Woman + Coffee = Less Depression

Another study concerning depression and coffee was released and it is no surprise that coffee helps people with depression or those who are likely to become depressed.  This is not new news but it reinforces that idea of something in coffee makes you a happy person, jut like chocolate.  Now there's a great mixture, chocolate coffee.

Albert Ascherio of Harvard School of Public Health  headed the research team that studied a group of women for 14 years dating back to 1976 and measured their coffee consumption during that period.  They classified the women according to how much coffee they drank and followed them for an additional 10 years.  That is a very long time and I really have to hand it to the team for do this for  24 years.
The  team studied more than 50,000 women enrolled in a health study of nurses. The women had an average age of 63, and none were depressed when they enrolled in the study. 

The conclusion of the studies are as followed

1.Women who drink four cups of coffee a day are 20% less likely to become depressed               than women who rarely drink coffee.

2. Women who were in the top fifth of the overall caffeine consumption, chocolate and soft drinks also had a 20%  lower risk of depression that the bottom fifth.

Known Facts

Caffeine is the most popular central nervous system stimulant in the world, and coffee consumption accounts for about 80 percent of caffeine use. Drinking coffee offers a boost of energy for a short time, so in order to maintain the natural 'HIGH' more coffee must be drunken.  Maybe that is why most coffee drinkers  love their coffee first thing in the morning and one in mid morning.  It is cheaper that the energy boost drinks!

Ascherio said there have been very few studies that look at the long-term effects of coffee consumption. One smaller study in Finland showed men who drank a lot of coffee were less likely to commit suicide.
And Ascherio's own team has shown that drinking a lot of coffee may be protective against Parkinson's disease in both men and women.  He said it is not yet clear how coffee might protect against depression, but there are some hints.

Animal studies have shown that caffeine protects against certain neurotoxins and brain receptors that respond to caffeine are concentrated in the basal ganglia, an area that is important for both depression and Parkinson's disease. 

Final Conclusion

      Drink coffee..........Eat chocolate..................enjoy your day!
But remember to eat and drink in moderation or the pounds will show and you will be bouncing off the walls!

Visit  http://www.blackgoldcoffeecompany.com/  for the quality coffee(roasted and green) at quality prices.

Enjoy your day and your coffee!

Deanna,  Morning Cupper

Multinational coffee companies march into the coffee farms with bags of cash!

This was not a surprise to hear that the major coffee companies have send their teams of coffee buyers with bags of cash into the coffee farms.  Let just say, they are marching to a different beat and the sound is money! 

Rising coffee prices have upended  the coffee trade and Kraft,  Nestle and Ecom Agroindustrial Corp. Ltd have send out teams of coffee buyers to 'woo' the small farm coffee producers to sell their coffee directly to them instead of going through the proper channels of the cooperative.     Cooperatives were formed years ago in order to have the small farmers to pool their coffee and to give them a bigger say at the bargaining table and a higher price for coffee.  Now. with the demand for coffee at a historical high because of increased demand( China, India) and back-to-back poor harvests in Central and South American, the big guns have come into the farms and offer to pay cash on the spot and at higher prices.   These companies for years played by the rules of the cooperatives like the rest of the smaller buyers but when they see that they may have to actually compete for coffee,  they changed the rules of play.  The cooperatives is a stable entry of business for the coffee farmers and they are there in good times and bad times to work with them. 

The high coffee prices will not last for long because the weather is good and harvest is coming in bigger and they will disappear as they always do when the price of coffee falls and the farmers who danced with them in the past will not have a partner in the future.  Hopefully the coffee farmers will wise up and see that a long term relationship with the cooperatives is better than  a one night stand with the multinationals.

FYI:  one lb. of coffee is equal to 60-70 6oz. cups of coffee.

Enjoy your coffee and remember that the best coffee is fresh roasted coffee.

Deanna,   Morning Cupper

www.blackgoldcoffeecompany.com

Your store for fresh roasted coffee and home roasters green beans...

Coffee Prices Hit 34 Year High

Well..  I saw it coming down the road late last year and it was only time that the increase in coffee prices would hit us in the pockets.  During the past 12 months alone, those prices rose by 145% which has led to retail price increases. Some of the big coffee companies have already increased their coffee prices three times during the past year.  There are other smaller companies that have not raised their prices but getting pretty close to doing so.  Don't be surprise to see your favorite coffee shop pries increase  5 to 10 cents.  You can only hold the line on prices for so long before making a lost.

Numerous nations are struggling to sustain their coffee crops while demand keeps rising. As a result, inventories have fallen to their lowest levels since the International Coffee Organization (ICO) started tracking this data in the 1960s.  Over the past three years, Columbia largely drove the rally in the coffee market . It suffered from a string of bad crops, partly due to heavy rains and partly due to its program to replant coffee trees.  Coffee trees do not live forever and replanting will ensure continuous supply of good quality coffee.
Meanwhile, Mexico is suffering a bad crop due to low temperatures and Brazil, the world’s top coffee exporter, could have a small harvest of low quality beans as well.  Most industry insiders say Arabica bean coffee prices are headed to at least $3 a pound.

Don't forget that BlackGold coffee company has NOT raised its prices on roasted or green coffee beans.  Check the website for the best prices.

 Deanna Helie, Morning Cupper

Coffee prices are increasing this year

It was only time before the cost of coffee beans would hit us in the pocket.  The bad weather in the Indonesian coffee region and in Colombian region has pushed the demand for these regional coffees up.  Another factor in the coffee market this year is the increase demand of coffee in two developing countries, China and India.  More people are able to afford coffee in these countries and this has increased the demand of coffee.  You will probably notice a cost increase for Colombian coffee as much as $1.00 per lb.  The Indonesian coffee as well is on its way up as much at 1.00 per lb.   Just like anything in the commodity markets, if the demand increases and the supply decreases, prices go up.  Hopefully next year it will become more stable ( weather wise) for these two regions and coffee prices will go down.

Even with the price increase, it is still a good purchase to order fresh roast coffee and enjoy the rich, fresh taste of fresh, ground coffee. 

For fresh roasted coffee: BlackGold Coffee Company
Best prices on green coffee beans for the Home Roaster Community:BlackGold Coffee Company

Enjoy your coffee!

Deanna

Organic Coffee. What is behind the labels

Not all organic coffee is the same when it comes to cerification.   Organic coffee does cost more because the money is being past to the farmers at a higher price, and the growth of organic coffee( shade grown) may be slower and thus getting it to the market is limited.  While your coffee selection comes down to personal taste, learning what the label on the bag may justifiy the cost.

USA Certified Organic:  Grown without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers

Bird-Friendly: Grown using shade management practices, to foster conditions on coffee plantations that provide good bird habitats

Fair Trade: Small farmers get a fair price for their coffee  and are encouraged to use practices without the use of harmful pesticides or child labor.


For the best prices on roasted coffee and green coffee beans(home roasters) visit: blackgoldcoffeecompany Enjoy your coffee.

Morning Cupper

Deanna

Coffee Bean Chronicles - Support Your Local Coffee & Tea Shops This Holiday Season

Most of us are enjoying the cool fall weather and planning to venture out for holiday shopping.  Most of us will pass a StarBucks, SeattleBest or another corporate franchise coffee shop in our area of shopping.  While these shops offer good sweet coffee drinks remember to support your locally own and operated coffee & tea shops in your area.  These shops offer great coffee and tea drinks that can match up to the corporate shops.  These shops are owned by local people like you and during this time of a low economic recovery,  your local businesses are more at risk of closing down than the big bucks coffee shops owned by corporations.  

Now.... I am not saying that all locally owned and operated coffee & tea shops are good; there are good ones and there are bad ones, but think about where your money will go after you hand it over to the cashier,  back into your community or out of your area.

During this holiday season, think of visiting your local coffee & tea shop, stop in and enjoy a quiet hour or so with a good cup of coffee or tea.
                            REMEMBER...A GOOD CUP OF COFFEE IS IN THE TASTE OF IT BEING NAKED. 
                                                      A GOOD CUP OF TEA WILL RELAX YOUR INNER SELF.
Enjoy and Drink!
Deanna, Morning Cupper

Coffee Bean Chronicles - Live longer - drink coffee!

 I came across this article today that I think you would like to read.     My mother is 89 years old and still going strong mentally and physically.   She drinks 4 to 6  cups of coffee a day and she loves her toast!  Maybe  there is a indirect link to longevity...  Toast, coffee, game shows and radio.

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm maybe not smoking may also be a good for you!


Enjoy your coffee

Deanna, Morning Cupper
BlackGold Coffee Company
Chamblee. GA.
www.blackgoldcoffeecompany.com 
Fresh Roasted Coffee and a fair price. 
We roast per order to guaranteed the best, quality roasted coffee!

============================================================================================


A unique investigation into the factors helping people reach 100 years of age has shown that even those with blood pressure concerns are healthier after a daily cup of coffee.


Researchers leading the study at the University of Athens have suggested that the daily consumption of coffee could hold the secret to a longer life. The conclusion has been based on the marked improvement that coffee has on the elasticity of the arteries, helping to prevent their ageing and thereby warding off potential heart disease.

During the scientific investigation, those participants that drank one to two cups of coffee per day demonstrated greater elasticity in their arteries than those who consumed little or no coffee at all. The almost 500 people involved were between the ages of 65 and 100, had diagnosed high blood pressure and were inhabitants of “longevity island” – a small Greek island, Ikaria, where a reported third of people live to reach their centennial birthday.
The island has apparently been a sought after destination for health conscious tourists for a number of years, due to its hot springs fabled for their alleged benefits on joint and skin conditions. This has been supported by the viewpoint of modern day experts who claim that the Mediterranean diet, involving olive oil, local honey and herbal teas, also has a strong part to play in ensuring optimal health, particularly cardiac health.

Since coffee is such a widely consumed commodity in Greece, the Athens-based researchers have turned their attention to the link between coffee and longevity, with their results showing a positive correlation at one to two cups per day.

Coffee Bean Chronicles - Coffee prices may rise in a coffee shop near you!

It has been noted that the Brazil and Vietnam coffee community is hoarding their coffee releases to force prices to go up.  The good, old, basic economic principle of supply and demand game.  They can not hold out for a long time because their competitors in the market, Colombia, Mexico, Costa Rica as well as the African coffee communities will have an open door to sell more coffee.  

The coffee that you are buy at your coffee shop has nothing to do with the market because there is a good chance that the coffee was purchased before the price game.  Coffee price games have been going on for a short time and if the price of coffee stays at a high level for 6 months or more than maybe the cost of  a cup of coffee will be 5 cent more. 

For the coffee shop owners... there is REALLY no true excuse to raise the cost of a cup of coffee now or within the next 6 to 8 months.   Let's be fair about this... the price of preparing a cup of regular coffee is around 7 cents and maybe 10 cents for the mocha, latte, double whip cream and chocolate hit coffee.  In my opnion, coffee prices should NOT rise unless the greed factor is involved.


Best prices on fresh roasted coffee and green coffee beans for the home roaster community:BlackGold Coffee Company

Enjoy your coffee and your day!

Deanna, Morning Cupper

Coffee Bean Chronicles - Top 10 Reasons to have a coffee bar at your wedding

The summer maybe on its way out but fall weddings are just around the corner.  Most weddings have the one thing in common and that is the reception.    This is the time where everyone eats, drinks and becomes very merry into the wee hours of the night.  To change the 'same old reception'  add a coffee bar and have alcoholic and non-alcoholic coffee drinks along side the wet bar.    This is becoming a popular item and something that everyone may need before the drive home!

1. Coffee stimulates conversation and camaraderie. Think about some of the fantastic discussions you've had with friends while drinking a latte or frozen mochaccino at your favorite coffee house.

2. Espressos, cappuccinos and other specialty coffee drinks are elegant. A specialty coffee bar adds sophistication and flair to your event.

3. A specialty coffee bar says you care about your guests. The plain ol' cup of joe served at most receptions can't compare to drinks prepared to order by a trained barista.

4. A coffee bar is a great addition to regular bar service. For those guests who need some sobering up, there's nothing better than a double espresso to do the trick before you send them on their way.

5. Think "affordable luxury" when you hire a specialty coffee caterer. In most cases, an hour or two of unlimited service costs less than you spend on an amazing wedding cake.

6. "Your guests expect good coffee." Quality coffee is not a fad.

7. The inclusion of specialty coffee is seen as a healthy and socially responsible. Many folks are seeking out non-alcoholic beverage alternatives.

8. Offering a coffee bar in lieu of an alcohol bar may reduce your insurance costs at the reception facility. Check with your wedding planner or banquet coordinator.

9. Create buzz about your event like no other service can, literally. Leave a lasting impression on your guests.

10. Coffee drinks can be customized to reflect the theme of your event. From naming a drink after the bride and groom to adding a custom monogram, specialty coffee can be personalized to wow your guests.

Remember..... for the best fresh roasted coffee and green beans for the home coffee roaster, there is only one place: http://www.blackgoldcoffeecompany.com/


Enjoy the rest of the summer and a good cup of coffee....

Deanna
The Morning Cupper

Coffee Beans Chronicles - HOT August days are ahead

We are finally nearing the end of a hot and humid summer in the south and I will be happy when I can walk the dogs before sunset! One thing tht is very important during these days and not to let yourself get dehydrated.  Coffee and tea can dehyrated you and with the hot weather among us, drinking too much coffee or tea and not enough water may do you more harm than good.

Now... I am not saying to stop drinking your favorite beverage but tone it down alittle and add more water to your drinking habits during the day. You will have more energy, feel less tired and able to enjoy the outside without getting run down.

Remember..... for the best fresh roasted coffee and green beans for the home coffee roaster, there is only one place: http://www.blackgoldcoffeecompany.com/

Enjoy your summer

Morning Cupper
Deanna

CoffeeBeans Chronicles - Decaf Coffee is not what you think!

The thought of drinking decaf. coffee makes some people's nose turn up and back off a little.  The thought of a cup of coffee with very little caffeine is unheard of for many but the awful aftertaste would make people run for the hills.   Most people who drink decaf. coffee are required to drink non-caffeine drinks due to various health reasons and one of them is breast cancer. 

Decaf. coffee is not 100% caffeine free. It is totally impossible with our current processes of decaffeinating.  There are three major ways to decaffeinated coffee.  The chemical process is probably the cheapest and the taste of the coffee tells all!  If you like the taste of chemicals in your month, go for it.  I prefer the Swiss Water process.  It does not use chemicals and it may be more expensive that the chemical process but the taste is better and acceptable.   The new kid on the block is the CO-2 process.  This process  removes 99% of the caffeine, just like the other two processes but the beans are not as cooked, thus the coffee beans are not as dark.

 I looked into this and did some test roasting of coffee beans of CO-2 and Swiss Water process.  The CO-2 beans were lighter in color that the Swiss Water but the end results was extremely close.

The taste of both batches of beans, bold and medium roast were the same.  I could not taste any difference.  The difference is the way the beans are roasted.  Since the beans are semi-cooked due the decaffeinated process, the roasting time is slower and shorter.  

Good decaf coffee is fantastic and if the coffee beans are roasted right and grind to a medium texture( sand between your fingers), you will enjoy a great cup of coffee and probably will not miss the high-octane coffee.

Afternoon  is the good time for decaf coffee for many.  You get some caffeine, the great smooth, rich taste of coffee and you don't have to worry about staying up all night!!

Try a cup of decaf. coffee, but be warn that now all decaf coffees are good, so do your research.

 BlackGold Coffee Company sell high quality decaf. coffee beans, both green and roasted.  Try some today and enjoy the change.. 

Enjoy your day and coffee...

The Morning  Cupper

         Deanna

http://www.blackgoldcoffeecompany.com/

CoffeeBeans Chronicle - Spring is around the corner

For some of us, spring is finally here and for others it is a few more weeks of cold and snow.  This has been a cold and long winter for all and I hope you have enjoyed the strong balanced South American coffees during these months of winter.  When I think of winter, I think of comfort food and South American coffees because the two represent the bold, rich, warmth of sitting in front of a fire or enjoying the friendship of a few during the winter evenings.

Spring is the awakening of the sleepy bear or lion and the feel of warmth from the sun and longer days.  It is the light stepping of people that  remind me of the lighter body coffees.  The African and Asian coffees remind of of spring and summer, lighter in taste yet they hold the same outstanding richness of the South Americans.  They do not have the heavy body as their couisins across the sea but they are equal in richness and taste.  Start your spring by tasting the lighter body coffee and expand your horizon of coffees today. You never know what you are missing if you don't explore today!

Ethiopian Yirgatheffe, Tanzania Highland Peaberry, Indian Monsoon Malbar, the Indonesia twins, Sumatra Lintong and Sulawesi are just a few that have a rich coffee taste but a lighter body.

Enjoy your coffee and your day!

Deanna Helie

Morning Cupper

http://www.blackgoldcoffeecompany.com/

Visit our website for fresh roasted coffee at a fair price and coffee green beans for the home roasters.