International Coffee Day: History, Significance & Unknown Benefits

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages enjoyed by millions of people across the world. Most of us find it difficult to begin our days without a cup of strong coffee. As a result, it is not unexpected that we devote a whole day to this beverage.

Every year on October 1st, International Coffee Day is celebrated to honor and promote coffee as a beverage. This day is also used to educate the public on the advantages, history, and popularity of coffee. People celebrate and recognize the hard work & efforts of individuals involved in the coffee industry on this special day. A true coffee lover is aware that there are several varieties of coffee, ranging from Cappuccino to Double Espresso and this list is never-ending.

History of International Coffee Day

The International Coffee Organization (ICO) declared International Coffee Day in 2014 to dedicate a day to all  coffee lovers. However, it wasn't until 2015 that the ICO launched its first official Coffee Day in Milan. However, other countries throughout the world have their own national coffee days on different dates throughout the year.

During a press conference to announce the first New Orleans Coffee Festival in 2009, the Southern Food and Beverage Museum first used the name "International Coffee Day." On this day, several businesses offer discounted beverages, freebies, coupons, as well as organize social media campaigns to promote the beverage.

International Coffee Day was first celebrated by the ICO in China in 1997, while Taiwan celebrated it for the first time in 2009. International Coffee Day was first observed in Nepal on November 17, 2005.

 Significance of International Coffee Day

The main objective of International Coffee Day is to promote fair trade coffee and educate people about the situation of coffee growers across the world. The day is dedicated to appreciating the millions of growers who go above and beyond to produce coffee for us. People commemorate this day by learning about the history of this fragrant crop, sampling various varieties of coffee and meals prepared from its beans, and organizing various activities at coffee shops and chain outlets.

Is Coffee good for your Health?

Thanks to its high levels of antioxidants and beneficial nutrients, it also seems to be quite healthy. According to studies, coffee users have a much decreased risk of various serious diseases.

Increase Your Energy Levels and Make You Smarter

Coffee can help people feel less fatigued and have more energy. This is due to the presence of caffeine, a stimulant that is the most widely consumed psychoactive substance in the world. Many controlled human studies suggest that coffee enhances various aspects of brain function, such as memory, mood, alertness, energy levels, response speeds, and overall mental performance.

Helps in Fat Burning

Caffeine is present in nearly every commercial fat-burning product for a reason. It is one of the few natural substances that have been shown to help in fat burning. Caffeine has been shown in studies to increase metabolic rate by 3–11 percent. According to other research, caffeine can particularly enhance fat burning by up to 10% in obese individuals and 29% in lean people. However, in long-term coffee drinkers, these effects may fade.

Drastically Improve Physical Performance

Caffeine activates your neurological system, signaling fat cells to begin the breakdown of body fat. However, it also raises epinephrine (adrenaline) levels in the blood. This is the fight-or-flight hormone, and it prepares your body for intense physical activity. Caffeine breaks body fat, making free fatty acids accessible for use as fuel.

Given these effects, it's no surprise that caffeine can boost physical performance by 11–12% on average.

As a result, it makes sense to have a strong cup of coffee about 30 minutes before going to the gym.

If you like the flavor and can handle the caffeine content, don't hesitate to have a cup or two throughout the day.