Aesthetics is defined as “of or concerning the appreciation of beauty or good taste” (The Free Dictionary, 2011). In regards to coffee, aesthetics can refer to the presentation, the way it smells, the texture, the taste and even the colour. All the things that make it appealing to you and the way that it meets (or doesn’t meet) your expectations. Not only this, but aesthetics can also include things like the way the environment/café looks, the way that it sounds (e.g. noisy or not, music playing) and the satisfaction that you can get from spending time communicating to whoever you share the coffee with.
When I think of spirituality, I think of religion. Spirituality in this sense, however, is much broader than just religion and it takes into account individuals thoughts and beliefs. It can be about how one feels they are connected to the world through the activity or the spiritual elements the activity may bring about. Examples of ways going out for coffee can be spiritual include things like having a celebratory coffee, when people go out for birthdays or to mark an occasion. Connection to history as going out for coffee may be a ritual. It can also make people feel accepted by being invited/included and knowing that they are part of a group. Coffee can be used as a way of caring for others, taking them out and shouting them. And lastly, going out for coffee can make people feel that they are connected in this world by sharing experiences with others.
Lastly, we need to consider the health aspects of drinking coffee. I’m sure that there is much debate over whether caffeine and drinking coffee is good for you or not and I’ll go into that a bit deeper later on, but one things for sure is that coffee definitely isn’t good for your teeth! If you want to keep them white that is! Its one thing that I know I always worry about and am conscious of. Other aspects include that going out for coffee can be therapeutic, it can help people to relax and it can trick your brain into staying awake! Coffee can also be altered to fit diet restrictions, for example those who can’t drink trim or full milk can have soymilk instead! Most cafes accommodate for this now, as it’s so common!
Alright, so back to the effects of coffee on health, Payne (2009) states that “regular coffee consumption may reduce the risk of health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and liver cancer and regular coffee drinkers might even live longer” (para. 1). It’s hard to know how much if this is actually true and I’m sure more research is needed in the future but current research and most health websites agree with the statement. Payne (2009) also states that its important to remember that coffee is not purely caffeine, it has a lot of other components (such as antioxidants and fiber) and it’s these components that are thought to account for some of coffee’s health benefits. On the other hand, the downsides of coffee include that the caffeine is used most widely as a mood-altering drug and that it can increase blood pressure (Payne, 2009). In saying this, however, the bottom line is that for most people there’s nothing bad about having a cup or two of coffee a day, we just have to make sure that its in moderation and we don’t go extremely overboard on the caffeine!
In conclusion this week I’d like to leave you with a poem I chose this certain poem as I think that Karie Lesley summed it up pretty well when she said that coffee is more than just a drink, that in fact drinking coffee IS a way of life. Her poem illustrates that coffee can be extremely meaningful and is often a big part of peoples lives. I know that going out for coffee is a big part of my life and always has been one of my all-time favorite activities!
Coffee, My Old Friend
An aroma that fills the room with warmth brewing gently, steady and calm.
Two friends together in stolen moments sharing soul, heart, life.
Weaving through the years
like a fine delicate lace.
The design unravels details,
simplicity, sometimes flaws.
And even still, meshing together
bonded by each cup.
The tenderness of solitude
occassionally with a good book.
As I take the first sip
of the first cup
I realize again that I am blessed.
To share this cup with such a friend,
sometimes it being only me.
So much more than flavor, roast or blend...
A way of life.
References:
The Free Dictionary. (2011). Aesthetic. Retrieved October 12th 2011, from http://www.thefreedictionary.com/aesthetic
Lesly, K. (n.d.). Coffee, my old friend. Retrieved 12th October 2011, from http://cocoajava.com/java_poetry.html
Payne, J. W. (2009). Is coffee bad for you? Actually, drinking coffee may be good for you. Retrieved 14th October 2011, from http://health.usnews.com/health-news/diet-fitness/heart/articles/2009/06/25/is-coffee-bad-for-you-actually-drinking-coffee-may-be-good-for-you
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ReplyDeleteHi Gracie,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed learning about the health concerns and benifits from drinking coffee. There are not enough concerns to stop my drinking it though!