What Are The Nutritional Facts About Coffee?

Caffeine is the main ingredient in coffee. This is an obvious statement but there are other nutritional facts about coffee that are interesting to evaluate. Let's start by examining some of the general nutritional facts about coffee and end with a review of the average caffeine content of various types of coffee.

For a serving size of 10 fluid ounces of coffee we have: 1 mg of total fat, 5 mg cholesterol, 70 mg sodium and 16 mg of total carbohydrates. Calcium accounts for about 4%. In addition, coffee has numerous beneficial traces of vitamins and minerals such as Niacin, Thiamin, Folate, Magnesium, Phosphorous, and Manganese.

How beneficial are these vitamins and minerals in coffee? Niacin is a B vitamin which has been used to increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL), also called the "good" cholesterol. HDL helps move the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or "bad" cholesterol in your bloodstream. Thiamin is also called vitamin B1. Thiamin is very important for many functions of the body but very little of it is actually stored in the body. Thiamin is important for circulation, blood formation, metabolism of carbohydrates, and for the health of the nervous system. Since Thiamin is water soluble, natural depletion of this vitamin happens within 14 days. Replenishing the Thiamin supply, partially and naturally through coffee drinking, is a very good thing. Thiamin helps prevent depression and can help improve memory and learning.

Coffee also contains traces of magnesium. Magnesium is important to relax the nerves and muscles. It strengthens bones and improves blood circulation. Phosphorus is a mineral in the body that strengthens bones and teeth. Phosphorous gives the human skeleton natural rigidity for upright mobility. Folate helps produce the rapid division of new cells in the human body, a process that is always ongoing. Also called folic acid and vitamin B9, Folate helps to make both DNA and RNA. It can reduce the chances of getting anemia and it prevents neural tube defects, a birth defect, in pregnant women. Manganese is a trace element that is needed to stay healthy. At high levels, Manganese can be toxic; however, it is necessary for overall good health. The best way to get Manganese in small amounts is from food or water through regular consumption.

The list of compounds present in coffee is very long. However, the coffee processing will determine the qualities and quantities of these compounds. In other words, the roasting, grinding and brewing of the coffee beans will determine how abundant certain compounds are in the cup. Dietary fibers, present in large quantity in coffee beans, are not passed on to brewed coffee due to the heat in the roasting process and subsequent grinding and brewing. Coffee beans retain an abundant amount of phenolic acids which act as antioxidants and are good for your health.

Caffeine content varies according to the type of coffee used. For example, the average amount of caffeine for Espresso is 100 milligram. For drip coffee it is between 120 to 175 milligrams. The greater the amount of caffeine, the higher the amount of other beneficial compounds in the coffee. Of course, the level of beneficial compounds is relative to the strength of coffee prepared and the number of cups consumed per day. As with anything, the best way to ensure good health overall is to listen to your licensed health care practitioner and to drink coffee in moderation.

Go ahead; enjoy your cup of freshly brewed gourmet Celebes Kalossi Toraja coffee!

Timothy ("Tim") S. Collins, the author, is called by those who know him "The Gourmet Coffee Guy." He is an expert in article writing who has done extensive research online and offline in his area of expertise, coffee marketing, as well as in other areas of personal and professional interest.

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