Is Tea Good For Health?
August 1, 2009
Tea, the refreshing beverage of humanity for many centuries is considered as a health drink because of many therapeutic qualities attributed to it. Tea enthusiasts unequivocally vouch for the beneficial factors, but there are dissenting voices to warn the harmful effects. It is a fact that in the contemporary society people have become more health conscious and are becoming over cautious about the pros and cons of anything and everything they consume. Whether it is oil, chocolate, milk or grains there are diverse views expressed by researchers on the merits and demerits of such items. Tea is yet another beverage that is subjected to intensive research but no specific health hazard is attributed to it. But some experts warn against addiction to it.
Tea is a natural and agro based product which contains catechins or flavanoids which is an antioxidant. This is the basis of experts’ opinion that consumption of tea in moderation is good for health. Studies have revealed that risks of cancer and cardiovascular diseases are found less in those who consume tea regularly. According to some nutrition specialists tea will strengthen the immune system of the body. It can reduce the risks of kidney stone. Equally important is the contention that tea offer protection against decay of teeth and bones. Tea does not contain salts or fat contents in it and therefore safe for those who suffer from hypertension or heart ailments. Plain black or green tea is considered as a good antidote against many potential health hazards. Without additives like sugar and spices tea is safe even for seriously sick persons and diabetics. Green tea is an effective remedy against cholesterol related problems, liver ailments and inflammatory conditions. It is also claimed that green tea can enhance metabolic rate in the body. Caffeine content in tea is again another effective antioxidant.
However there are experts who are not very optimistic about the consumption of tea. According to them tea can lead to sleeplessness and in some cases will retard the effects of some medicines like anticoagulants. It may adversely affect the iron absorption by the body. Intensive research is being undertaken by many individuals and institutions. Opinions are divided as far as the impacts of tea on human body. But no conclusive proof is yet put forward to indicate that tea can cause health hazards. On the other hand tea is a rich source of magnesium, potassium and manganese which are essential for a healthy body. The bottom line is clear. Moderate consumption of tea is not injurious to health.
People with complicated health problems should consult physicians in this context. Whether tea has therapeutic values or not is a matter for experts to establish beyond doubts. But as mentioned earlier, no specific health hazard is attributed to consumption of tea even though humanity was consuming it for many centuries. The United Kingdom Tea Council has no hesitation to conclude that tea is having many health benefits and that “for centuries to come there will be a place at the centre of British lives for a nice cup of tea”.
Does Coffee Reduce Bad breath?
July 31, 2009
Well coffee is no more “ just a coffee”! There is much more in the sip. Coffee is long believed to be one of the causal agents behind a bad breath. Now, coffee is proved to take the least share in the history of halitosis. Dr. Rosenberg from Tel Aviv University has made some intriguing discovery that there are certain components in the coffee that are capable of fighting bad breath. Now no embarrassing moments due to bad breath, coffee is coming into the rescue arena.
Coffee has become an inevitable ingredient to handle a tightly packed work schedule. While morning coffee helps you to kick start your day it is also believed to produce bad breath. The bad breath condition due to coffee is almost true because coffee, with its acidic properties enhances the dehydrating effect in the mouth, which becomes more more strong along with milk to result in the fermentation process. These substances after fermentation are converted into foetid substances.
The previous theory has been the popular belief as well as the fact until recently Prof. Rosenberg offered some fascinating facts about the positive impact of coffee upon breath. He reported that his findings during his study of coffee’s impact on saliva revealed that there are certain components in the coffee that played an important role in restricting the fermentation process and thereby inhibiting the production of bad breath.
His research was based on studying the role of coffee in the production of bacterial odour of the saliva. This study was done on abroad basis and three distinct types of coffee were involved in it. The coffee varieties that were used for the study include The Taster’s choice, Landwer Turkish coffee and Israeli Elite coffee. In Vitro assay of saliva was done in his laboratory and he expected to prove the stinky odour-causing effect of coffee upon saliva. But the results were just the reverse of what was expected. The results showed that coffee possessed certain ingredients that fought bad breath.
The entire research crew and Prof. Rosenberg said that they were simply astonished by the results as Prof. Rosenberg had expected coffee to play the vital role in causing bad breath and therefore there must be something magical present in the coffee to produce such an opposite effect. Prof. Rosenberg also mentions that the research must continue to find out the the specific component of coffee that fights bad breath- causing bacteria so that it can be used for medicinal uses. This extract can be used in the manufacture of breath mint that stops the formation of odour causing bacteria at the initial stages rather than destroying them after the production. No wonder this is a creditable discovery that gets added to Prof. Rosenberg’s wad of inventions that include a mouth wash, anti-odour chewing gum, bad breath detector.
Hot Coffee Vs Cold Coffee
July 30, 2009
Coffee is a favourite beverage of people today. Even though coffee is consumed all over the world, quality, taste, flavour and aroma varies from place to place. Different types of coffee are liked by people in different countries and regions. Even in the same country there are various types of coffee preferred by the consumers. It is doubtful whether there is any other item of food or drink which is consumed in such diverse forms. When the people of the United States and Continental countries like to drink Espresso, people in the east consume coffee boiled with pepper and ginger to cure ailments like common cold or sore throat. The Cubans drink bitter coffee whereas Indonesians like coffee with smooth flavour. Coffee’s adaptability to diverse tastes and preferences is a remarkable phenomenon.
Apart from taste and flavour, people invariably like to drink coffee both hot and cold. Some believe that coffee can offer them that unique ‘punch’ only when it is consumed piping hot. It is presumed that caffeine becomes more active when coffee is served hot. They also believe that aroma is more intense in hot coffee than in the cold version. From the origin, the beverage was made and consumed hot. Iced or cold coffee is a later introduction. The modern products of cold coffee and other derivates are probably originated in the twentieth century when refrigerators became vogue. But then, cold coffee was a matter of fancy or a symbol of luxury rather than a beverage for daily consumption. Normally, hot coffee is the rule and cold coffee is an exception as far as the food habits are concerned. Cold or iced coffee is considered as a speciality drink. Iced Latte and Iced Mocha are examples in this context. They are made out of Espresso which is flavoured and mixed with iced milk.
In UK iced coffee is a widely consumed item having many branded products in the contemporary scenario. Nestlé is marketing various flavours in cans which can be refrigerated and stored conveniently. Cappuccino and Mochaccino are familiar products available in almost all supermarkets or sale outlets. Apart from commercially sold items cold coffee can be made at home making use of special machines, pots and other accessories available in the market. Cold coffee contains less acid and caffeine as cold brewed concentrate does not retain oil in it. But iced coffee has shorter shelf life. In homes ice cubes are made from brewed coffee. Adding sugar syrup and chocolate strong cold coffee is prepared. The quality of the iced coffee depends on the coffee beans, the methods adopted and roasting process.
Experts who are conversant with the chemistry of coffee brewing are not very sure about the presence of caffeine and oils in the brewed coffee. It is only assumption that the product becomes free from caffeine to a great extent while undergoing cooling process. However it is found that invigorating properties of coffee will be lost when it is cold. Coffee is consumed widely as a beverage of unique taste, colour and flavour. Without such characteristics coffee will be deprived of its originality.
Coffee War Between Starbucks And Mc Donalds
July 28, 2009
Coffee is the second largest merchandising commodity in the global market today. Its popularity as a beverage has been acknowledged by the trading community. Stiff competition prevails both in wholesale and retail markets as supply exceeds demands.
Unlike many other consuming products retail sales of coffee through millions of outlets are the lifelines that determine the fortunes of the market leaders. It is quite natural that such a highly volatile competitive environment invokes market rivalry. The contemporary scenario in the global coffee market is symbolic of this phenomenon.
McDonald and Starbucks are well known market leaders in the food and beverage segment. Both are universally recognized business icons. At a time when the global economy is experiencing severe stress consequent to the ‘meltdown’ and ‘recession’, even the well established leaders apprehend fluctuating trends that can make negative impacts on their fortunes.
They are contemplating on adopting new plans and strategies to cope up with the emerging situations. Aggressive marketing coupled with vigorous advertisement campaign are parts of the newly devised marketing strategies. And in the process, rivalry between the parties is nothing but logical conclusion of the ‘star wars’.
National marketing campaigns initiated by the companies are marked by novelties and originalities of their conceptual ideas and imaginations. Starbucks gives emphasize to the qualitative superiority of their coffee products. The general perception is that Starbucks is having a tough time to attract customers in view of the ongoing recession.
Their products are expensive than McDonald’s. Starbucks, the Seattle based coffee chain is identified by the consumers for their expensive products. Aware of this fact, the company is now embarking on a new initiative. They are exhorting the consumers through their advertisements, to go for best quality coffee notwithstanding the higher price tags. It is not a wise proposition to compromise on the quality of a beverage for the sake of a few pennies.
One important fact that Starbucks wants to highlight is the most superior quality of coffee beans they procure despite its prohibitive cost in the international markets. Those who cherish the taste, colour, flavour and aroma of the best quality coffee in the world have only one destination – Starbucks.
McDonalds play the economic card. Their products are cheaper and affordable to the cash-strapped public who struggle to cope up with the difficult economic situation prevailing in the world. They have introduced new versions of Lattes, Cappuccinos along with the most popular Mc Café. Slogans like ‘Mc café makes a better day possible’ are reaching the consumers day and night through advertisements. McDonald also announced substantial price discounts on their products.
Both Starbucks and McDonalds are waging ‘no holds barred’ tussle to capture the market. Newspapers, Billboards, Radio, Television and Internet are made use of abundantly to project their respective claims. As the coffee wars became more and more aggressive, both the companies exceeded their budgets for promotional campaigns.
There are allegations that the parties are indulging in unfair trade practices by using words and phrases which are tantamount to mudslinging. However such accusations are being denied by both the corporate giants. The fact is that certain corrective steps are being undertaken by both of them as measures of damage control.
Coffee And Its Impact On Health
July 27, 2009
Coffee has been recognized as an energy boosting beverage. For billions of people it is an unavoidable invigorating drink for themselves and to entertain guests. As a non-alcoholic drink it is considered safe for children as well as for sick persons. Coffee’s popularity has been upswinging ever since it was discovered and consumed by the humanity. In the commercial world coffee is next only to oil in respect of value and volume of business transactions. But the irony is that nowhere it is referred as a health drink. It is not prescribed as a remedy for illness. There is no record to indicate that coffee has been subjected to clinical research so as to evaluate its therapeutic qualities as a cure for ailments. Still, consuming coffee is never considered as harmful to humans. In the midst of such discussions and debates, innumerable people believe in the efficacy of coffee in treating minor ailments like headaches and depressions. According to them it is the experience that offered convincing evidence in this context.
The coffee lobby is vociferous all over the world in glorifying the superior qualities of their favourite beverage. They vouch for the therapeutic advantages of coffee which are proved beyond doubts. It is mentioned that several studies have been conducted by researchers to identify the effects of coffee on the consumers. One such study has revealed the positive aspects of coffee after analyzing the data collected from 1, 20,000 people. Results of similar studies have offered clinching evidence to indicate that coffee consumption at a moderate level is beneficial to those who are prone to risks of Parkinson disease, type 2 diabetes and colon cancer. Again, coffee is found as an effective antidote against gallstones.
One of the factors pointed out against the coffee consumption is the caffeine content in it. But intensive researches have revealed that caffeine is an antioxidant and therefore it is beneficial to many who suffer from cardiovascular and Parkinson diseases. It is also suggested that filtered coffee is good for patients with high cholesterol levels. It is because of the absence of coffee oil in the filtered coffee. Another good news for coffee lovers is the production of organic coffee in many parts of the world. When environmental pollution is threatening the universe, many effective steps are being taken by farmers all over the world to reduce the toxic effects of chemicals which are the reason for health hazards. Like many other food products coffee is also being cultivated using organic methods. Chemical or synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides are completely eliminated. Natural resources which are not harmful have replaced chemical substances.
Consumers should take care to use good quality water free from chlorine or salts, to brew coffee. Non-bleached filters are better to avoid chlorine contents infiltrating to the coffee. Taking into consideration all the above factors involved in the coffee debate, it can be concluded that coffee will not cause negative impacts on the consumers.
