Coffee is a beverage made from the seeds of a coffee shrub, which grows in the Old World tropics. The seeds are roasted and ground into a delicious beverage. There are many interesting stories surrounding coffee. In fact, so many that many people have written books on the topic! To understand the origins of coffee, it helps to know a bit about its botanical and historical background.
Coffee originated in Ethiopia and spread to other parts of the world. In the 15th century, the Ottoman Empire conquered Yemen, and their governor brought back coffee from there to Istanbul. Soon afterward, Turkish royalty started roasting and brewing their coffee, and coffeehouses opened all over the world. Then, in 1615, merchants brought coffee to Venice, where it was introduced to the wealthy. In the following decades, the production of Robusta beans increased.
Research shows that drinking coffee has several health benefits. In addition to helping people maintain a healthy weight, coffee also contains a number of antioxidants and active substances, which may reduce the effects of internal inflammation and protect the body from disease. According to a study by the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, coffee drinkers had a lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and type 2 diabetes. Research also suggests that drinking coffee daily can help prevent heart failure.
Coffee is widely consumed in the United States. A recent study found that 62% of Americans consume coffee every day and that most people drink at least three cups a day. Recent statistics show that coffee consumption has increased by 50% in the last five years. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, coffee imports are expected to continue growing and becoming more popular.