How drinking two cups of coffee daily boosts sexual performance

Can drinking at least two cups of coffee per day reduce the risk of developing erectile dysfunction and associated illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases? A Kenyan-Nigerian enterprise is set ensure that Nigerians get not only freshly roasted 100 per cent natural coffee but locally produced export quality cocoa and tea products. CHUKWUMA MUANYA writes.

DAILY consumption of coffee, tea and cocoa have been associated with reduced risk of developing chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, gallstones, heart disease, among others.

Indeed, coffee has been hailed as having numerous other health benefits. Last month, it was reported on a study by researchers from Lund University in Sweden, which found coffee could halve breast cancer recurrence for some women, while another study found drinking up to five cups of coffee daily could reduce the risk of clogged arteries and heart attack.

However, some other studies have also linked consuming too much coffee to increased risk of anxiety and depression.

A new study published, last week, in the journal PLOS ONE has found that drinking two to three cups of coffee a day could reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction by up to 42 per cent.

Erectile dysfunction (ED), or impotence, is the inability to get and sustain an erection that is firm enough for sexual intercourse. It is the most common form of sexual dysfunction in men.

ED can be a devastating condition for men, causing lack of self-confidence, stress and relationship problems. The majority of ED cases are caused by physical problems, including high blood pressure, overweight, obesity, diabetes and high cholesterol, though psychological issues can also trigger it.

The United States researchers of this latest study, led by Dr. David Lopez of The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), noted that previous studies have hypothesized that caffeine – commonly consumed via coffee, soda and energy drinks – may improve ED, though there is a scarcity of population-based studies investigating this association.

As such, Lopez and colleagues used 2001-04 data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) – a program of studies assessing the health and nutritional status of Americans – to investigate the role of caffeine intake in ED.

The data analyzed involved 3,724 men aged 20 and older whose ED status was identified during a computer-assisted interview. Of these men, 40.9 per cent were overweight, 30.7 per cent were obese, 51 per cent had high blood pressure and 12.4 per cent were diabetic.

The researchers estimated the men’s caffeine intake by analyzing 24-hour dietary recall data, gathered from asking participants to report all food and beverages consumed in the past day. The caffeine sources assessed included coffee, soda, sports and energy drinks and tea.

Also, recent studies have shown that freshly prepared and less processed versions have more health benefits than instant and processed versions.

A public health physician and Managing Director of Kaldi Africa Limited, Dr. Nasra Ali, is championing the introduction and production of freshly roasted, 100 per cent natural coffee, export quality cocoa and tea in Nigeria.

Myth about coffee causing heart attack
Ali, the medical practitioner with Masters in Public Health (MPH), also has a certificate in Strategic Leadership. She said everything has to be done in moderation and when everything is done in moderation you can actually extract the full benefits and pleasure. She explained: “In quantities what we recommend is one to two cups of coffee per day depending on how your body is constituted. I for one can drink up to four to five cups of coffee a day; some people can drink up to ten. So it depends on how your body reacts to it and how long you have been drinking coffee. I started drinking at the age of 15. So it depends on how long and understanding your body. On the average we recommend one to two cups a day and if you are able to drink more, okay.”

The Kenyan-Nigerian has worked with the Ministry of Health in Kenya; the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Geneva, Switzerland, the United Nations (UN) and Red Cross said coffee has now being declared health drink by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Ali added: “So that puts coffee in a very important category than it was before. It basically takes it away from a normal beverage to a health drink. It is recommended to drink at least one cup of coffee a day as also with tea and cocoa. So depending on what your pleasures are and what you prefer you are going to get the health benefits from either or our products. Are you a coffee drinker? Are you a tea drinker? Are you a cocoa drinker? We are able to meet all those three and provide it in its pure natural form.”

Kaldi Africa
Kaldi Africa is a Nigerian-Kenyan company that has been established in the last six months. The name Kaldi comes from the background of coffee. A lot of people associated coffee with Brazil, Colombia but in true sense Coffee was discovered in Africa by a young hunt boy called Kaldi and as a result of embracing our history in the coffee and Africa’s gift to the world which is coffee, the name Kaldi Africa. It is really being proud of the history of coffee and Africa’s gift to the world.

Actually it is being incorporated in Nigeria and the idea is based on three strong pillars, which is inter-Africa trade- ensuring that we encourage trade between East and West Africa. The second foundation is basically valued added trade- so the company is not focusing on being a trader and selling products but having the value addition by manufacturing in Nigeria. So it is really valued added trade whereby we are manufacturing in Nigeria, the processing being done in Nigeria and we are employing Nigerians and also fostering cultural products in Nigeria. Kaldi is basically trying to ensure that we share the freshest coffee possible in the Nigerian market.

Historically Nigeria has been growing coffee but for the last two three decades that has gone down drastically. We are working closely with our partners from Taraba State to trying and resuscitate and grow back the tea and coffee industry in Nigeria. We know that agriculture is going to be very important focus in Nigeria’s Vision 20:20:20. So we feel that indirectly this is our contribution to the concept.

Kaldi Africa is 80% ready, to be inaugurated on May 30, 2015

The company is 80 per cent there, we are ready, we are already rolling out and we already have clients appreciating our products. Now our products are freshly roasted coffee, Kenyan tea, natural cocoa from Nigeria. Our focus is really using African raw materials with the highest possible technology, uncompromised quality in production for the African market. We have started producing in Nigeria.

We are launching the company on the 30th of May. The focus is really solidifying the relationship between East and West Africa, the two powerhouses, which is Nigeria and Kenyan. Some of our raw materials come from Kenya and we are also looking at how we are going to export Nigerian cocoa into East Africa. So it is really back and fort trade with value addition. Basically ensuring that there is not only enjoyment of the product but also provision of employment.

Why coffee, tea and cocoa?
That is your standard beverage. We know that coffee was discovered in Africa. Kenya also has one of the best and well-known teas in the world and whole range of specialty tea and Nigeria is if not tagged fourth producer of cocoa globally. So what else should would we be looking at beverage when we are looking at a beverage. The three of them are actually the basis of most of the beverages that are consumed. When you are talking about Nigeria cocoa, our focus is really to get the export quality, packaged for the local market. We find that 90 per cent of Nigeria’s best cocoa is exported and we feel now that it is time for every Nigerian to begin to enjoy the best of what Nigeria has to offer.

Value addition
What we have done is that previously most of the coffee that were coming into Nigeria was packaged abroad and the roasting process which is basically key to the freshness of the coffee to be able to retain most of its qualities was done abroad. So traditionally all the coffees that have been coming to Nigeria have been roasted, packaged abroad and traded into the country. What we are doing is that we have brought in the raw material. We have not only brought in the raw material from the best African producers, which is Ethiopia and Kenya but we have also sourcing the raw material in Nigeria. What we are also doing is that we are doing the production here. So the roasting and the packaging are being done in Nigeria. That ensures freshness, maximum quality of the product.

Nigerian coffee?
Yes there is Nigerian coffee. We are getting them from Taraba State on the Mambila Mountains.
Health benefits

Traditionally coffee has been associated with increased heart rates and sadly if you look beyond the myth, coffee has a lot of health benefits that varies from not only being cardiovascular but it also helps with moods, depression, it has also contributed to the prevention of diverse cancers. It has also contributed to mental health. So there are a lot benefits from coffee. One thing we have to understand is the importance of the quality of coffee, how we prepare it and how we enjoy it is also very important. So when you come to Kaldi our focus is really on the freshness of the coffee.
What makes Kaldi unique in terms of other beverages in the market?

The uniqueness of Kaldi Africa is first of all we are providing freshly roasted coffee whereby we are able to if you get a bag of Kaldi coffee you can be sure that it has been roasted less that 12 weeks from consumption. That cannot be said of any other coffee. So we are currently the only roastery in Nigeria, the premier roastery and there will be many to follow. When you are looking at cocoa, we are focusing on export quality cocoa, natural cocoa whereby there is no other additive. So you are reaping the full benefit of the cocoa. It is not just the standard alkalized cocoa but 100 per cent natural cocoa.

Our tea is also pure tea, it is not infused or anything. You get it pure. Our tea ranges from black tea, green tea, white tea and purple tea. So what you are really drinking is the freshest of the product and it allows the individual to be able to add and enjoy it in different ways. With the cocoa for example you are able to limit the amount of sugar you want to put in it, you are able to limit any other additive. The most important thing is knowing what you are consuming. With our products it is 100 per cent natural, we do not process, what we do is the value addition and finalise the product. We do not do any infusions or alter it so it is really in its pure natural form.
What is the difference between instant coffees and freshly roasted branded being introduced by Kaldi?

Instant coffee is very convenient, it is very practical but we need to know that with convenience and practicality what are we losing in the process. We need to know that the important thing with freshly roasted coffee is that once you roast it and you are able to consume it, you basically dissolve it in water and drink, you are basically getting the benefits. Now what happens in the preparation of instant coffee is that they take the freshly roasted coffee, it is dissolved in water and air dried and aerated. So what happens is that you have a lot of minerals that are water soluble that you lose in process. So what happens when it is aerated or air-dried, what happens is that you end up getting the most stable components remaining which mostly the bitterness and the caffeine. But when you are enjoying a freshly roasted cup of coffee you are enjoying with all your senses. It is visual, you can smell it, you can taste it and you can feel it.

With instant you are basically drinking to feel the effect. So with the freshly roasted coffee it is not just drinking coffee but a pleasure giving process. You will spend two to three minutes more in preparing it but you will be able to enjoy the flavour, you will be able to enjoy the touch when you are preparing it. It only gives you five minutes of pure pleasure and at the end of the day you feel it. Like the Italians say, drinking good coffee is almost equal to having a wonderful moment with your wife.

Coffee and reduced risk of erectile dysfunction
Meanwhile, overall, the UTHealth team found that men who consumed 85 to 170 milligrams (mg) of caffeine daily were 42 per cent less likely to report ED, while those who consumed 170 to 303 mg of caffeine a day were 39 per cent less likely to report ED, compared with men who consumed zero to 7 mg of caffeine a day.
The team notes that the caffeine levels consumed among men with reduced risk of ED were the equivalent to drinking two to three cups of coffee a day.

In addition, higher caffeine intake was also found to reduce risk of ED in men who were overweight or obese and those who had high blood pressure – all of which are considered risk factors for the condition.

However, Lopez notes that caffeine did not lower the risk of ED for men with diabetes. “Diabetes is one of the strongest risk factors for ED, so this was not surprising,” he adds.

Still, the team concludes that their findings show a reduced likelihood of ED among men with a daily caffeine intake the equivalent to consuming two to three cups of coffee a day.

Magical facts about freshly roast coffee!
•Coffee can improve energy levels and make you smarter!

Many controlled trials in humans show that coffee improves various aspects of brain function. This includes memory, mood, vigilance, energy levels, reaction times and general cognitive function.

•Coffee is good for your liver! People who drink four cups of coffee a day are 80 per cent less likely to develop cirrhosis, a condition that develops from several diseases affecting the liver.

•Coffee can help prevent Alzheimer’s and dementia! Several studies have shown that coffee drinkers are up to 65 per cent less likely to get Alzheimer’s disease, which is a leading cause of dementia

•Drinking coffee can help you burn fat! Studies have shown that drinking caffeine can increase your metabolism three to 11 per cent. It is one of the few chemicals that can actually help with fat burning, so might as well drink up!

•Coffee can fight depression and make you happier! Coffee appears to lower the risk of developing depression and may dramatically reduce the risk of suicide

•Coffee drinkers have a lower risk of some types of cancer! Liver and colorectal cancers are the 3rd and 4th leading causes of cancer death worldwide. Coffee drinkers have a lower risk of both

•Coffee can help you live a longer and healthier life! As a result, coffee drinkers are at a lower risk of diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, type II diabetes, and heart disease.
Tasty facts about pure natural cocoa!

•Cocoa antidepressant effects! The University of Michigan Health System (UMIM) states that cocoa may also have the ability to boost endorphins, which act as natural “happy” opiates.

•High levels of antioxidants! Anti-oxidants mean anti-inflammation. Essential minerals such as potassium and magnesium, copper and potassium, the significant flavonoids, and several vitamins, including B1, B2, D, and E, are also present in cacao.

•Live longer and healthier! UMIM says that cocoa may lower LDL cholesterol, reduce the risk of blood clots, increase blood flow to the arteries, lower high blood pressure, boost cognitive performance and provide essential minerals such as calcium and potassium.

Calming facts about pure highland tea!
•Oral Health! Tea is a natural source of fluoride and Polyphenols found in black tea kill and surpass cavity-causing bacteria as well as hinder the growth of bacterial enzymes that form the sticky-like material that binds plaque to our teeth.

•A better heart! It is seen that regardless of people’s country of origin, individuals who consume three or more cups of tea had a 21 per cent lower risk of a stroke than people who consume less than one cup of green or black tea per day.

•Antioxidants! Black tea contains polyphenols, which are also antioxidants that help block Deoxy Nucleic Acid (DNA)/genetic material damage associated with tobacco or other toxic chemicals. These antioxidants are different from those obtained from fruits and vegetables and therefore as a regular part of our diet they can provide additional benefits towards a healthy lifestyle.

•Cancer prevention! Though a lot more research is required to confidently suggest cancer prevention techniques, some research over the years suggests that antioxidants like polyphenol and catechins in tea may help prevent some types of cancer. It has been suggested that women who drink black tea regularly have a lower chance of ovarian cancer than their counterparts.

•Healthy bones! It has also been suggested that regular tea drinkers have stronger bones and lower probability of developing arthritis due to the phytochemicals found in tea.

•Lower risk of diabetes! Based on a research study conducted of elderly people living in the Mediterranean islands it was discovered that people that had been consuming black tea on a long-term basis on a moderate level (that is one to two cups a day) had a 70 per cent lower chance of having or developing type 2 diabetes.

•Stress relief! We all are aware and well experienced about the calming and relaxing benefits of black tea. Not only does it help slow you down after a long day, studies show that the amino acid L-theanine found in black tea can help you relax and concentrate better. Black tea has also been shown to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol when consumed in moderate amounts on a regular basis.

•Better immune system! Black tea contains alkylamine antigens that help boost our immune response. In addition it also contains tannins that have the ability to fight viruses and hence keep us protected from influenza, stomach flu and other such commonly found viruses in our everyday lives.

•Healthy digestive tract! In addition to improving your immune system, tannins also have a therapeutic effect on gastric and intestinal illnesses and also help decrease digestive activity.

•Increased energy! Unlike other drinks that have relatively higher caffeine content, the low amounts found in tea can help enhance blood flow to the brain without over-stimulating the heart. It also stimulates the metabolism and respiratory system, as well as the heart and the kidneys.

•Happiness factor! If a perfect cup of tea makes you smile and lets your heart indulge a little, then what could possibly be the harm?