8 Reasons to Try Turkish Coffee (And How to Make It)

Turkish coffee is a rich, thick, and delightful drink, which is conventionally prepared from the seeds of Coffea arabica L. (Rubiaceae family).

It is made by combining finely ground coffee beans with water (with added sugar, although it can be served unsweetened as well) and bringing the liquid to a frothy foaming stage (below boiling).

The ground coffee is so fine that it resembles flour and becomes a part of the drink.

Turkish coffee is traditionally brewed in a pot called a cezve and served in demitasse-sized cups with tall sides that hold about two and a half ounces.

1. Improves exercise performance
   • Caffeine is a well-studied natural stimulant that can improve mental and athletic performance.
   • Turkish coffee offers an extremely adequate dose of caffeine that has benefits, including enhancing performance and improving reaction time and energy levels.
2. Protects the liver
   • The liver plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, such as controlling the balance of hormones (cortisone, thyroid, and other adrenal hormones).
   • Hormonal imbalances can occur during common chronic liver diseases, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and fatty liver.
   • Some studies suggest that the risk of liver dysfunction is lower for those who regularly drink Turkish coffee.
3. Strengthens the brain and prevents cognitive decline
   • Some studies suggest that Turkish coffee (caffeinated) can prevent many neurological conditions, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, dementia, and stroke.
   • A study reported that consuming adequate amounts of Turkish coffee is associated with a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by 27 percent.
   • Many scientific studies show that coffee improves mood, memory, reaction time, and cognitive functions.
4. Contains beneficial compounds
   • Turkish coffee is not filtered and may contain higher concentrations of beneficial bioactive compounds, such as chlorogenic acids, which are health-promoting antioxidants and polyphenols.
   • Chlorogenic acids can improve inflammation and blood sugar, cholesterol, and high blood pressure levels.
   • Coffee contains several other powerful compounds, including diterpenoids, which can reduce inflammation, fight infection, and improve heart health.
5. Has protective effects against certain diseases
   • Consuming Turkish coffee can help reduce the risk of some health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease.
   • A study reported that those who regularly consumed at least one cup of Turkish coffee a day had a 12 percent lower risk of developing type II diabetes than those who did not consume coffee.
   • Another study found that those who consumed two to three cups of coffee a day were associated with a 15 percent reduction in heart disease risk.
   • Coffee consumption is associated with a reduced risk of depression, cirrhosis, liver-related cancer, and endometrial cancer.
6. Reduces cancer risk significantly
   • A study suggested that Turkish coffee can reduce the risk of prostate cancer in men and endometrial cancer in women by 25 percent. 
   • Coffee can halt the development of basal cell carcinoma, a common type of skin cancer.
7. Provides instant energy
   • According to studies, the energy levels of those who regularly consume at least one cup of coffee during the day are 62 percent higher than those who do not.
   • Caffeine gives a psychoactive effect because it is quickly absorbed by the body.
8. Aids in weight loss
   • Turkish coffee contains magnesium and potassium that may help properly utilize insulin, regulate blood sugar levels, and reduce cravings for sugary treats.
   • Regular consumption of caffeine may help lose weight by breaking down fat cells and using it as fuel.
   • It stimulates the heart and circulatory system by secreting adrenaline hormones that accelerate metabolism and the body’s fat-burning mechanism.

Turkish coffee is prepared using a unique method that results in a robust flavor.

1. Grind coffee beans into a fine powder using a hand-operated or electric grinder.
2. Combine four heaping teaspoons of ground coffee and sugar (if desired) into a small pot containing one cup (240 mL) of cold, filtered water.
3. Heat the mixture over medium-low heat.
4. When the coffee sinks to the bottom of the pot, stir the ingredients a few times (do not overmix it).
5. Heat the mixture until a thick foam appears, just before the boiling stage.
6. Pour the mixture into small cups and remove any excess foam on top of the coffee.
7. Let it sit for some time to allow the grinds to settle to the bottom of the cup before enjoying.

Depending on your taste, sugar and cardamom can be added to the brew.

It is recommended to drink Turkish coffee in moderation. Consuming too much for health does more harm than good.

1. Sweetened with sugar
   • Frequent consumption of sweetened coffee can negatively affect health and increase the risk of various health problems, such as obesity, high triglycerides, and type II diabetes.
   • Use cardamom, cinnamon, or sugar alternatives to increase the flavor without adding sugar.
2. High caffeine content
   • Drinking excessive amounts of caffeine-containing coffee can cause sleep disturbances, anxiety, and other side effects in people who are sensitive to the effects of caffeine.
3. Can raise blood pressure
   • High amounts of caffeine can raise blood pressure, especially in people with high blood pressure.
   • Hence, people with hypertension are recommended to consume a maximum of one cup one or two times a week.
4. May increase triglyceride and cholesterol levels in the blood
   • Turkish coffee and other types of unfiltered coffee contain cafestol, a diterpenoid that can increase triglyceride and cholesterol levels in the blood.