The Grind

A study done in 2013, showed how energy drinks can cause more vehement heart contractions. This could be extremely dangerous for people with pre-existing heart conditions.

  Now we’re sure you’ve heard this before. The mispronunciation of the word espresso with an “x” instead of an “s” is a common one and it’s understandable and generally related to the misconception that the word is some ‘gucci’ Italian word that translates to Express (as in ‘fast’). Italian it is, but more so referring to the process. Espresso, meaning ‘pressed out’ is an explanation of the phenomenon; The passing of almost-boiling-hot water through coffee grounds using pressure, pouring out a rich cup of coffee filled with aroma and flavor. The second myth buster to this tale is understanding the ‘espresso experience’. ​The appreciation of a good cup of coffee is bound by its flavor, which is accentuated by a tango of taste and aroma, rather than just a solo of taste.  Don’t believe it? Block your nose the next time you sip on an espresso. You will be rushed with the bitterness of caffeine but you will not experience the full flavor of the coffee. That said, the cup is only as good as it’s maker. A coffee connoisseur or an espresso expert knows to use great quality coffee beans, ground to the perfect consistency like that of the Medspresso™ pods, which would truly make the Italian, Luigi Berrazza, who patented the process in the late 1900s, proud. But if you are still having trouble with the pronunciation and coffee just isn’t for you, you can use the coffee grounds as DIY face scrubs according to beauty lab chemist Danuisa Wnek, “coffee grounds are physical exfoliators that can lift off dead skin cells”, or you can just order an exquisite cup of hot chocolate.   For further information, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr Anna, Chief Medical Officer of MJ Medtech, Inc. at dranna@mjmedtech.com

  1. Coffee in numbers. If you can’t imagine your life without coffee, you may probably want to put it first place in the ranking of top commodities. It is not - but it is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world. In 2018/2019, around 165.35 million 60 kilogram bags of coffee were consumed worldwide. According to the Global Exchange, there are approximately 25 million farmers in over 50 countries involved in producing coffee. The top coffee producing countries: Brazil (2,595,000 metric tons per year) Vietnam (1,650,000 m.t.) Colombia (810,000 m.t.) Indonesia (660,000 m.t.) Ethiopia (384,000 m.t.) The number one commodity? Oil.   2. Coffee is a psychoactive. Coffee has the same psychoactive properties as schedule I substances and is the only legal drug. The lethal dose of caffeine is roughly 100 cups of coffee. Which is a lot, so do not worry coffee is safe and has many health benefits. It takes about 30 to 60 minutes for caffeine to reach its peak level in the blood. The body typically eliminates half of the drug in three to five hours, and the remainder can linger for eight to 14 hours. That is why it is advisable to plan your coffee breaks or switch to alternatives, such as the Medspresso Rooibos tea or Hot Chocolate before bedtime.   3. Decaf isn’t the same as caffeine free. Think switching to decaf in the afternoon means you aren’t getting any of the stimulant? Not quite. One Journal of Analytical Toxicology report looked at nine different types of decaffeinated coffee and determined that all but one contained caffeine. The dose ranged from 8.6 mg to 13.9 mg. So, yes, even brewed decaf has caffeine. To avoid it completely go for caffeine free. “If someone drinks five to 10 cups of decaffeinated coffee, the dose of caffeine could easily reach the level present in a cup or two of caffeinated coffee,” study co-author Bruce Goldberger, Ph.D., a professor and director of UF’s William R. Maples Center for Forensic Medicine, said in a statement.   4. Energy drinks often don’t have more caffeine than coffee. By definition, one might reasonably think that energy drinks would pack loads of caffeine. But many popular brands actually contain considerably less than an old-fashioned cup of black coffee. An 8.4-ounce serving of Red Bull, for instance, has a relatively modest 76 to 80 mg of caffeine, compared to the 95 to 200 mg in a typical cup of coffee, the Mayo Clinic reports. What many energy drink brands frequently do have, though, is tons of sugar and hard-to-pronounce ingredients. Coffee is natural and has little to no additives or preservatives depending on the brand. Coffee also contains healthy nutrients such as vitamins B2 and B5, potassium, niacin, and magnesium.   5. Dark roast coffees actually have less caffeine than lighter roasts. Not all coffee is created equal. In regards to both taste, profile and caffeine. A strong, rich flavor might seem to indicate an extra dose of caffeine, but the truth is that light roasts actually pack more of a jolt than dark roasts. The process of roasting burns off caffeine, meaning those looking for a less intense buzz might want to opt for the dark roast at the coffee shop.   6. One cup of black coffee only has one calorie. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), one cup of regular black coffee brewed from ground beans contains 2 calories. Whereas, 1 fluid ounce of rich black espresso contains only 1 calorie. If you brew your coffee from decaffeinated beans, the calorie count reduces to zero. Adding sweeteners, cream, and other mix-ins can quickly jack up the total. A venti Java Chip Frappuccino from Starbucks contains 88 grams of sugar and 600 calories — more than a McDonald's Big Mac!   7. There have been five attempts to ban coffee throughout history. Can you believe it? Coffee was first banned in Mecca in 1511 because leaders believed it stimulated radical thinking. And, 16th century Italian clergymen tried to ban coffee because they believed it to be “satanic.” However, Pope Clement VII loved coffee so much that he lifted the ban and had coffee baptized in 1600. But Ottoman leader Murad IV took it even further when he ascended the throne in 1623 by creating the first punishments for drinking coffee, which included beatings and being thrown into the sea. In 1746, the Swedish government made it illegal to even have coffee paraphenalia, including cups and dishes. And finally, in 1777, Frederick the Great of Prussia issued a manifesto declaring beer’s superiority over coffee because he believed it interfered with the country’s beer consumption. For further information, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr Anna, Chief Medical Officer of MJ Medtech, Inc. at dranna@mjmedtech.com  

Decaf coffee used to have a reputation as being flavorless. Caffeine itself does not have a taste, but some methods of decaffeination remove important flavor-producing compounds alongside the caffeine.

Ingredients 1 cup unsalted butter (softened) 1 cup granulated sugar 1 egg 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 40ml Cafféluxe Dark Roast Espresso 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup cocoa powder 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional) Chocolate Ganache 8 ounces semi-sweet or dark chocolate chopped 1/3 cup heavy cream 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 40ml Cafféluxe Dark Roast Espresso Instructions Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl using an electric mixer, beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla, and espresso shot and beat until incorporated. Add the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, beating until just combined. If the dough feels dry, add 1 tablespoon heavy cream. Roll the dough into 2 teaspoon size balls and place 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet. Using the end of a wooden spoon or your thumb, press gently in the center of each to create an indentation. Transfer to the oven and bake, rotating sheets halfway through, until cookies are just set, about 7-8 minutes. If the indentations lose their definition, gently press the centers in again. Cool slightly on baking sheet and then transfer cookies to wire racks, and let cool completely. Meanwhile, in a microwave safe bowl, combine the chocolate and cream. Microwave on 30 second intervals until melted and smooth. Stir in the vanilla and espresso shot until dissolved. Spoon the ganache into the center of each cookie. Decorate as desired with sprinkles or edible gold leaf. Keep cookies stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week. *Recipe sourced from: https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/chocolate-espresso-thumbprint-cookies/

Cappuccinos and lattes. They both have coffee, they both have milk, they both taste delicious. So what's the difference? As it turns out, while cappuccinos and lattes may be made up of the same ingredients, they're in fact completely distinctive from one another, right from their origins all the way through to their composition and creation. So which is best? Well, that's a question only your palate can decide… A Look Back Unsure as to whether you're a cappuccino connoisseur or a latte lover? A brief glimpse into their respective pasts might help you make up your mind. While most people assume that cappuccinos are Italian in origin, in fact, they were first conceived in Austria, as far back as the 19th century. Known as Kapuziner, and made up of coffee, cream, spices and sugar, this centuries-old beverage is the basis for our modern-day cappuccino and the foundation of the word itself. With a little help from the invention of the espresso machine in 1901 by Italy's own Luigi Bezzera, today the cappuccino is one of the world's most sought-after coffee drinks, thanks in no small part to its delicious addition of steamed milk and foam, and its popularisation by coffee chains such as Starbucks. Originating from the Italian phrase, "caffelatte", literally meaning "milk coffee", the latte is as simple a drink as that - a combination of milk and coffee that has been enjoyed in various guises throughout Italy for centuries. However, while the traditional latte is firmly Italian in origin, the early days of the modern latte can be traced back to 1980s Seattle, alongside the growth of coffee chains themselves. Similar to a cappuccino, although created solely with espresso and steamed milk, the latte is a hugely popular choice amongst coffee aficionados worldwide, and in kitchens all across Italy. Recipe for Success So now you know a little more about the history of your favourite coffee and milk drink. But what really goes into a cappuccino or a latte, and what is it that makes them so distinctive from each other? Let's take a look. Cappuccino: Espresso, steamed milk and foam - this is the trifecta of awesome that goes into making the perfect cappuccino. Ideally, cappuccinos should be 1/3 of each in order to strike just the right balance, but you can adjust yours according to your own personal taste. You may even find some cappuccinos flavoured with various spices, sugar, fruits or even protein for added interest - whatever you and your palate prefer is what you should order.    Latte: All you need is love, as the song goes, but all you need to make a latte is coffee and milk - and sometimes not even that. Unlike cappuccinos that are made with espresso, lattes can be made with any form of coffee, and even tea, mate, and matcha too. Simply combine one part tea or coffee with two parts steamed milk, top off with foam if needed, and voila - the perfect latte for easy, tasty drinking. Drink Up! We don't know about you, but we're getting thirsty here, so it's time to find out exactly how to make each of these delicious drinks. Got your apron on? Then let's get to it! Latte: For the perfect barista-style cappuccino, you'll need a steaming pitcher and an espresso machine with a steaming wand. Remember that the ideal cappuccino is equal parts espresso, steamed milk and foam, so bear this in mind when assembling yours. Cappuccino For the perfect barista-style cappuccino, you'll need a steaming pitcher and an espresso machine with a steaming wand. Remember that the ideal cappuccino is equal parts espresso, steamed milk and foam, so bear this in mind when assembling yours. 1. Pour cold milk into your metal steaming pitcher until approximately one third full. 2. Release steam from the pitcher for a few seconds to remove any residual water. 3. Dip the end of the steaming wand into the pitcher and start the jet. As the foam rises, lower the pitcher making sure to keep the tip submerged and tilted. 4. Continue steaming until the milk reaches 65 degrees and its volume doubles. 5. Tap the base of the pitcher on the counter to compress the foam. 6. In a cappuccino cup, prepare an espresso using your espresso machine. 7. Pour the foamed milk into the cup beginning at the centre and then continuing in a circular motion toward the rim of the mug. Add a dash of cinnamon or cocoa powder and enjoy!   Latte Don't have an espresso machine? Don't worry? You can make just as tasty a latte at home with strong coffee, milk, a jar, a spoon and a cup. Here's how: 1. Make your strongly brewed coffee or espresso. 2. Pour your milk into your jar, filling it halfway. 3. Shake the jar as hard as you can until the milk has doubled in volume. 4. Microwave the milk for approximately 30 seconds, or until the foam begins to rise to the top. 5. Pour the warmed milk into your coffee or espresso, and top it off with foam to taste. Ready to get started? Then don't let us stop you! Practice makes perfect so make sure you have plenty of coffee and milk handy, and plenty of guests to enjoy the results of your efforts. And as to who wins the ultimate Battle of the Brews? Well, that's up to you. Happy tasting! Save Save Save

You know that last super strong sip of coffee that you normally throw away? How about the endless mugs of coffee you've let get cold while life happens? Or the old coffee sitting in the pot that no-one wants to drink?Usually, you'd simply pour these down the sink and make a fresh cup. But what if you could repurpose your old unwanted coffee into something new, something useful, or even something delicious? Take a look below at our top ten tips to transforming your favourite beverage, and you'll soon see that there's far more to coffee than meets the eye.   1. Coffee Ice Cubes Yes, this is a thing - and a tasty one at that! When you're done with your daily coffee, simply pour any leftover drops into an ice tray and freeze. Then when you're in the mood for something cool and refreshing, just add to a glass of milk for iced coffee, blitz with vanilla ice cream for a coffee milkshake, or pour over some Kahlua for a wicked coffee blast! Every hour is happy hour when there's coffee to be had.   2. Iced CoffeeWe've already mentioned it, but it helps to know exactly how to make this frozen treat, particularly in the scorching heat of summer. Simply make your coffee ice cubes as above, and then choose your favourite blend - either more ice, milk, or even ice cream for a richer flavour. Experiment by adding other flavours such as chocolate chips, caramel or mint, and drink up!   3. Mocha Chocolate PuddingNot chocolate pudding for dessert again! Why not add some excitement to this post-dinner tradition by giving it a little coffee attitude? Whether you like your coffee flavour bold and intense or mild and mellow, try different combinations with your standard chocolate pudding mix and create something truly mocha-licious! They'll be queuing up for seconds in no time.   4. Coffee BrowniesCalories schmalories. Nothing beats the taste of rich, gooey chocolate brownies, especially when you add some delectable coffee into the mix! Simply replace part of the milk used to make your brownies with leftover coffee instead, and you'll have a delectable tray of mocha brownies to eat your way through at coffee time, tea time or anytime. Add some whipped cream for a truly indulgent treat and savour every last coffee-flavoured bite. 5. Coffee Ice CreamSalted caramel ice cream is so 2016. Instead, add some sass to your summer with a cone of coffee ice cream and make 2017 as mouthwatering as can be. If you have an ice cream maker then you're in luck - simply add a shot or two of coffee to the mix for lick after lick of mocha delight. And even if you don't have a fancy ice cream machine, you could kick it old school by adding some coffee to store-bought vanilla ice cream, mixing it in when soft, and then refreezing. Top off with a Flake, choc chips or your favourite sauce, and prepare for a season of yum!   6. TiramisuOk ok, it's the last coffee recipe, we promise. But we couldn't leave Tiramisu off the list as it's just so gosh darn delectable! Make sure your pantry is stocked with ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese, eggs, sugar and cocoa, and the next time you have some leftover coffee going begging, you'll have everything you need to make this luscious Italian dessert. Simply make your Tiramisu according to your favourite recipe, and then make sure to invite us round to taste the results. Easy peasy!   7. Coffee Plant FoodNo, your eyes are not deceiving you - it's completely possible to nourish your plants with that old cup of coffee you left on your desk. As it turns out, some plants need acid in order to thrive, which you can help provide by pouring your leftover coffee into the soil. Simply make sure that you dilute your black coffee with water, making a solution that's one part water and one part coffee, and then use it to enrich your African violets, azaleas, hydrangeas and more. Your plants will have the acid-rich environment they need, and you'll have a quick and easy way to make your garden grow. 8. Coffee CompostAgain, it's a thing, believe it or not. Give your compost some added flavour with old coffee or even coffee grounds too, making sure your mixture is one part grass, one part leaves and one part coffee for maximum effectiveness. Used coffee is high in nitrogen - a favourite of worms, which makes it the perfect addition to any compost pile. Just remember to allow enough time for the coffee to break down before using it as fertiliser, and the grass will always be greener on your side. 9. Coffee Fabric DyeIf you're into clothes that are unique, one-of-a-kind, and beautifully vintage-looking, you'll love this top tip. Use your leftover coffee as a fabric dye, and transform old pieces into new and exciting everyday wear! While coffee works best when dying white fabrics, or even lightly coloured pastels, try it on a range of fabrics to gauge the effect, and experiment by adding coloured dyes to your coffee as well. Coffee stains have never been so fashionable! 10. Coffee Grill CleanerAs South Africans we all love braais - but what we don't love is cleaning the grill after a hefty session. Luckily the acid in your morning cuppa can help cut through the grease in no time. Simply pour a cup for yourself and a cup for the grill, and once you feel fortified enough to start, get to it! Soak your grate in one or more cups of coffee, then watch as the dirt slides off with hardly any elbow grease needed. So quick and easy, you'll want to start braaing every night!

Caffeine. It's one of the most widely-publicised ingredients in coffee, and it's what puts the get-up-and-go into our morning cup of java. But aside from its hugely welcoming effect as a stimulant, particularly early in the morning and late at night, how much do you actually know about caffeine, and the effect it has on the human body? Let's strip it down to the bare essentials, and take a closer look. What Is Caffeine? In its most basic form, caffeine is a drug - albeit a legal one found naturally in coffee and in a variety of beverages. By simply altering the actions of a number of hormones and neurotransmitters, two of our most important chemical signals, caffeine is able to produce a significant effect within our bodies. As soon as you ingest a dose of caffeine, either through a cup of tea, coffee, or another caffeinated beverage, the caffeine begins to bind itself to the adenosine receptors throughout your brain and nervous system. These receptors act as inhibitory neurotransmitters that suppress the level of activity of the neurons that interact with them. Given that adenosine is associated with the promotion of sleep and relaxation, and that caffeine binds itself to these receptors, preventing them from performing their intended action, this is the reason behind the alert and wakeful feeling that most people experience when consuming caffeine. Once the caffeine has suppressed your adenosine function, it then begins to alter the role of other hormones and neurotransmitters within your body - the most significant of these being the adrenals that produce and secrete epinephrine and cortisol. These 'fight or flight' hormones are used to increase your heart and respiration rates while also causing you to relax. Studies show that caffeine is able to increase the amount of epinephrine in our bodies by as much as 250%, effectively producing a stress response, while increasing the circulation of serotonin in parts of the nervous system as well. The result? Increased energy levels and an elevated mood, all thanks to one natural drug. No wonder coffee is such a beloved morning, afternoon, and evening staple! The Benefits of Caffeine Although caffeine is technically classified as a drug, it nevertheless has far fewer side effects than illegal narcotics, and even legal substances such nicotine and alcohol. In fact, when taken in moderate quantities, it can even have a proven range of benefits, such as:    Morning alertness: Tired in the mornings? A jolt of caffeine can have just the stimulating effect your body needs to get up and at 'em.   Athletic performance: Studies have found that caffeine can in fact help athletes improve both their endurance and muscular power. This equates to better training sessions and greater gains in strength, fitness and overall performance   Improved cognitive performance: In addition to better preparing your body for physical endurance, caffeine can also help your mind to think more clearly, with low to moderate doses of caffeine facilitating improvements in both short-term memory and systems processing. Making the Most of Your Daily Cup So how can you maximise these very real benefits while avoiding any potential side effects?   Monitor your caffeine intake. While low to moderate doses of caffeine can be beneficial, ingesting too much over time can lead to a continuous replacement of hormones within your body, broken down by the continuous binding of caffeine to your receptors. Ultimately this can lead to a decrease in Vitamin B, a suppression of iron absorption, and headaches and fatigue should you ever lower your caffeine intake. If you ever start to feel jittery after consuming coffee or other caffeinated beverages, limit your intake immediately, and monitor your body for other symptoms of overexposure to caffeine.   Experiment with alternatives. Want to experience the naturally stimulating qualities of caffeine without drinking coffee? Try alternatives such as cacao, or unprocessed chocolate. Cacao contains a compound similar to caffeine that is able to stimulate blood flow throughout the body while leaving the nervous system intact. As a result, you'll feel more alert, vibrant and energised - although you may want to keep an eye on your waistline if you start to consume it on a regular basis!   Now that we've laid the ins and outs of caffeine bare, it's time for you to decide if and when to regulate your caffeine intake. If you feel the benefits of being more awake and more stimulated throughout the day, it's likely your caffeine consumption is in balance with your body's needs. If, however, you feel erratic, shaky or anxious, you may want to cut back on coffees and cooldrinks, and supplement your fluid intake with water instead. Whichever direction you choose, however, it's safe to say that caffeine is more good than bad - so whether you feel better on one cup of coffee, or even two or three, drink up and enjoy!