Friday, July 26, 2013

Cosmetics and Good Taste

Yesterday I read an article announcing some incredible findings from a Harvard study relating reductions in suicide rates and coffee consumption.  Other than my shock at the positive mental health benefits of coffee which are new to me, something else struck me as very interesting.
When I read news about the positive benefits of coffee consumption I normally picture a typical Specialty Coffee customer, automatically placing the news within a personal context.  However, whether a person drinks the finest coffee available, or the saddest gas station swill, the physical and mental health benefits are enjoyed equally.(Reduced type 2 diabetes, positive for parkensons prevention, same alzheimers, fends off oral cancers and some skin cancers, reduced depression, reduced suicide etc). Additionally, the caffeine related increase in alertness, stamina etc also accrue equally whether a person drinks the finest cappuccino or a vending machine mess.
Interestingly the poor quality consumer brands offer a further benefit by being considerably cheaper than Specialty Coffee, making the significant health and stimulant benefits accessible to those with less discretionary income.

The only benefits Specialty Coffee wield over the discount brands are taste (a huge factor) and "perceived or cosmetic" attraction to brand, theatre, process or origin.  I think it is helpful to understand that when researchers announce new and amazing previously unknown benefits of coffee consumption, that it is good news for ALL coffee drinkers...even those who consume the lowest strata of beverage quality. 

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