Coffee is not just a drink. If you drink a cup of coffee in the morning, you can maintain your stamina. Drinking it in the afternoon can help keep your eyes awake at night to complete a pile of tasks. More interestingly, it contains many antioxidant compounds that have a positive effect on health.
Professor Sri Anggrahini of the Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM FTP) delivered a scientific speech entitled “Coffee for Health in the Time of the Covid-19 Pandemic” in a scientific oration at the peak of the 58th Anniversary of FTP at the Auditorium of UGM FTP on Monday (20/9).
Based on various international studies, Sri said that coffee was at the top of the list as an intake that can prevent exposure to Covid-19. Other previous studies also found that coffee can boost immunity due to the antioxidant properties of polyphenols and phenolic compounds. Although it can increase immunity, she added, it is recommended not to consume coffee on an empty stomach. “Drinking coffee on an empty stomach can increase blood sugar levels, stomach acid, and the risk of stomach ulcers,” she said.
According to her, research on the efficacy of coffee needs to be followed up to encourage coffee consumption in the community and give people knowledge on the safe limits of consuming coffee. Coffee can also detect if someone has Covid or not. “Generally, people with COVID-19 experience loss of the sense of smell or anosmia. Coffee can be used to detect these symptoms because it has a strong taste and aroma,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Dean of UGM FTP, Prof. Dr. Eni Harmayani, at the peak of the commemoration of the 58th Anniversary of UGM FTP, said that the faculty has been active for 58 years in serving the country. This long journey has produced thousands of alumni who are engaged in various fields, especially the development of agricultural technology in advancing the welfare of the community. Since its establishment on 19 September 1963, FTP has produced 9 thousand alumni working in a wide range of fields.
Eni said that agricultural technology is one of the efforts in improving community welfare through meeting national food needs and implementing a competitive and sustainable agro-industry.
Even in a pandemic, said Eni, UGM FTP continues to disseminate various research results through webinars with resource persons representing each department to present their superior research. She said that from January to September 2021, 92 studies had been carried out. In her report on research data, publications, and intellectual property produced by UGM FTP throughout 2021, it was stated that there were 91 studies, 191 publications in international journals, and 29 publications in national journals. In addition, there are 7 books and book chapters published, 8 intellectual property rights, and 1,422 citations.
Other than research, Eni said UGM FTP has also established a center for Indonesian culinary and gastronomic studies. The center facilitates a forum for researchers and practitioners to explore fields related to gastronomy and culinary arts. “We conduct an assessment of indigenous knowledge and local wisdom about food so that it is more well-known and loved by the community,” she said.
