A friendlier cup of coffee

Reports are putting java's benefits on healthier grounds

By Linda Stahl
lstahl@courier-journal.com
The Courier-Journal

Freshly brewed research reports about coffee are changing the image of the popular drink from harmful to healthy in many ways.

Thanks to some of the latest knowledge about coffee reported in April at the Experimental Biology 2007 symposium in Washington, D.C., negative myths about coffee are evaporating.

"The good news is it seems an extremely popular beverage can be safely consumed by most people in moderation," said Joan Salge Blake, a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association and nutrition professor at Boston University.

"It doesn't look like there is any downside to coffee in any disease process," said Dr. Craig McClain, professor of medicine, pharmacology and toxicology at the University of Louisville, who attended the spring meeting.

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Despite Smaller Brazilian Crop, Fundamentals Still Favour Coffee Bears

By James Cordier and Michael Gross
13 Jun 2007 at 05:26 PM GMT-04:00

TAMPA, Fla. (Liberty Trading Group) -- The last six weeks have been good times for coffee bulls. While Arabica coffee prices at the NYBOT have experienced a mild rally, Robusta coffee, traded in London at the LIFFE have seen a substantial surge in prices. This is due primarily to tight supplies out of Vietnam - the world’s primary exporter of Robusta beans.

And while Robusta prices have dragged Arabica reluctantly higher, it is left to wonder what will become of Arabica prices in at the New York exchange as London prices level off, or even correct. We feel there will be an opportunity for call sellers in the Arabica (New York) contract this month and for that reason, will focus this article on New York Coffee.

For those unfamiliar with the growing seasons of Arabica coffee, June 21st begins winter in Brazil and the time of year when speculators often buy coffee calls in hopes of a Brazilian freeze driving up coffee prices. And why not buy calls? After all, in addition to winter freeze fears, there are plenty of other reasons to be bullish coffee. The 2006/07 Brazilian crop is "officially" projected to be the smallest in 7 years, with an expected yield of roughly 32.1 million bags of beans according to the latest government estimates. There are quality concerns affecting the market as well, as many traders feel heavy rains in growing regions earlier in 2007 will hurt bean quality. The International Coffee Organization is estimating a 6 to 8 million bag world coffee deficit this year. In addition, coffee prices have been in a relentless downtrend for much of 2007, bringing prices to levels that many feel are "cheap."

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Bunn Introduces Liquid Coffee Dispensers

With the increasing popularity of liquid coffee, Bunn has introduced three new dispensers for bag-in-the box liquid coffee concentrate. The new dispensers deliver beverages with superior consistency, have an inviting contemporary design, easy, cost-effective operation, electronic controls, and many other unique features.

The new Liquid Coffee Ambient Dispenser for Iced Coffee (LCA-2 IC) allows operators to connect to an ambient water supply and dispense liquid coffee concentrate for a variety of iced coffee beverages. The dispenser's narrow 12-inch (30.5 cm) width accommodates all 0.5-gallon (1.9 L) and most 1-gallon (3.8 L) bag-in-box (BIB) containers. Refill or rinse LED lights alert the operator when more concentrate or cleaning is needed. Sanitation listed by ETL to NSF Standard 18 and safety listed by ETL to UL Standard (UL 197) and CSA Standard (C22.2 No. 109 - model LCR-2C).

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Coffee Pacifica hosts “Pride of PNG 2007”

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Coffee Pacifica, Inc. (OTCBB:CFPC) announced today that the “PRIDE OF PNG 2007” International Coffee Cupping Competition will be jointly hosted with the PNG Coffee Growers Federation Ltd (“PNGCGF”) from October 6 through October 31, 2007 in Goroka, Mt Hagen and Lae, Papua New Guinea. This international cupping competition will assist in identifying the exemplary arabica coffee grown by the farmer-shareholders of Coffee Pacifica and the members of the PNGCGF. The competition will be in two rounds: the pre-selection and international competition. The head judge of the competition is Mr. Willem Boot and will include ten other international judges. Additional information on the availability of the coffee from the cupping competition will be provided at a later date.

Jon Yogiyo, Chairman of PNG Coffee Growers Federation Ltd. and Vice Chairman of Coffee Pacific said, “history will be made when we host our 2nd coffee competition. We are enhancing the image of the PNG coffee to generate historically high prices.”

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Caffeine dependence is all in the genes

Study has found that men who possess certain genes are prone to caffeine-seeking behaviour

Shelley Page, The Ottawa Citizen (Canada)

A University of Toronto study has shown that there is a genetic basis for caffeine-seeking behaviour.

While stopping short of calling it "caffeine addiction," researcher Ahmed El-Sohemy said men who possess certain dopamine-receptor genes experience an elevated mood after consuming a caffeinated beverage.

The study was based on 600 students from the University of Toronto who were asked to document their reactions to caffeine and provide samples of their blood.

Men who experience this elevated mood seek out caffeine to continue to feel elation. Those who don't report elevation of mood might be less vulnerable to caffeine dependence, Mr. El-Sohemy said.

The same genetic link has so far not been found in women.

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Coffee's perk -- It's healthy

Erin Allday, Chronicle Staff Writer

Apparently it's harder to shake a bad reputation than a caffeine habit.

Even after decades of study suggesting coffee is not harmful, one of the world's favorite beverages remains much maligned, with people afraid that it may cause everything from cancer to heart disease and high blood pressure.

But according to research, coffee might actually have some health benefits, and it's one of the few drinks available these days that doesn't come loaded with sugar and calories. It might guard against gout, diabetes and Alzheimer's disease, and other health problems.

Just make sure you stay away from the Frappuccinos.

Of course, the scientists performing these studies might be a bit biased.

"I should probably mention that I start off every day with a double cappuccino," said Dr. Robert Rushakoff, an endocrinologist with UCSF.

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