Is Turkish coffee healthy? Well, like many coffees, it offers several health benefits including lowering cholesterol and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Turkish coffee is a rich and robust brew that contains finely ground coffee grinds. It has a unique flavor for those who prefer a full-bodied taste. But, is Turkish coffee healthy?
According to various research studies, there are several health benefits to drinking Turkish coffee, such as lowering your cholesterol and reducing your risk of developing certain chronic diseases.
What Is Turkish Coffee?
Turkish coffee is an unfiltered and more concentrated type of coffee. It originates from Turkey and is prepared in a copper pot, called a cezve in Turkey, and an ibrik in other countries. The water and finely ground coffee are boiled over the stovetop. When it begins boiling and rising in the pot, it’s ready to be served.
The best Turkish coffee is typically served in a small cup with the coffee grounds at the bottom. You can add sugar, cardamom, or other spices to taste. After waiting for the coffee grinds to settle at the bottom, it’s ready to drink.
Due to its high concentration, Turkish coffee contains much more caffeine than a typical espresso shot. You can enjoy it unsweetened or boil it with sugar to add some sweetness.
Brewing and serving coffee with the grinds still inside creates a highly caffeinated and concentrated brew. It’s for those reasons that Turkish coffee has several health benefits. You might also be interested in learning if you can drink coffee when eating clean.
Health Benefits of Turkish Coffee
There are several reasons to try Turkish coffee if you’re looking for a healthier cup of joe in the morning. The benefits of coffee are well-known.
Contains Higher Levels of Beneficial Compounds
Coffee beans already contain beneficial compounds such as chlorogenic acids. These acids are a type of polyphenol antioxidant that can decrease inflammation and lower blood sugar, high blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
Since Turkish coffee uses unfiltered finely ground beans, it has a higher concentration than regular coffee and contains more chlorogenic acids. Coffee beans also contain other essential compounds that can boost immunity and support a healthy heart.
If you add a little cardamom to your Turkish coffee, you increase the number of antioxidants in your beverage and lower your risk of developing chronic diseases. The higher concentration of the coffee beans also means Turkish coffee contains high levels of nutrients such as:
- Vitamin B2, B3, and B5
- Manganese
- Potassium
- Magnesium
May Reduce Risk of Cancer
Several studies have linked coffee to a reduced risk of cancer.
According to the American Institute of Cancer Research, coffee lowers the risk of liver and endometrial cancer. Meanwhile, an International Journal of Cancer 2005 study found those who drink coffee have up to a 40% lower risk of having liver cancer.
However, these studies don’t specifically call out Turkish Coffee.
May Decrease Risk of Type 2 Diabetes and Other Diseases
Millions of people worldwide have type 2 diabetes, which is when a person’s blood sugar level rises due to less insulin production in the body or insulin resistance.
Coffee has been linked to lowering the risk of diabetes. According to various studies, coffee helped reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by 60%.
Researchers found that Turkish coffee lowers the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s.
The level of caffeine seems to contribute to health benefits, as those who drink caffeinated coffee have a 60% lower risk of getting Parkinson’s than those who drink decaf.
If you liked this post, you might also enjoy these healthy alternatives to sugar in coffee.
Enhances Focus and Performance
As many coffee drinkers know, it’s hard to focus in the morning without a dose of caffeine. The high levels of caffeine in Turkish coffee do enhance mental focus and athletic performance.
Drinking Turkish coffee an hour before exercising can help you perform about 11-12% better due to the increased adrenaline in your body.
One study found that athletes performed significantly better after drinking Turkish coffee, unlike those who drank decaf coffee.
