International Coffee Day today

International Coffee Day is being observed today, October 1, to recognise the contributions of farmers, producers, traders and others involved in the global coffee industry.

The International Coffee Organization (ICO) declared October 1 as International Coffee Day in 2014, with the first official celebration held in Italy in 2015.

Coffee is one of the world’s most popular beverages and contains antioxidants and other beneficial compounds. Moderate caffeine consumption may offer some health benefits, while excessive intake can cause sleep problems, restlessness and increased heart rate.

Health effects also depend on how coffee is prepared and consumed. Black or unsweetened coffee generally contains fewer added calories than coffee with large amounts of sugar, milk or other high-calorie ingredients.

Brazil is the world’s largest coffee producer, followed by Vietnam. Colombia, Indonesia and Ethiopia are also among the leading coffee-producing countries.

-AJM