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By Janet Boyce, Resident Glorious coffee, likely the most popular drink first thing in the morning. e origin of coffee goes back as far as the 9th century. According to legend, the story of coffee began in Ethiopia, where a goat herder noticed that his goats became energetic aer eating red berries from a certain shrub. e monks later brewed the berries into a drink, in order to stay awake during long prayers. Coffee cultivation eventually spread to the Arabian Peninsula in the 15th century. By the 1400s, coffee houses appeared in cities like Mecca and Cairo. ese places became social hubs for conversation, music, business, and politics. By the 17th century, coffee reached Europe through the trade routes. It was first introduced in Italy, and then spread to France, England, and Austria. European coffee houses became known as "penny universities" because, for the price of a cup, people could engage in intellectual discussion. Coffee finally came to the Americas in the 18th century. Coffee plants were brought to the New World by European colonists. It flourished in tropical climates — especially in Brazil, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Brazil is now the world's largest coffee producer. Instant coffee was invented in the late 1800s. Major brands emerged in the 1900s. Coffee became a daily staple worldwide from the 19th century on. In the late 1900s, companies like Starbucks popularized the specialty coffee culture. Coffee became expensive! Now you pay over $5 just for a cup. Today, coffee is one of the most traded commodities in the world. It supports millions of farmers globally and remains central to daily life in many cultures. Johns Hopkins and the Mayo Clinic have evidence from multiple studies, showing that coffee consumption is linked to various potential health benefits in moderate amounts (about one to three cups daily), and some risks. It improves alertness, focus, and reaction time, due to the caffeine. It may lower the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. It has also been associated with a lower risk of depression in some studies. Studies have shown that coffee can help protect your heart and liver. It may reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Coffee has also been associated with a reduced risk of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. It can improve liver enzyme levels. Coffee slightly increases the metabolic rate and may enhance fat burning short-term. It can suppress appetite for some people. Regular coffee drinkers also tend to have a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, possibly due to the antioxidants and anti- inflammatory compounds. As with anything, there are some drawbacks. Coffee can worsen acid reflux or GERD symptoms. It may increase anxiety or disrupt sleep. is happens to me, so I'm careful not to drink coffee aer 12 noon. However you drink your coffee, it's best to limit the amount of added cream or sugar. I have learned how to use less by gradually adding less over time. I don't think I could ever drink straight, black coffee though. So, here's to coffee! We love it for the caffeine effect, the aroma and flavors, the early morning ritual, and its accessibility. Celebrate with a cup of joe. SOLERA DIAMOND VALLEY | APRIL 2026 11 Celebration of Coffee