The practice of drinking coffee, though a fairly common one among various races, has been present in many different cultures, but has often been dismissed by many as a pastime of idle people. So, although it has grown to become a global commodity, it has a long history closely tied to food traditions around the Red Sea region. The earliest credible evidence of the habit of drinking coffee as the modern-day beverage is often presented stems from the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula and modern-day Yemen. Therefore, the records state that right from the middle of the 15th Century in the Sufi shrines, coffee seeds were roasted and brewed in such the same way that it is offered today in different parts of the world. The Yemenis in turn, had procured the coffee beans from the Ethiopian highlands through the trading activities of Somali intermediaries. One century later, the seeds and the habit of coffee drinking had spread to North Africa, the rest of the Middle East and Africa. From these areas, of course, it spread to Europe and the Americas until late in the 20th century when Brazil, Vietnam and Colombia emerged as the leading exporters of coffee in the world. Coffee is today cultivated in over seventy countries which include Turkey, the Ivory Coast and remote island territories like Saint Helena.
Drinking coffee in moderation can have several potential benefits, including increased alertness, improved focus, and enhanced mood due to its caffeine content. Some studies suggest that coffee may also have antioxidant properties and could potentially reduce the risk of certain diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease, both of which are debilitating and progressive conditions that currently afflict many, many people around the world. However, it is important to balance these benefits with potential drawbacks, such as increased heart rate, jitteriness, and disrupted sleep patterns for some individuals. It can also cause constipation and increased nervousness. It is always best to consult with a healthcare professional to determine how coffee consumption may affect you personally. This is especially true for those people who are currently on treatment for high blood pressure, heart disease and some nervous disorders or are on certain kinds of medications that already affect the heart or the nervous system. Indeed, there are fairly recent studies which show that a regular intake of four to five cups of coffee per day by adult individuals potentially helps to prevent heart disease. A similar volume is said to be able to prevent the development of fatal blood clots in much the same way that baby aspirin does. An average of four cups of coffee is also said to have the ability to protect individuals from colon cancer. Lastly, coffee does a good thing for your kidneys by promoting its constant filtration to produce urine.
In today’s fast-paced and interconnected world, the pursuit of inner peace and balance has become increasingly important. Amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, many of us seek ways to cultivate a sense of calm, clarity, and fulfilment. As the Dalai Lama once explained, I believe that true happiness and contentment can be found not in external achievements or material possessions, but in the depths of our own hearts and minds. One common source of solace for many people is the consumption of coffee. This popular beverage, with its energizing effects and rich aroma, has become a staple in the daily routines of millions around the world. While moderate consumption of coffee can offer immediate benefits such as increased alertness and improved focus, it is important to approach its consumption with mindfulness and moderation. Therefore, coffee is found in many homes in a variety of ways; either as instant coffee or as roasted beans that can be brewed in a coffeemaker for consumption by multiple members of the family. This is also increasingly available in offices and hospital cafes in those countries where there is proper acknowledgement about the overall health of consuming this drink even in the workplace. In malls and other public places such as airports, bus and railway stations, there are often vending machines that will fill your cup at the insertion of a coin.
As we navigate the complexities of modern life, it is crucial to remember the interconnected nature of our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Excessive reliance on stimulants like caffeine can disrupt our natural rhythms, leading to dependency and imbalance, poor sleeping patterns and increased levels of anxiety. Instead of seeking external sources of stimulation, I believe that true inner peace and fulfilment can be found through self-awareness, compassion, and the cultivation of a peaceful mind. These pieces of advice are easy to dish out to those who experience these problems. In reality, many people will be better off finding the counselling they need at the hands of a clinical psychologist or even a psychiatrist. In the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism, there is significant emphasis on the importance of mindfulness and presence in all aspects of life. By approaching each moment with a sense of awareness and gratitude, we can begin to unravel the complexities of our minds and hearts, finding peace amidst the chaos of the world. The practice of meditation, reflection, and loving-kindness can help us tap into our inner reservoirs of strength and clarity, leading us towards a state of balance and equilibrium. But this approach may become available to those who meditate and practice yoga. For a pauperized populace already struggling to find their feet in a turbulent economy, and even food, this goal must be seen as a tall order.
Ultimately, the pursuit of inner peace is a deeply personal and spiritual journey. By turning inwards and nurturing our own well-being, we can create a ripple effect of positivity and compassion that extends to those around us. Let us strive to find harmony and contentment not through external sources, but through the cultivation of a peaceful mind and a compassionate heart. Coffee can be prepared and presented in a variety of ways such as espresso, French press, café latte, Capuchino, black or Arabic coffee, which is not complete until mixed with some herbs, or already brewed canned coffee often served as a chilled drink. Coffee can also be served with sugar or sugar substitutes, or milk. Cream can also be added to it in order to mask the naturally bitter taste of the famous drink. There are many people who take this drink with none of these additives and there are more than a few people who prefer to drink it black: no milk and no sugar. Others will add sugar but no milk and yet others will not touch it without its full complement of milk and sugar or sugar substitutes. Others add alcohol to their coffee servings. The bottom line as we have often emphasized on this page is to take even this drink with moderation. In most instances where a teacup is mentioned as a yardstick for the volume of coffee consumed, it must be noted that most Nigerians use huge cups to drink beverages, coffee included.
These mugs often contain enough drink to fill three to four regular cups of coffee. For such consumers, therefore, one mug of coffee may be enough to stave off the disease conditions we mentioned above. For others, the pull of coffee is often based on its rich, unique aroma. May we all find refuge in the serenity of our own beings, and may we spread peace and love wherever we go. It should be clear now to many that coffee is a drink which is speculated to be able to help individuals achieve such lofty mental and spiritual heights, and it usually shows. Besides, coffee is evidently more beneficial to our health than the possible harm it could cause.
Credit: Sylvester Ikhisemojie