuck in a bad coffee situation in the office or somewhere else? Here's a trick that can help with some issues: Bring in a cinnamon shaker and dash a little on the grinds before starting the machine. This will give the coffee a bit more taste, hide some of the bad taste and help with the aroma. Grab the coffee as soon as is brewed and, most of all, lobby for better coffee.

You're worth it.

About The Author

Chiacchia Del is the webmaster of Yo! Coffee, the Internet's hot spot for all things coffee. You can read more of her work at http://www.yocoffee.com .

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The Newest Wedding Sensation - Coffee Wedding Favors

From generic simple favors to personalized unique favors, options are endless. With so much to think about, a small, but important part of the wedding is the wedding favors. This day must go as planned. From the dresses and tuxedos to the very plates they will dine off of, there will be nothing left to chance. With so much to think about, a small, but important part of the wedding to consider. This day must go as planned. From the dresses and tuxedos to the very plates they will dine off of, there will be nothing left to chance. For couples planning their big day, there are many aspects of the wedding to consider. One of those times and probably the most significant is their wedding day. There are very few times in a person's life that the world will completely revolve around them.

Perhaps an autumn wedding, wedding favors can coincide with your theme easily and add an extra uniqueness to your special day. Are you having a beach wedding? What is your theme? In the past, most weddings contained the same basic setups and party favors designed by the many artists who have brought us themes that fit any lifestyle imaginable. When choosing favors for your wedding, you can reference books, stores, and now online websites for ideas.

Java, after all, is the morning medicine that keeps many of us on time to our morning meetings and gives us a boost of energy! Whichever your taste, coffee wedding favors have become a favorite within the last five years or so. Choose a coffee wedding favor designed to match your theme and personalize them with the bride and groom's name and wedding date. For specialty themes like coffee wedding favors, you may have to seek out an Internet wedding favor retailer for all items pertaining to coffee lovers. These are the most unique wedding favors available. The latest wedding favor sensation is coffee wedding favors. Some of your choices may be: mints, candles, frames, chocolate bar wedding favors and much more. For every theme, there is a perfect wedding favor.

When you have just one chance to get it right, always do your best by choosing wedding favors that fit your wedding theme and personality. There are so many items to choose, from heart shaped coffee scoops to personalized coffees there is something for everyone. Wedding gifts for the bride's maids and groom's men have been a long time tradition not to mention leaving the guests with items to use as souvenirs.

Coffee Making Without Technology

In this day and age, coffee making has become something of an art. Specialty coffee shops have sprung up all over, and it would be hard to drive down a city street without seeing at least one or two. These days, coffee is more than just brewing a strong cup on the stove. There are fancy coffee makers, espresso machines, and cappuccino machines, and a host of coffee flavors and different coffee additives, such as flavored creamers or syrups.

There are times, however, when making a fancy cup of coffee is out of the question. Perhaps you are out roughing it in the wilderness, you forgot your stove-top percolator, and you still want at least a good black cup of coffee but aren't sure what to do. Believe it or not, there is a trick to coffee making that doesn't include electricity or even a stove-top percolator.

Of course, even if you are lacking a coffee maker or a coffee pot, you are still going to need your basic ground coffee, and you are going to need a heat source. Hopefully, if you are on a remote camping trip, you still remembered the coffee, even if you didn't remember the stove-top percolator; and of course, most campers have campfires or camping stoves fueled by some type of gas. It can actually be a rewarding experience to use some old-fashioned ingenuity when it comes to the simple act of making coffee without a coffee pot; it helps us remember that we are not always slaves to modern technology.

The method you can use to make yourself a cup of coffee is to use a couple of paper towels, a regular pot or pan, and a cup - either a coffee cup or any cup that can hold hot liquid. Place a couple of paper towels over the cup, and then place some coffee grounds on paper towels. Heat the water over your campfire or on your camp stove until it is boiling, and then carefully, and slowly, pour the heated water over the coffee grounds and paper towels so that it filters into the cup. The more slowly you pour the water in, the stronger your cup of coffee should be. If you don't think the coffee is strong enough the first time, carefully remove the paper towels with the coffee grounds on top, pour the liquid from the cup back into the pan, put the napkins or paper towels and coffee grounds back on top of the cup, and repeat the procedure. It shouldn't take more than two times to make a strong enough cup of coffee. This may seem like a long and tedious procedure, but you'll get your cup of coffee, and you'll probably feel rather proud of yourself!

John Gibb is the owner of coffee making sources , For more information on how to make coffee check out http://www.cofeemaking-sources.info

coffee making sources http://www.cofeemaking-sources.info

Coffee Shop Business Plan

A coffee shop business plan would help you to do things right from the very beginning.

Whatever your purpose, however you may want to become involved with the coffee business, you'll most likely want to have a coffee shop business plan in place before taking the first step. You might even want to add a coffee angle to your existing business. Or maybe you want to buy an already existing coffee business, and want to make sure that you run it right. Or perhaps you already own a coffee shop, and are wondering what you can do to boost sales.

All reasons to have a Coffee Shop Business Plan in place. In short, you don't know too many things about the coffee business; where do you start? Do you go it independent, or do you get a franchise from some big player? What kind of location should you look for? What equipment should you buy? There are hundreds of varieties of coffee and coffee-based drinks; what drinks should you make? Will you have adequate resources to see it through till you succeed? Will it be really worth it? There are certain vital questions to be considered.

for a full-fledged coffee shop, however, it could be anything between $60,000 and $350,000, depending on your scale of operation. For a drive-thru, you should need something between $40,000 and $150,000. This should include what you intend to do, how you intend to implement it, what kind of startup finances you need, what level of sales you're looking at, and how you plan to pay the (private or institutional) investors back. First, you need to write an informed, coherent coffee shop business plan.

© Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved.

Choose the Correct Coffee Machines

But I am not alone. As time goes by I am sure to gather more Coffee Making equipment as I am a self confessed coffee addict. One Coffee Machine that is out permanently and two Coffee Machines that like it in the cupboard! Personally I have three. Most kitchens will have some sort of Coffee Machines in them.

Then there are the new fangled pod coffee machines, which infuse hot water through coffee pods, and the top-notch espresso makers. You can still get the old-fashioned drip machines, but the even more old-fashioned presses and hand brew machines are back in style. Not only do you have to choose among the dozens of franchise coffee shops, coffee types, espresso, cappuccino, and all other kinds of java, you also have to worry about what kind of coffee machines to work with. Nowadays, coffee is all the rage.

Honest! You may have to clean the filters after each use, but this little bit of extra work is well worth it. Permanent filters make sure that the flavor molecules from the coffee grinds pass through into the water, but more importantly, the permanent filters do this without adding unwanted flavors. The key to these machines is using a gold, nylon, or other type of permanent filters. They use a method of brewing that can create the most delicious coffee. Drip coffee machines, though, are still one of the easiest types to use for beginners and coffee aficionados alike.

If you absolutely have to use paper filters try rinsing them with hot water first as this helps to wash away some of the after taste. They impart an aftertaste into the finished product, and they absorb some of the special flavor molecules and aromatic oils from your coffee beans, which are what gives your cup of joe its tantalizing taste. What is wrong with paper filters for coffee machines?

This means water temperatures that are between 195 degrees and 205 degrees to ensure the best flavor extraction from the coffee grounds. Be sure to only add the right temperature water to the mix. When using drip coffee machines, stick with medium to fine grinds of coffee.

And if you want to follow the most expert rules for using drip coffee machines, you should remove the grounds from the filter before the last couple of drops of water have filtered through. This prevents your coffee from being over-extracted and overly bitter. One last thing. Before you serve this delicious coffee to yourself or to a guest, stir it.

From one coffee addict to the like minded, enjoy! So go choose a coffee machine that will suit you and enjoy your morning pick-you-up or sip your mellow afternoon cup-a-joe!