coffee

Study: Coffee Could Help Burn Fat

June 24, 2019 By Amanda Blankenship Leave a Comment

As if coffee lovers needed another reason, a new study found coffee could help you lose weight, More importantly, it can help you burn fat, fight diabetes and obesity.

Coffee’s Rise in Popularity

People have been drinking coffee for centuries, however, its popularity continues to rise in the United States. Approximately 64 percent of Americans reported regularly drinking coffee in 2018 (up 2 percent from 2017).

On top of that, specialty coffee sales are increasing by about 20 percent every year. Specialty coffee sales account for about 8 percent of the $18 billion coffee industry in the U.S. On average, the American coffee drinker has 3.1 cups of coffee every single day.

Health Benefits of Drinking Coffee

Because of its rise in popularity, there’s no wonder more researchers are looking at what effects coffee may have on the human body. In the past, coffee has been shown to help lower your risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia, as well as reduce your risk of heart disease, among other benefits.

In this latest study, researchers found coffee may actually help burn fat. “This is the first study in humans to show that something like a cup of coffee can have a direct effect on our brown fat functions,” said the study’s co-director Professor Michael Symonds.

What is Brown Fat?

Brown fat (brown adipose tissue) helps generate body heat by burning calories. This tissue is typically found in babies and hibernating mammals, such as bears. More recently, brown fat has also been identified in adult humans. Brown fat is associated with a low body mass index (BMI) and general good health. White fat, which most of us are familiar with, stores excess calories and typically leads to weight gain.

Stimulating brown fat assists the body in burning off the white fat. As it turns out, coffee does just that. Prior to researchers discovering this, there was no way to stimulate brown fat in adults. To their surprise, thermal imaging revealed that after a drink of coffee, brown fat warmed up and began burning calories.

How Coffee Could Help Burn Fat

It isn’t certain whether it is the caffeine within a coffee or the coffee itself that is causing this reaction. Symonds said the team of researchers will begin checking to see if caffeine supplements have a similar reaction.

Whatever it may be helping to increase brown fat will likely be isolated and used in concentrated doses. Symonds stated, “Once we have confirmed which component is responsible for this, it could potentially be used as part of a weight management regime or as part of glucose regulation program to help prevent diabetes.”

How Much is Too Much?

Symonds points out there is still much left to be researched. This study only took a look at the impact of a cup of coffee on brown fat. There is no information on how much will have a beneficial impact. The next step, according to the co-director, is to see if caffeine by itself can warm up brown fat the way coffee does.

“But potentially, with longer term study looking at the effect of taking caffeine pills once or twice of day for a two week period increase in brown fat itself and an increase in activity,” Symonds theorized.

Although it isn’t recommended, researchers say it probably won’t kill you to have up to 25 cups of coffee in a day. You will likely feel jittery, possibly even anxious, and may have trouble falling asleep though. So, it’s probably not a great idea.

Readers, how much coffee do you drink in a day?

Celebrate International Coffee Day With These Deals and Savings

September 28, 2018 By Tamila McDonald 2 Comments

In celebration of International Coffee Day, shoppers around the country have one more reason to enjoy an extra cup of joe. You can make that cup of coffee even better by scoring one at a discount. Whether you usually make coffee at home or head to a local café, make sure you check out these deals and savings.

Getting a Great Deal on Coffee

Finding a way to save on coffee can be incredibly helpful, especially if you’re trying to manage your budget. Many coffee drinkers enjoy at least one cup per day — either at home or in a café or restaurant. By finding a way to get the classic morning beverage at discount prices, the savings over the course of a year can be substantial.

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International Coffee Day Deals

On International Coffee Day, some restaurants and gas stations run coffee specials. For example, you may be able to get a cup for free. Now to get coffee free, it may be with or without an additional purchase. You may also find other bargains, like buy-one-get-one deals.

In 2018, International Coffee Day is September 29. Dunkin Donuts has a BOGO deal — if you purchase a coffee, you’ll get a free coffee to give to a friend, coworker, or family member. Krispy Kreme will give you a free cup, no purchase necessary. PJ’s Coffee will give you a free 12-ounce cup of Ruby Roast on the 29^th and Cinnabon offers a free 12-ounce deal as well.

While such celebrations can make a single cup more affordable, they won’t do much to keep your regular coffee costs down. If you want to get great deals on coffee all year-round, here are some places worth exploring.

Amazon

If you want a wide selection, home delivery, and reasonable prices, it’s hard to beat Amazon. You can find coffee in nearly any form, including K-cups, ground, whole bean, instant, bottled, and even unroasted coffee beans.

Plus, you’ll find brands that aren’t usually available in stores. If you’re open to buying in bulk or sign up through auto-delivery through Amazon pantry, you can typically score a price reduction on each cup, making a daily coffee habit more affordable.

Walmart

In most cases, Walmart is considered a quintessential discount retailer. Their coffee product prices are usually pretty affordable in comparison to regular grocery stores, especially if you are open to trying the company’s Great Value brand.

If you use the Walmart Savings Catcher app, you are practically guaranteed to get the lowest price on coffee available in your area. If the coffee you chose is on sale at a nearby grocery store, you’ll receive the difference back as a Walmart e-gift card, ensuring you get the best possible price.

Office Supply Stores

When you need to hunt down affordable coffee, consider stopping in at your local office supply store. Shops like Staples and Office Depot actually sell coffee, and the prices can be very reasonable. Plus, many office stores give you the ability to subscribe and save, commonly throwing free shipping into the mix.

Typically, office supply stores focus on selling coffee in large quantities since business shoppers are their main market. However, anyone can buy coffee from these stores, so they are worth checking out if you like to shop in bulk.

Groupon

Many shoppers are surprised to learn that Groupon actually has coffee deals. While finding a discount for a café or restaurant is what you expect from the site, they also sell coffee packs for home use.

The value of the coffee deals vary, but you’ll find plenty of steals. Just make sure to ignore the percentage discount claims and focus on the actual price. In some cases, the discounts are somewhat inflated as they aren’t based on the actual retail price you can find in many stores.

Costco

Warehouse stores like Costco usually have coffee in one if their aisles and the prices are very competitive. If you like to buy coffee en masse or head to Costco regularly, then see what they have available at discount prices.

The only trick to buying coffee at Costco is you can’t always be sure what brands are available. If you are very brand loyal, you may not be able to find your preferred brew. However, Costco’s Kirkland coffee is generally well-received, and they have a wide variety of flavors and strengths available, including organic options. So, if you want to score a deal, consider trying the Kirkland coffee and see if it will meet your needs. (Also, make sure you check out the coffee coupons in October’s Costco Coupon book.)

Off-Price Department Stores

If you are flexible with your coffee brand and want to focus on discounts, consider heading to off-price department stores. Shops like Ross Dress for Less, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Big Lots all have coffee available, and the prices are fairly affordable. But, their inventory can be inconsistent, not unlike Costco, so you need to be open-minded about your coffee to get the best deals.

Get Coffee Deals with Coupons

Sometimes, the easiest way to get a deal on coffee is with a coupon. Many manufacturers like Folgers and Maxwell House regularly have coupons in local papers or online.

If you have a favorite brand, sign up for their e-newsletter. Usually, you’ll get coupons every so often, helping you save on your favorite coffee. Similarly, if you have a preferred grocery store, sign up for their loyalty card and use their store app for additional discounts.

You can also explore online coupon sites, like Coupons.com. Then, you can print the ones you want and bring them to participating stores.

If you’d rather go the rebate route, check out the savings through apps like iBotta and Checkout 51. While coffee rebates aren’t always available through the apps, they do come up regularly. Plus, the app is free, and once you have enough credits, you can cash out with ease.

Combine Savings Techniques

All of the techniques above can help you get great deals on coffee. You can even combine a few when you use a rebate app, coupon, and store sale to get more savings. And, if you are out and about on International Coffee Day, make sure to get your free cup from participating stores. Ultimately, nothing beats free, so take advantage of the offers and enjoy an extra cup at no-cost to you.

Where do you usually find great deals on coffee? Tell us about it in the comments below.

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Will Climate Change Mean the End of Coffee?

November 7, 2017 By Jackie Cohen Leave a Comment

Climate change is crimping supply of one variety of coffee that happens to be the most popular.

But it’s a bit more complicated than what’s happening to other types of food– this year is seeing the largest ever harvest of coffee beans, making prices lower.

While some are calling the entire world’s coffee supply at risk of disappearing by the end of the century, it’s quite possible that things might simply migrate away from certain locations instead.

Where in the World

Right now the number of countries that grow different varieties of java has grown to 60, and Brazil is the largest grower in the world.

However, researchers say that Ethiopia has the longest history of growing the most popular variety of coffee in the world, and yet might see it disappear altogether by the end of the cnetury. The causes include rising temperatures, declining rainfall, and growth of fungi and pests.

Ethiopia is Africa’s largest coffee producer and ranks fifth globally for it, with 15 million farmers in the country relying on the crop for their livelihood.

Coffee Growing Climates

Although coffee arabica growth is concentrated within the general vicinity of the equator, coffee plants fare best in mild temperatures, ranging from 64 to no more than 73 degrees Fahrenheit.

Yet farmers in the countries harvesting the most coffee are increasingly coming up with interventions to keep temperatures down, like creating shade for the plants.

Meanwhile, coffee trades more frequently than any other commodity except for oil. By the time it reaches consumers, the markup is considerably higher, but on commodities markets, a pound of the beans closed at $1.258 per pound the day of this writing.

One Variety Will Become Expensive

However, one variety is getting more expensive: Ethiopian. If you are hooked on that specific type of brew, now would be a good time to start stockpiling those beans. Or, start developing a taste for other varieties of coffee.

If you were really feeling ambitious, you could look into growing your own coffee arabica, although most gardening experts recommend you spring for a starter plant rather than try planting your own seeds right from the get go.

However, the fact that the plants do best at mild temperatures would suggest that the plants might do well indoors — as long as you use nutrient rich soil and stay abreast of horticultural best practices for that particular crop.

Readers, what’s what your favorite beverage, caffeinated or otherwise?

Death Wish Coffee Review

March 3, 2017 By Jennifer Clark Leave a Comment

According to a multimedia article posted on Harvard’s Schol of Public Health, with information provided by the National Coffee Association, 54% of Americans over the age of 18 drink coffee every day. I am certainly one of those Americans.

If there is one thing I love, it is a good cup of coffee. Not only do I fancy the taste of it, but the overall smell brings me so much joy. I always get excited to try new brands, especially since I have (unfortunately) consumed some pretty terrible coffee in my day. So, when I saw one company claim to be the world’s “strongest cup of coffee,” I knew I had to brew it for myself. And with that, I give you my Death Wish Coffee review.

My Death Wish Coffee Review

Roast

Before you even taste the coffee, you know it is a dark roast. The smell is deep and wonderful. And for Death Wish their roasting process does not affect the level of caffeine. Instead, they focus on an intense brew to set them apart from their competitors.

There is a bit of a debate whether or not light roast has more caffeine. And while there is slightly more caffeine in a light-roasted bean (but just as much caffeine depending on measurement), this does not stop Death Wish from trying to provide the strongest cup of coffee yet, both in flavor and amount of caffeine.

Taste

In my mind, one word sums up the taste of Death Wish Coffee perfectly: Bold. There is also a hint of sweetness and almost dark chocolate flavor, almost like a chocolate covered cherry.

Although I enjoy some cream and, at times, a little brown sugar, in my cup of joe, I can also drink it black IF it is good. I know when coffee is of exceptional quality when this is an option for me to do. With Death Wish, I really don’t need to add anything extra. In fact, I actually think one cup probably cuts it for me. I usually will have at least two cups of coffee a day, but this brand is not just intense in flavor, it truly is strong in caffeine as well (54.2 mg/fl. oz caffeine-strong, that is).

One thing I will say, though, is that it does leave my mouth a little dry. I guess that is the price you pay for boldness.

Cost

For a 16 ounce bag from their website, it is $19.99 and up. They do also sell their product in k-cups (also known as “death cups”) for your Keurig at $15.99 for a 10-pack. Prices can get a little intense, depending on how much you are purchasing. For instance, a five-pound bag of the coffee is $79.99. I take into consideration the fact that their beans are organic.

Other merchandise they sell includes but is not limited to: gift sets ($33.98); limited edition coffee ($15.99); t-shirts; and mugs (prices vary).

On the plus side, I was able to find the Death Wish Coffee brand available for purchase through Walmart.com at a slightly cheaper rate of $18.37. The k-cups were available at a discounted price as well for just $11.99.

Branding

They advertise themselves as the world’s strongest cup of coffee. With their label, logo, and overall company colors, they are definitely trying to go for a more hardcore look to match their claim. I must say, it is fitting.

Outside of their look, they deliver on their promise of quality. They roast their beverage from organic and fair trade beans and turn coffee-drinking into an overall experience. They even note that some of their proceeds have even gone to charities like the Special Olympics.

Conclusion: World’s strongest cup of coffee?

This is definitely the strongest cup of coffee I have tasted to date, but this is, of course, my opinion and my Death Wish Coffee review. If you do try it and disagree, Death Wish will give you your money back.

If you do not like strong coffee this one is not for you. But for my fellow extreme caffeine lovers, drink up.

Have you tried Death Wish Coffee before? What is your opinion? Comment below or start a conversation in our forum.

Photo credit for graphic: Steven Guzzardi

3 Ways to Save On Your Vices in 2015

February 12, 2015 By Lori Kelley Leave a Comment

While eliminating our vices altogether would certainly benefit our budgets, for many of us the downsides of giving up things we love (or are simply addicted to) outweigh the benefits of bidding them farewell. There are certain things that are a nearly universal expense for most of you reading this, including shelter, utilities, food, and medical care, among others. And then there are the myriad ‘other’ things we spend money on, which can vary quite a bit from person to person. These would include clothing, furniture, entertainment, travel, and countless other things, including what can collectively fall under the category of vices.

What Do I Define as Vices?

To me, a vice is something that we engage in even though it carries some negative aspects, be they physical, emotional, financial, or any combination of the 3. So why do we continue to serve these vices? Usually, it’s because the pleasure they bring is more important to us than the downsides, because we have made these things an integral aspect of our daily lives, or are potentially even addicted to them. Vices can include everything from a toxic relationship to gambling, but I think the ‘big 3’ most common vices in America are likely cigarettes, alcohol, and coffee. And as luck would have it, all 3 of these things can easily sabotage your budget. With that in mind, I’ve put together a list of more cost-effective alternatives for those of you who aren’t ready to abandon these vices entirely, but are ready to try something new in the name of savings.

To give an example of what you’ll get for your money, I checked out 21stCenturySmoke.com. They offer a wide variety of e cigarette products, so I chose the one that looked like what I imagine most people would start with – the Electronic Cigarette Super Kit Box. This is currently on sale for $11.99, and includes a wall charger, 2 rechargeable batteries, and 6 e cig cartridges, with each cartridge equating to about 2 packs of regular cigarettes. If we consider those 6 cartridges to be 12 packs of cigarettes, the cost for each pack would break down to $1 per pack. With regular cigarette prices per pack being higher than $10 in many locations across the country, this certainly offers a more cost-effective alternative.

The Vice: Cigarettes
The Budget-Friendlier Alternative: E Cigs

I’m not a smoker myself, and I’m not an expert on e cigs, but what I do have an increasingly firmer grasp on is smart budgeting. And with that in mind, and a little research, I can say with reasonable certainty that electronic cigarettes make for a much cheaper vice than traditional cigarettes. Would I encourage anyone to use them who isn’t already a smoker? Absolutely not! But if you are a smoker, and are looking for a way to satisfy your nicotine cravings for less cash, you might want to consider e cigs.

The Vice: Beer and Wine
The Budget Friendlier Alternatives: Home Brews and Boxed Wines

Thinking back on my childhood, it seemed there were only a few brands of beer. When we had parties at our house, the options included Genesee and Pabst Blue Ribbon. The adults who wanted a beer chose between the two, and very little was said about it. As far as I could tell back then, beer was beer, plain and simple. As for today? I’ve witnessed people spend entire parties talking about nothing but the beer they were drinking! Who knew there were so many subtle nuances to consider?

You will still find plenty of people who are open to drinking whatever beer is available without issue or complaint. But for true beer aficionados, even a very occasional beer drinking habit can prove costly. While wine was always considered the more expensive drink when I was younger, on the drink menus of today it is increasingly more common to see specialty brews whose price per glass far surpasses many of the wines. If you are among those beer drinkers whose palate has been refined and a simple PBR will never satisfy again, consider trying your hand at brewing your own beer. Not only will you save money and get to tinker with the flavor until it’s just right, but it can also be a fun, budget-friendly activity you share with your friends or significant other.

More interested in wine than beer? If you haven’t already given up the bottle in favor of the box, do yourself a favor and give it a try! There is a certain stigma attached to boxed wine that at least in my experience is undeserved. In fact, I find most boxed wines I’ve tried to be quite enjoyable. In addition to being cheaper than most bottled wines, boxed wines can keep fresh in the refrigerator for a much longer time, making them a smart choice for those who might only want one glass at a time.

The Vice: Coffee House Coffee
The Budget-Friendlier Alternative: Invest in a French Press

If there’s one thing I’ve learned about coffee over the years, it is that you truly do often get what you pay for. Are most coffee house coffees way too expensive? They sure are! But usually they are also very tasty, which keeps people coming back time and again. So what are you to do if you simply aren’t willing to sacrifice rich, fresh flavor in the name of your budget? My top recommendation is that you invest in a French press.

A quality French press coffee maker can range quite a bit in price, but generally speaking you can find a nice-sized option for about $20. If you aren’t familiar with a French press, their operation is quite simple. Start with a clean carafe, add the desired amount of coffee grounds, fill with hot water and gently stir, allow it to steep for at least 4 minutes, and slowly lower the plunger, forcing the grounds to the bottom of the press. All that’s left to do after that is carefully pour one of the best cups of coffee you’ve ever enjoyed!

Do any of you have experience with e cigs, home-brewed beer, boxed wine, or French press coffee? I’d love to hear your take in the comments.

Diet Soda May Help to Lose Weight, but These Are Better Alternatives

May 30, 2014 By Jeffrey Strain 17 Comments

diet soda helps lose weight more than water

There has been a lot of debate on whether or not diet drinks can help you lose weight. A recent study (PDF) published in the journal Obesity found those who drank diet drinks lost a larger amount of weight than those who drank water (Note: this study was conducted for the beverage industry and there have been some questions about the methodology. Even the researchers concede they don’t know why those who drank the diet soda lost more weight since the study’s design didn’t allow them to identify what caused the greater weight loss). On the flip side, there have been a number of studies that show people who drink diet soda have a greater chance at being obese than those who don’t, and even a higher chance of being overweight than those who drink regular sugary soda.

In many ways, I think that the debate is framed entirely in the wrong light, especially if the object is to not only healthily lose weight, but doing it while saving money. In the study, those who drank diet soda lost more weight, but it’s important to note that both groups lost weight. Over the 12-week period, one group lost about 14 lbs while the other lost 10 lbs. While the beverage industry would like to frame this as proof their products are better for losing weight, the fact is that both helped people lose weight, and one costs a lot less. There are many alternatives to soda which will help you lose weight, cost a lot less money, and are chemical free.

Water

Water is an excellent alternative to diet soda that doesn’t cost a dime to consume (if taken from the tap). It can save hundreds of dollars over soda during the course of a year. Water alone probably won’t be able to replacement diet soda completely since it lacks the sweetness and carbonation that many people crave, but it can be a great substitute the majority of the time.

Naturally Flavored Water

For those who do crave a bit of sweetness in their drinks, a good alternative is naturally flavored water. Skip the flavored water in the store (they are often loaded with extra sugar), and make it yourself. All you need to do is slice up fruit and veggies (lemons, oranges, strawberries, cucumbers or whatever taste you like), add them to a pitcher of water and let them soak for a few hours. The juice from the fruits will combine with the water giving you a bit of sweetness while being a lot healthier for you.

Black Coffee

The key with black coffee is that you don’t drink too much of it, and you refrain from adding anything to it like cream or sugar. It contains caffeine that will help those who drink diet soda for the pick-me-up, doesn’t have any fat and only contains a few calories. For those who want taste and aroma to their drink, it can be a good alternative plain water. When brewed at home, it is significantly well than buying cans of diet soda.

Unsweetened Iced Tea

Another wonderful alternative to diet soda that costs significantly less is unsweetened iced tea. While it won’t give the sweetness of a diet soda, it does give more taste than plain water. It’s an easy drink to make by brewing some tea, then filling a pitcher with ice and leaving it in the refrigerator. The few teabags you use will cost pennies rather than the dollars you would spend for the same amount of diet soda.

Green Tea

Green tea, much like iced tea, is another wonderful alternative. It has more caffeine that regular iced tea that can give a jolt to those who miss that aspect of the diet soda, but doesn’t have any calories. It also is a drink that can be consumed either hot or cold, depending on the season. Even better, it also contains a variety of antitoxins that make it a much healthier alternative. Green tea is usually a bit more expensive than regular black tea, but it still costs pennies compared to the cost of diet soda.

Seltzer

For those who like the bubbles and fizz that comes with sodas, a good alternative is seltzer water. Unflavored seltzer will have no calories, and flavored will usually have few calories. A great option is to do the same as with regular water and add some fruit to naturally bring in your flavor of choice to the drink. The cost of seltzer is usually less than diet soda, but you can save even more by purchasing a seltzer maker like soda stream if you drink a lot of it.

In the end, the question shouldn’t be whether or not diet soda is good for diets, but what are alternatives which are healthier and cost less while still helping you lose the weight you want to lose.

(Photo courtesy of globochem3x1minus1)