The Grind

  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  

  Coffee is a wonderful complex beverage with more than 1,000 aroma compounds. How our body metabolizes coffee is still to be fully understood as many of its interacting mechanisms are yet to be discovered.   The cannabis compound, CBD, which doesn't cause a high, has been shown to reduce anxiety, help you sleep, reduce inflammation, and many more positive health effects. Dr. Richard Kaufman, Chief Science Officer of NanoSphere Health Sciences and Evolve Formulas, explains how CBD “binds and activates receptors in the brain called ‘cannabinoid receptors 2’ (CB2) and selectively blocks other receptors in the brain – the CB1 receptors. The underlying function of these CB2 receptors is protecting your body against inflammation and tissue injury, which is why it is so beneficial for CBD to activate them.” This receptor is found in our endocannabinoid system. A system that helps to modulate a whole host of metabolic activities — including blood pressure, cognition, addiction, immunity, appetite, sleep, and glucose metabolism.    CBD & COFFEE: A recent study published in The Journal of Internal Medicine, looked at what happens when you mix the two magic compounds; Coffee and CBD. The researchers from Northwestern University in Chicago, IL, found that coffee has metabolic interactions similar to those of cannabis, as they surprisingly happen to influence the same regions of the brain.  Namely, the neurotransmitters connected to the endocannabinoid system. Interestingly, the effect of coffee consumption on the endocannabinoid system was the opposite to cannabis use: endocannabinoid neurotransmitters decreased with the consumption of eight cups per day, but levels are increased by cannabis use. Much more science is being done in this area and that’s a great thing.  To date the science says that consuming CBD infused coffee like the Medspresso™ Tanzanian Peaberry is a ok! 👌 For further information, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr Anna, Chief Medical Officer of MJ Medtech, Inc. at dranna@mjmedtech.com.  

  Remember feeling the blistering summer heat in South Africa? Jonesing for an ice cold drink because you are feeling incredibly hot? Truth is, a hot drink is better for you! You don’t believe it? Believe in the science.  According to a research paper published by the University of Ottawa’s School of Human Kinetics, drinking hot drinks on hot, dry days can cool you down. Indeed, under specific circumstances, a warm drink can reduce your body temperature. An experiment run by British scientists, gave a group of test subjects iced tea to drink, and then observed the change in body temperature: The temperature of their skin fell from 0.5℃ to 0.8℃ after 9 minutes of ingestion of the cold beverage. Another test group was given the same amount of hot tea to drink, and amazingly their skin temperature decreased to an amazing 1.5℃~2℃, a decrease 3 times more significant than the first group. Interesting. “How come”, you may be asking? It has to do with two key conditions: The physical reaction of sweating, and The environmental conditions. Drinking hot drinks makes us sweat disproportionately more. This means that our body is putting out a lot more sweat than it should be given the rise in temperature involved.  This overreaction can cool us down more than enough to offset the heat of the drink, if the sweat can evaporate off your body. This is where the environment comes into play: The high temperature has to be from a dry heat (it cannot be from a humid climate as the sweat would not able to evaporate). So next time you are about to reach for an ice cold drink to cool off, try something different, like a nice hot cup of Rooibos!     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.

  So many different opinions expressed as to whether drinking a few cups of java is good for your general well-being.   Being a doctor, I like to revert to science. Like most things in life, moderation is key.   Drinking coffee is good for most people — that’s 1 to 5 cups daily, or up to 400 milligrams of caffeine. There are numerous health benefits to drinking coffee.   Here are just a few for your consideration: Two cups of coffee can cut post-workout muscle pain by up to 48%. A cup of brewed coffee represents a contribution of up to 8 grams of fiber of the recommended intake of 20-38 grams. Risk for developing gout in men decreases with increasing coffee consumption. There is considerable evidence that caffeine may protect against Alzheimer’s disease. Moderate consumption of coffee can reduce the odds of developing colorectal cancer by 26%. A 10-year study of 86,000 female nurses shows a reduced risk of suicide in the coffee drinkers. Harvard School of Public Health found that women who drink 4 or more cups of coffee were 20% less likely to suffer from depression.   For most, coffee can be a healthy part of the diet.   However, coffee may not be beneficial for everyone. Those with certain heart conditions, caffeine sensitivity, and women who are pregnant should stick to decaf or herbal teas.   Also, those that drink coffee in excess may be negating some of the benefits because of the large amounts of caffeine they are consuming. These people may benefit from a caffeine detox to reset their caffeine tolerance to more moderate levels.   The key is moderation, typically 3-5 cups a day in order to get the coffee health benefits but avoid the negative issues associated with too much caffeine.   Sit back, relax and enjoy your favorite brew. I know I do.   P.S. Make sure to give the new Medspresso™ CBD infused Organic Tanzanian Peaberry a go. Available exclusively at the CafféLuxe Showroom located at: 12 Platinum Drive, Northgate Business Park, Brooklyn, Cape Town, South Africa 7405.   For further information, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr Anna, Chief Medical Officer of MJ Medtech, Inc. at dranna@mjmedtech.com.

  My full name is Dr. Anna Morera Leralta but I’m better known as just Dr. Anna. I was born in the beautiful city of Barcelona, Spain. I was fortunate to be raised by my wonderful parents, who provided me with everything I ever needed - and more. I keep lovely memories of my childhood. I was a shy and nerdy only child, often on my own. Biology and science became my sanctuary. Saturday mornings, dad would take me to his clinic where I would shadow him. I don’t know of many teenagers who were assisting in dental surgery on the weekends. I loved it. When I was 13 years old, I attended a school for gifted athletes where I practiced golf. It was my time to unwind - on the beautiful green pitch, with the sound of birds chirping and the sun beaming down. It also brought out the competitive spirit in me; the swing had to be perfect - I’m still working on that! Though it’s almost better than my dad’s... which ruffles his feathers. At the age of 17, I made the decision to study medicine. I applied and was accepted. The idea of being a part of a profession focused on helping others regardless of circumstance, I couldn’t imagine a more fulfilling job. The thought of it got me excited waking up every morning. Six years - and many hours of study - later, I was proud to receive my medical degree. My whole family was gathered as I took my oath and affirmed my purpose in life to put my talents and abilities at the service of others. I cherish humility, family, integrity and empathy above all else. Today, as a medical doctor, it is my duty to seek the newest and best tested remedies to treat my patients. It certainly wasn’t always easy growing up as the daughter of a highly successful doctor and surgeon, and an all-capable business-savvy mom - but I hope to act out my potential, serve my community and leave the world a better place. I’m the co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of MJ Medtech. It is our mission to advance botanical-based medicine to the forefront by deploying best-practice science and medicine, clinical research and emerging technologies related to medicinal cannabis and mushrooms.  Stay tuned for the upcoming launch of our Medspresso™ line of pharmaceutical grade CBD infused premium coffees, teas and hot chocolates. For more follow Medspresso on twitter, instagram, facebook.  I look forward to sharing my ideas and thoughts and hearing yours. Please feel free to shoot my any questions at: dranna@mjmedtech.com You can also find me on twitter, instagram and LinkedIn.      For further information, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr Anna, Chief Medical Officer of MJ Medtech, Inc. at dranna@mjmedtech.com.

  We are delighted to share with you first, a new brand about to launch: Medspresso™. Medspresso™ and its Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Anna Morera Leralta, have brilliantly combined all the health benefits of pharmaceutical-grade CBD (cannabidiol) with only the highest quality sourced African coffees, teas, and hot chocolates. The very first hot beverage available in limited supply is the exquisite and rare CBD infused Medspresso™ Organic Tanzanian Peaberry. The coffee is delivered neatly in Nespresso compatible biodegradable pods. The Peaberry is a world-renowned and award-winning coffee bean sourced from the Southern Highlands of Tanzania and celebrated for its elegant taste.  Research, science, quality and the environment are of enormous importance to the Medspresso team.  Medspresso™ - More than just coffee.    P.S. Dr. Anna will be a regular contributor to the Caffeluxe blog sharing incredibly valuable and useful health tips and tricks. We are very excited to have her aboard! For further information, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr Anna, Chief Medical Officer of MJ Medtech, Inc. at dranna@mjmedtech.com.

Cafféluxe receives the Bronze medal for our rebranded Signature Collection Packaging at the Gold Pack Awards 2019.

We can't get enough of these yummy iced coffee recipes and just had to share them with you. They're easy to make and costs very little Randella's per cup. If that's not enough, making it yourself means you get to choose your favorite Cafféluxe variant. So... Bring on the summer heat! We have you covered with the best brews in town. Thai Iced Coffee Prep: 10 minsMakes: 2 to 4 servings Ingredients:2x 110ml Lungo shots, strong coffee4 - 6 tablespoons sweetened condensed milkIce cubes1/4 cup evaporated milk or fresh heavy cream Method: Pour the coffee into a glass jug or other container for mixing and pouring. Add sweetened condensed milk to taste and stir well until dissolved. Add a few ice cubes and refrigerate for 1 or more hours. To serve, place a few ice cubes in the bottom of each glass and pour the coffee over. Top each drink with a few tablespoons of the evaporated milk or heavy cream. Taste test the coffee—you want it to taste strong and sweet. Add more sweetened condensed milk if you prefer it sweeter, or more evaporated milk/heavy cream for a richer taste or if it's too strong. (Note that this iced coffee is meant to be rather sweet.) Turn this drink into a cocktail: This iced coffee is excellent as is, or serve with a shot of Irish cream, Kahlua, or your favorite liqueur. Frappuccino Prep: 10 minsMakes: 8 servings  Ingredients:3x 110ml Lungo shots, strong coffee2/3 can sweetened condensed milk1 cup whole milk1/2 vanilla bean2 teaspoons vanilla8 cups ice Method: Brew the strong coffee and let it chill.  Use a refrigerator or freezer to speed up the process, or just let it chill in the fridge overnight.  Add the strong chilled coffee, milk, and sweetened condensed milk to a blender. Split the vanilla bean.  Use half of the split bean and scrape the seeds out. Place the seeds in the blender. Add in the vanilla extract. Fill the blender the rest of the way with ice (leaving a little room at the top for blending) Blend until smooth. Serve with whipped cream. Frappuccinos can also be frozen in mason jars and kept in the freezer for up to 3 months! Cold Brew Prep: 10 minsMakes: 4 - 6 servings Ingredients:4 cups of filtered water1 cup of ground coffee Method: To make the best cold brew, start with a quality coffee bean. A coarse grind works best and makes filtering easier, so skip your standard containers of pre-ground coffee and buy whole beans and grind it yourself. With your ingredients ready, place the ground coffee in the pitcher. As you stir, slowly pour water over the beans. The moistened coffee will immediately begin infusing the water with flavor and you will notice a color difference right away. Once the beans are thoroughly saturated, cover your brewing container with a lid or cling wrap. Place it in the refrigerator and let it steep for 12 hours, though you could do up to 24 hours. Filtering the finished coffee is important. Any filter system will do, you just want to make sure to get as much of the coffee grounds out of the drink as possible. Store your filtered cold brew in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to a week—a shelf life hot brewed coffee can't touch! Mix it up: Cold brew can be sweetened with your favorite liquid sweetener or milk. Unlike hot coffee, granulated sugar or sweeteners will not dissolve well in cold coffee. You can also serve it over ice or make coffee cubes so the water doesn't dilute your brew. Cold brew makes superior iced coffee drinks to a hot brew method as well. It's also a great alternative for mixing up coffee cocktails, giving you the rich flavor of espresso without the need for a fancy machine. Since it lacks the bitterness, cold brew is an excellent way to add the flavor of coffee to baked goods, marinades, and sauces.   Source: www.thespruceeats.com

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!