Coffee

It has been said that science is a process for converting coffee into data. Clearly caffeine is vitally important, but what more do we know about it?

Vital coffee facts

• Coffee was discovered around 1,500 years ago by a goat.
• A typical cup of coffee does contain more caffeine than a cup of tea.
• Coffee does not sober you up and intravenous coffee infusion is a bad idea.
• Caffeine does not dehydrate you on a day-to-day basis (Armstrong, 2002).
• Caffeine binds to adenosine receptors in the brain and causes central vasoconstriction. Via the pituitary gland, this leads to increased adrenaline secretion causing breakdown of glycogen and release of glucose into the blood stream. Increased glucose levels lead to decreased appetite. For lots more see the coffee science information centre.
• Coffee goes well with durian & cardamon ice cream.

Wow- That's amazing! Where can I get the stuff?

• H.R. Higgins: Rather expensive but has a good selection. Good for gifts.
• hasbean.co.uk: Wide selection and good prices. Can't spell.
• The Roast & Post Coffee Co. I've always liked what I've got from here. Their 'Celebes Kalossi Toraja' is rather nice.
• Also see: | coffeegeek.com | ineedcoffee.com | anothercoffee.co.uk | coffeeresearch.org |coffeefaq.com