If you ask anyone who knows me what my favorite beverage is, they’ll all tell you that it’s coffee. And it’s true. I drink coffee in all forms—hot, iced, frozen, drip, espresso, pressed, pour-over, black, with milk, sweetened, unsweetened, flavored, unflavored; you name it, I drink it. I start every day with a cup of coffee and usually drink another one or two throughout my day. Confession: I might be addicted.
I started drinking coffee during my first year in high school in an effort to cope with the heavy workload of a boarding school and some pretty grueling swim practices. (Yes, I know that drinking coffee really young can stunt your growth and cause dependency, but I appreciate your concern.) I had grown up around it, smelling freshly ground beans each morning as my dad prepared his two cups of strong, black coffee which were much too bitter for me when I first started drinking it—my first few cups were definitely only about 25% coffee, the other 75% a combination of milk and sugar.
Initially, I drank it for the caffeine, which had magical effects, but I soon grew to love the taste of coffee, which added a bonus amount of pleasure into each cup. I discovered different brewing methods and fell in love with the smooth, bold coffee that a French press could produce. I also began to explore the different roasts and origins of the beans—Robusta beans contain more caffeine than Arabica beans, but also have a more bitter taste—that were available in supermarkets, cafes, and local roasters. I learned to discern between the different floral notes in a Colombian blend and the chocolate notes of a Sumatran while also relishing in a good Italian roast.
Coffee also has an abundance of health benefits, including a decrease in the risks for heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, liver cirrhosis, and colorectal cancer (which runs in my family). The antioxidants in coffee can also help improve mood, satiate hunger, reduce inflammation in joints and muscles, and boost metabolism. One study even found that athletes who drink a cup of coffee after a workout report feeling up to 45% less muscle pain than athletes who don’t drink coffee. Doctors and researchers recommend keeping coffee intake to three cups maximum per day in order to experience the health benefits without the negative effects, including dehydration, dependency, and ulcers.
As much as I love coffee, I think I love the social aspect it provides even more. There’s nothing better than catching up with a friend over a good cup of coffee and asking someone on a coffee date is casual enough not to frighten them, yet official enough to let them know you’re interested. And when you find someone who obsesses over the perfect cup just as much as you do, there’s an instant connection that’s formed. So, drink up my friends, and enjoy all that coffee has to offer.
Image credits: Feature, 1, 2, 3