How Many Espresso Beans Can You Eat?
Getting everything done in a day can be so taxing that caffeine becomes a life hack. How many espresso beans can you eat? Does that matter? Indeed it does. Too much of anything is bad and yes, even those cute little beans can be lethal. A little boost is enough but you need not overdo it.
Eating coffee beans is similar to drinking coffee. It can have the same effect. However, it is much more concentrated than sipping a cup of joe. You can say that it is indeed espresso in a bean. These espresso beans are commonly coated with chocolate. These may be dried, roasted or even brewed. This article will tell you all there is that you need to know in eating these scrumptious, addictive and satisfying treats.
How are Coffee Beans Made?
Coffee beans are seeds of the coffee fruit (or cherry). In the processing stage, the fruit part is stripped away and the seed is dried to leave raw green coffee beans. The green beans are then roasted on a scale to produce the coffee beans we all crave for. Meanwhile, the roasted beans are ground and brewed to make our favorite coffee drink.
In making coffee beans, one of the most important things to remember is the removal of the mold. Coffee is a rich nutrient for mold to grow in. Some may say that the mold actually adds flavor to the bean. However, studies show that these molds may increase the risk of kidney cancer. Here are some tips in removing the mold from the coffee beans:
- Wash coffee beans with cold water. This will remove the ungerminated mold spores on the surface of the coffee bean.
- Scrape the visible mold with a knife.
- In a watertight container, place the coffee beans along with one part vinegar, two parts water. Leave it like this for half an hour. Remove the coffee beans then rinse under cold running water.
- Brew the affected coffee beans to remove the mold. In this step, taste may be affected.
- Throw out these coffee beans and buy new ones.
- Store your coffee beans in a dry and dark place to prevent mold from forming.
How Many Espresso Beans Can You Eat
Espresso beans have been eaten for centuries and more. Before coffee was developed into a beverage, it was known to be often mixed with animal fat. This boosts energy levels and keeps one alert and snappy.
Basically, coffee beans provide the same nutrients as a cup of coffee. However, it is the concentrated form of the latter. Since regular coffee is filtered and diluted with water, the substances in it can only be taken in portions.
Moreover, eating coffee beans can help rapidly absorb more caffeine through the lining of your mouth. Both the beneficial and negative effects are amplified when beans are consumed rather than drank. Simply put, it is best to eat it in moderation.
Health Benefits of eating Coffee Beans
Several studies dwelled into the positive effects brought about by eating espresso beans. Whether you eat coffee or drink it, the effects are almost the same. Here are some benefits of munching on your favorite espresso beans:
Source of Antioxidants
Coffee beans are known to be jam-packed with antioxidants. The most abundant is the so called chlorogenic acid, a health promoting polyphenol. Chlorogenic acid can reduce the risk of diabetes and inflammation. More importantly, it is also known to have cancer-fighting properties.
The amount of these health-improving properties may vary depending on the type of bean and the roasting methods. Nonetheless, coffee beans are still believed to be one of the best dietary sources.
Easily Absorbs Caffeine Source
Caffeine, as we all know, is a natural stimulant found in food and drinks like coffee and tea. In this light, whole coffee beans are absorbed by your body at a quicker rate than that of liquid coffee. Caffeine produces positive effects on your brain and central nervous system resulting to countless benefits.
For instance, caffeine can boost alertness, mood, memory and performance. An interesting study found that drinking 2 cups of coffee (200 mg of caffeine) is as effective as a 30-minute nap. This is extremely convenient when you have papers piling up your desks.
Also, caffeine triggers the happy hormones. You will find yourself more contented with better disposition. Espresso beans are truly heaven-sent.
Potential Risks of Eating Too Much Coffee Beans
While eating beans in moderation is healthy, eating too much can cause problems and side effects.
Heartburn and Stomachache
Caffeine and other compounds therein have been shown to increase stomach acid. This may lead to heartburn, an uncomfortable condition when the stomach acid pushes up the esophagus.
This may cause bloating, nausea and stomachache. Worse, this may lead to diarrhea.
Sleep Disturbance
While caffeine can give you the much needed energy boost, it can also lead to insomnia and sleep problems. If you are caffeine sensitive, then it is not advisable to eat too much of these coffee beans. You do not want to toss and turn at night then wake up exhausted.
If your sleep is affected by caffeine, reduce consumption during the day and avoid consuming at all at night. Note that effects of caffeine can last up to 9.5 hours after consumption. Find out more about espresso beans.
The Bottomline
They say that too much of anything is not good for you, and that includes espresso beans. While you can eat several without exceeding caffeine limits, its varieties usually include chocolate and is lethal when eaten excessively.
How many espresso beans can you eat? The University Of Maryland Medical Center, in its study, concluded that 250 milligrams is enough. That is the standard moderate caffeine intake. The excessive intake is 800 milligrams per day. Note that each chocolate-covered espresso bean contains 5 milligrams of caffeine.
Over-consumption of which can cause the potential risks mentioned above. Enjoy snacking but snack moderately.
Related Articles
Life is indeed a game of endurance, and caffeine is the ultimate weapon. Do chocolate covered espresso beans give you energy? This is one of the questions a coffee enthusiast would ask. Who can say no to an energy-packed chocolate coated treat that you can munch on during down days? The richness of the chocolate and the bitterness of the espresso bean is hard to say no to.
