What are the health benefits of drinking Greek coffee?

By Rejuvant & Baseline of Health Foundation

Greek coffee is a very strongly brewed coffee that is found everywhere in Greece and is part of the culture of the country. 

The coffee is finely ground and requires a special pot, called a briki, for brewing. A briki is a tall, narrow pot and the coffee is served with grounds in a small demitasse cup. The strong, smooth coffee is meant to be sipped slowly so the grounds can settle into the bottom of the cup. There are several different ways to enjoy a cup of Greek coffee; unsweetened, semi-sweet, sweet, and very sweet. All types will be strong, thick, have grounds in the bottom and foam on top, and drinking it can increase your longevity.

Long Living Greeks

The Greek island of Ikaria has been dubbed "The Island where people forget to die"! It’s also the place where people avoid getting sick. People routinely live to be 100 on this small island and live a healthy, happy, productive life until they die. One thing the island dwellers have in common is their daily consumption of Greek coffee.

A recent study conducted on 71 men and 71 women over the age of 65 who were life-long residents of the Ikaria discovered that many of them had common health conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and some were even active smokers. Yet, they were healthy. The secret to their longevity was the Greek coffee, which promotes a better endothelial function, even in people with less than healthy lifestyles. Endothelial is the thin membrane that lines the inside of the heart and blood vessels. This lining releases substances that control blood clotting, immune function, and the relaxation and contraction of blood vessels.

Study director Dr. Gerasismos Siasos says,

“Boiled Greek type of coffee, which is rich in polyphenols and antioxidants and contains only a moderate amount of caffeine, seems to gather more benefits compared to any other coffee beverages.”

Low in Caffeine, High in Antioxidants

Since Greek coffee is a fine grind of coffee and is prepared by boiling, it contains less caffeine than most other blends that are popular in other countries. This type of coffee is also much higher in antioxidants, like cafestol and kahweol, that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These antioxidants improve the health of the endothelial and fend off free radicals in the body that speed up the ageing process. The naturally reduced amount of caffeine in Greek coffee also promotes heart health and doesn’t cause the constriction of blood vessels like caffeinated coffee.

Improves Heart Health

Greek coffee is superior to the average cup of coffee because of its concentration and preparation, both of which deliver more heart-protecting compounds in each cup. Rich in chlorogenic acid, polyphenols, lipid-soluble substances, and other heart-healthy compounds, a daily cup of Greek coffee improves heart health and thereby increases longevity.

Reduces Diabetes Risk

Greek coffee reduces the risk of diabetes, especially type II diabetes, because it increases the levels of a hormone in the blood known as SHGB. This hormone is responsible for keeping testosterone and oestrogen levels at normal rates.

The coffee is also rich in polyphenols that are antioxidants that work in the body to reduce inflammation and prevent inflammatory diseases, such as type II diabetes. The blend of potent antioxidants in Greek coffee helps to improve insulin sensitivity, which can help to prevent diabetes and help people with the disease manage it more successfully.

Speeds Up Metabolism

Being overweight can lead to a variety of chronic health conditions and premature death, so it’s vital to longevity to manage weight. Drinking Greek coffee speeds up metabolism and helps prevent weight gain and promotes weight loss. The coffee has to be consumed without sugar or other sweeteners for it to be effective as a weight management tool.

Caffeine is found in almost every weight loss supplement, and for a good reason, it speeds up metabolism. Greek coffee contains minimal caffeine, but it’s still enough to help your body burn calories faster.

Promotes Activity

The long-living residents of the small Greek island of Ikaria are active every day and at every age. This active lifestyle promotes longevity and the coffee they drink helps keep them energetic and active. Not only is physical activity promoted by a strong cup of Greek coffee, but also brain activity. Memory, mood, vigilance, reaction times, focus, and comprehension are improved after drinking a cup of Greek coffee. Staying active physically and mentally will add years to your life and life to your years.

Contains Nutrition

People are aware of the caffeine content of most coffee types, but few are aware of the nutritional content of coffee, including Greek coffee. Enjoying a cup of coffee a few times every day improves your health and increases lifespan by providing your body with needed nutrients. A cup of Greek coffee contains vitamins B2, B3, B5, magnesium, manganese, niacin, and potassium, all of which work to keep the body healthy.

Want to know how to make Greek coffee? Click HERE for our step by step instructions and video!