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#698: Dr. Mark Plotkin on Coffee, The World’s Favorite Stimulant — Chemistry, History, and More

The Tim Ferriss Show

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The Various Ways Early Ethiopians Consumed Coffee

The Oromos of ancient Ethiopia had various ways of consuming coffee, including chewing the beans and leaves, making a wine from the fermented pulp, and mixing ground fruits with animal fat. Coffee was a vital part of their travel snack. The main reason for creating different ways to consume coffee was the revelation of caffeine as a stimulant. Caffeine is an alkaloid found in the coffee plant and was one of the first stimulants discovered by humans and pre-human ancestors. It increases alertness, energy, focus, and performance while reducing drowsiness. In moderation, caffeine can provide a sense of comfort, well-being, and even subtle euphoria.

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