There are many potential benefits of Turkish coffee to consider. It is a type of unfiltered coffee made with a unique process. The beans are roasted longer, which intensifies their flavor and makes the caffeine stronger than most other coffees. It’s this intense flavor and high concentration of caffeine that make Turkish coffee attractive to many people around the world, who believe that it has health benefits.
But what about the potential benefits of Turkish coffee? Turkish coffee has been shown to have a whole host of health benefits, which is why it is favored by many people around the world. If you’re curious about Turkish coffee, read on to find out the potential health benefits of Turkish coffee.
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What is Turkish coffee?
Turkish coffee has been consumed in Europe for centuries, but it is relatively new to North America. It is a thick, rich coffee that is made with a finely ground coffee and a large amount of water. Due to the unique way it is made, it contains higher caffeine than a regular cup of coffee.
The process is also unique. The beans are usually roasted longer and then ground very finely, which intensifies the flavor and makes the caffeine stronger than most other coffees. The coffee is made in an cezve or ibrik, which is an open pot with a long handle. It’s poured into tiny demitasse cups, served with sugar cubes and sometimes bitters or cardamon. If you are new to this, you are in luck as we have an entire post on how to make Turkish coffee at home.
DEDE Copper Cezve Solid Copper Stamped and Hammered
The coffee is traditionally served in a small cup with a handle to prevent it from spilling. It is also served well-chilled, which allows the flavors to develop.
What are the unique potential health benefits of Turkish coffee?
There are many potential benefits of Turkish coffee to consider as a result of Turkish coffee’s strength.
Turkish coffee has a lot going for it and here are the top potential benefits and reasons to try Turkish coffee.
1. It May Enhance Your Athletic Performance
Caffeine is a well-studied, natural stimulant that can boost athletic and mental performance.
Turkish coffee provides a highly concentrated dose of caffeine that may be particularly beneficial to athletes.
A study in 20 athletes found that participants who consumed caffeinated Turkish coffee experienced significant performance benefits — including reaction time and energy levels — compared to those who drank decaffeinated Turkish coffee. Many athletes are now looking into Turkish coffee as a potential alternative to green tea in their pre-workout plan.
2. Can Reduce Ashtma Symptoms
A study (source) has shown that drinking at least three cups of coffee a day can reduce asthma symptoms and medications. According to the researchers, participants who were diagnosed with asthma and drank at least three cups of coffee a day had a 56 percent reduced risk of having to use their rescue inhaler. This is a given for regular coffee but even more true for Turkish coffee due to its higher caffeine content.
3. Can Result in Fewer Gallstones
A study done on Turkish coffee consumption has shown that it can help prevent gallstones. According to the new study, men who consume two to three cups of coffee daily are 4 percent less likely to get gallstones than those who don’t, and men who drink four or more cups a day are 45 percent less likely (source).
Gallstones are some of the most common types of gallstones, and they are caused by excessive bile buildup in the gallbladder. Gallstones can cause several issues, and typically cause pain in the abdominal area. Gallstones are also associated with other issues, like pancreatitis and (rarely) bowel obstruction.
4. Benefits of Cardamom Often Used in Turkish Coffee
Cardamom, a flavorful spice that has been linked to numerous health benefits, is commonly included in Turkish coffee.
There are potent antioxidants in cardamom that can reduce inflammation and hence lessen the risk of chronic diseases. For example
TNF- (tumor necrosis factor) and interleukin-6 (interleukin 6) were found to be efficiently suppressed by cardamom extract in rats.
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Cardamom essential oil has antimicrobial properties and has been shown in animal studies to help fight cancer.
5. May Protect Against Mental Decline
Certain neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, may be prevented by drinking caffeinated coffee on a regular basis (source).
Over 29,000 persons in 11 research indicated that those who drank the most coffee were 27% less likely to suffer from Alzheimer’s disease.
Coffee consumption has been linked to a decreased risk of stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia in other studies.
Potential Risks and Drawbacks of Trurkish
Turkish coffee has the potential to be extremely beneficial to one’s health, but it also has some potential downsides.
Sugar
Sugar is frequently used as a sweetener, which can have a harmful effect on one’s health.
It’s not harmful to have a cup of sweetened coffee every now and then, but drinking sugary drinks on a daily basis raises your chances of obesity, high triglycerides, and diabetes type 2.
If you want to limit your intake of sugar, opt for unsweetened Turkish coffee or any coffee.
Sweeten your coffee without adding sugar with spices like cardamom and cinnamon, as well as sugar substitutes like stevia.
High Caffeine
Turkish coffee’s high caffeine concentration may also be a drawback.
Caffeinated coffee may cause sleep disturbances, anxiety, and other negative effects in caffeine-sensitive individuals.
Caffeine can also cause an increase in blood pressure. As a result, this extra-strong variety of coffee may be best avoided by those with high blood pressure.
Additional Diterpene Cafestol from Unfiltered Coffee
The diterpene cafestol in Turkish and other unfiltered coffees may elevate cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. This is not only in Turkish coffee but any unfiltered coffee brewing method, such as using a French Press.
Conclusion for Potential Benefits of Turkish Coffee
When looking at the potential benefits of Turkish coffee, the positives far outweigh the negatives when it comes to the health benefits of this unique coffee drink.
If you want to give it a try, try brewing at home and experiment with different blends you’d like to taste.
Besides traditional Turkish coffee, you can enjoy a mug of black coffee or espresso too depending on your preference. You can also add extra cardamom, cinnamon, or other natural spices for an even more flavorful cup. Most importantly, drink slowly so that the flavors have time to develop for maximum benefit.
