16 Amazing Facts About Coffee, Brazilian Coffee Beans, and Decaf Coffee

In Egypt, coffee is more than just a beloved beverage; it's a part of our lives, culture, and daily routine. Coffee is the most popular drink in the world, with billions of cups sold annually, and thus it has many delightful stories and facts. Beyond the types of Egyptian coffee and its cosmetic uses, like a face mask for instant radiance or coffee with cinnamon for weight loss for those health-conscious individuals, for our love of coffee and its secrets, we at Najar Coffee have compiled some fascinating facts about coffee that you might be hearing for the first time.

1. Coffee is the second most traded commodity in the world after oil.

Coffee is not just a popular daily drink in Egypt; it is a huge economic commodity, ranking second in global trade after oil. According to the International Coffee Organization (ICO), coffee production exceeds 170 million bags annually (each bag 60 kg), and it is cultivated in over 70 countries in the "coffee belt" around the equator. For example, in Egypt, cafes rely on imports from Brazil and Vietnam, which means coffee prices are affected by global changes, such as increased demand in Europe, and this impacts coffee prices in Egypt, which rise during high-demand seasons like winter.

2. The world's first coffee house opened in Istanbul in 1475.

The culture of coffee houses began in the Ottoman Empire, where the first known coffee house opened in Istanbul in 1475, quickly becoming places for political and social discussions. In Egypt, coffee culture was influenced by the Ottomans, like the Turkish coffee we drink today. For instance, Cairo's cafes, such as "El Fishawy" in Al-Hussein, trace their roots back to ancient times, bringing people together for coffee and stories even now, which explains why coffee in Egypt is associated with family and friends gatherings.

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3. Coffee helped Brazil participate in the Olympic Games.

Among the historical facts about coffee, in 1932, the Brazilian government did not have enough money to send Brazilian athletes to the Olympic Games, so they financed the trip by selling coffee. A cargo ship was loaded with coffee beans to be sold in California on their way. This reminds us of the economic importance of coffee, just as in Egypt, where Brazilian coffee is one of the most imported varieties.

4. Decaffeination helps in the production of our favorite soft drinks.

When caffeine is removed from coffee (for decaffeinated coffee), the caffeine is usually sold to soft drink companies or pharmaceutical companies. For example, in Egypt, decaf coffee is an option for those who enjoy coffee without the effects of caffeine, which explains why there will be increased demand for decaf coffee in 2025.

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5. Coffee was used as currency in some African countries.

In ancient African tribes, coffee beans were used as trade currency before they were discovered as a beverage, according to NCA coffee history. For example, in Ethiopia, the origin of coffee, beans were exchanged as valuable commodities in markets. This reminds us in Egypt of the importance of coffee in Arab culture, like the Arabic coffee we serve to guests as a symbol of hospitality, reflecting a similar historical value.

6. Coffee helps improve athletic performance.

Caffeine increases adrenaline secretion, improving physical performance by 11-12%, according to studies from Harvard University and Healthline. For example, drinking a cup of coffee before exercise reduces fatigue and boosts energy, similar to someone drinking Turkish coffee before a run in Egypt, which is beneficial for those looking for coffee with cinnamon for weight loss as part of an exercise routine.

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7. The world's first webcam monitored a coffee pot.

At Cambridge University in 1991, scientists created the first "webcam" to monitor a coffee pot to avoid unnecessary trips to the kitchen. This reminds us of the importance of coffee in daily life, just as in Egypt, where coffee is part of the daily routine in offices and serves as a source of inspiration for simple innovations.

8. Coffee reduces the risk of depression.

Drinking 4 cups daily reduces the risk of depression by 20%, thanks to its effect on dopamine and serotonin release, according to studies from Healthline. For example, in Egypt, Arabic coffee helps improve mood during family gatherings, especially with spices like cardamom, which explains why coffee is part of the psychological culture.

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9. There are more than 800 flavor compounds in roasted coffee.

Coffee contains over 800 organic compounds that contribute to its flavor, four times more than wine, making it one of the most complex beverages, according to The Fact Site. For instance, in the Egyptian market, types like Colombian coffee have fruity flavors such as orange or chocolate due to the roasting process that develops these compounds, which gives Turkish coffee a distinctive taste with cardamom.

10. Coffee face masks are among the best skin masks.

If you want to add a natural aesthetic touch to your skin, try coffee face masks because they contain powerful antioxidants like caffeine, which reduces puffiness around the eyes, gently exfoliates dead skin, and improves blood circulation to make your face radiant and smooth from the first use.

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11. Coffee helps prevent tooth decay.

Some compounds in coffee prevent the growth of decay-causing bacteria, but sugar should be avoided, according to studies from Healthline. For example, black coffee or plain Turkish coffee in Egypt is beneficial for teeth if consumed without sugar and is a healthy option for those seeking a healthy cup of coffee, even if using diet sugar or stevia.

12. The largest consumption of coffee in the world is in the Netherlands.

The Dutch drink an average of 2.4 cups daily, surpassing Finland in some recent statistics, according to NCA. In Egypt, consumption increases in winter, especially Turkish coffee for warmth, which makes Egyptian coffee types like Turkish more popular in cold seasons.

13. Coffee was considered medicine in the 17th century.

In Europe, coffee was prescribed as a remedy for headaches and depression before it became a popular beverage, according to NCA history. For example, in Arab culture, Arabic coffee was used for focus during long sessions, similar to the benefits of coffee in improving mood.

14. Coffee helps reduce the risk of liver diseases.

Recent studies from Healthline indicate that drinking 2-3 cups daily reduces the risk of liver fibrosis by up to 80%, thanks to its antioxidants. For example, a study published in 2021 in the American Journal of Liver Diseases confirmed that coffee protects the liver from inflammation. In Egypt, where we love Turkish coffee, this is a significant benefit for those who drink it daily, but avoid excessive consumption if you have health issues, especially with strong Egyptian coffee types like "Turkish Mahwaj".

It doesn't just protect against liver fibrosis - learn about the benefits of coffee in detail

15. Coffee was once banned.

Coffee was not as beloved as it is today. In the 18th century, governments tried to ban the beverage because they believed it stimulated and incited radical thinking. Coffee was indeed banned in Sweden for a period in 1746, and the sale of anything related to it—including cups and saucers—was also prohibited!

16. There is an International Coffee Day on October 1st.

International Coffee Day is celebrated on October 1st each year, with events in over 70 countries to honor this beverage, according to the International Coffee Organization. In Egypt, festivals like Cairo Coffee Day gather coffee lovers to taste varieties such as Turkish and specialty coffees, offering an opportunity to discover different types of Egyptian coffee.

Conclusion:

After all these facts about coffee, from its origins in Ethiopia to its health benefits, it's clear that coffee is not just a cup; it's a culture, health, and history! Whether you drink traditional "mazboot" coffee or coffee with cinnamon for weight loss, coffee holds many secrets that will make you love it even more. What is the strangest fact you learned today? Share your opinion in the comments.