As far back as 850 A.D it is said that a lonely sheep herder
and his charge stumbled across a strange and mysterious berry
growing on a secluded and forgotten hillside. Before he could
stop them, some of his sheep had already began to sample this
strange fruit. After about ten minutes or so the shepherd began
to notice something unusual about his sheep. They no longer
looked tired after their long trek that day. In fact they
appeared to be wide awake and very alert. The shepherd had
never seen them behave this way and he was curious. Now being a
little tired and weary himself the shepherd decided to try the
berries for himself. Just as had happened with his flock he too
became wide awake and pardon the pun, extremely "full of beans".
Just then a monk happened by and after hearing what had happened
proceeded to scold the poor shepherd and lecture him on his
foolish indulgence. Having had his say the monk continued on
his journey but before he set off he made absolutely sure that
a plant was secured amongst his belongings.

Back at the abbey the monks decided to try this new magical
stimulant. Soon the endless hours of praying became easy to
endure. Coffee the beverage had been unleashed. Its widespread
use first took hold in the Ethiopian regions before then moving
on to the Arabian empire. Here it was to be held for many years
as a sacred substance until it was illegally exported to the
outside world by an Arab called Baba Budan. Word of its effects
then began to spread and in a short while coffee was to become
one of the most treasured commodities in our history. Today we
drink a staggering 4 billion cups each and every year and there
are many among us who would simply refuse to start our day
without it.

Although coffee is well known for keeping us awake there are
also health benefits associated with the drinking of coffee. It
is said that those who suffer from asthma and partake of the
drink have 25% less symptoms due to a substance called
theophylline. This is what is known as a bronchodilator and
quite simply it is claimed to help those who suffer from the
disease to breathe a little easier. Drinking Coffee on a
regular basis is also meant to help lower your risk of colon
cancer by a figure also in the region of around 25%. It is
thought to do this simply by helping to keep you regular which
in turn helps fend off disease and illness.

Apart from the benefits that have just been mentioned it has
to be said that simply drinking coffee as a beverage is a
delight that cannot easily be surpassed. The amazing thing is
that the average person has no idea of the varied tastes that
this hallowed bean has to offer. One of the growing trends of
recent years has to be the rising popularity of ordering coffee
via the wonder we call the internet. Never before have we been
able to sample such a wide variety of tastes, blends and aromas
without having to endure the tedious trials of hiking around the
city. I myself tend to place small orders but I always make a
point to record the name, blend and of course exactly from whom
I purchased.

Now you know the story of the magic beans I hope that next
timeyou are considering popping into the local coffee shop you
recall the story of the wandering sheep herder and consider
just what you might be drinking were he not to have wandered
with his flock onto that lonely hillside. Take the time to try
the many different varieties available and I promise you the
joys of coffee will be sure to tantalize your senses,tease your
tastebuds and delight your friends and associates