Several
studies have proven that the consumption of Greek coffee increases the elasticity of arteries, which
protects against heart diseases
The
research found that those who did drink a moderate amount of Greek coffee,
boiled in a briki, had better arterial health, with the vessels to
behave like those of young people. The arteries of those who drank less or no
coffee were far less flexible.
The elderly
inhabitants of Ikaria, the Greek island, boast the highest rates of longevity
in the World, researchers investigated links between coffee-drinking habits and
the subjects' endothelial function. The endothelium is a layer of cells that
lines blood vessels, which is affected both by aging and by lifestyle habits.
The new study provides a new connection between
nutritional habits and cardiovascular health. Given the extent of coffee drinking
across the world, and the fact that even small health effects of at least one
type of coffee could have a large impact on public health.
Boiled Greek type of coffee, which is rich in polyphenols
and antioxidants and contains only a moderate amount of caffeine, seems to
gather benefits compared to other coffee beverages
Greek coffee is boiled rather than brewed. This boiling
method was developed in Yemen during antiquity, long before filtration of
coffee was introduced. Boiling coffee is also carried out in Turkey and
throughout the Middle East. This method also creates a foam the Greeks call kaimaki
(pronounced kaee-MAH-kee), which adds a rich, creaminess to the coffee. The
process of boiling coffee extracts much more nutrients from the coffee beans
than the filtering method.
