Chapter 181 - Coffee Culture

Drinking coffee and tea has already become a lifestyle throughout the ages. For most people, a day won't start without a cup of coffee to perk them on. It has become a part of almost every culture and has spread globally, especially in the Western world and urbanized centers. In the late 20th century, coffee houses have become social hubs and meeting places for all forms of transactions, especially business and political agenda.

The uses of coffee have evolved through time, and it is no longer restricted to its most common benefits, such as its energy-boosting power and its ability to increase one's metabolism. The evolution goes to the flavors as well and no longer limited to brewing, ground coffee beans. Coffee lovers better enjoy flavors such as caramel macchiato, french vanilla, mocha, hazelnut, and among others.

The many benefits of coffee, especially for those who want to lose weight, make coffee drinking more famous and widely-diffused. Researchers are promoting different kinds of slimming plant-based derivatives or herbal sources, incorporating it into the coffee drinks. Some herbs that also promote cardiovascular and sexual health benefits like Tongkat Ali, Ginseng, Ginkgo Biloba, and other plant extracts make its ways to the market and stay popular through multilevel marketing strategies.

Different companies introducing different kinds of slimming herbs and plant-based properties pave their waves to fame and fortune. Among the latest trends is the introduction of Garcinia Cambogia, a tropical fruit, also known as Malabar tamarind, known for its weight-trimming properties. Among its active ingredients is hydroxycitric acid, which is believed to block the production of fats in the body. It also increases the production of serotonin, a brain chemical, making one feel less hungry.

While Garcinia Cambogia and many other slimming properties hit the market, another powerful slimming coffee, the Myrtle Shade,  hit the slimmers world and in so short a time, it spread widely and was embraced by a thicker population around the globe and not just those who desire to lose weight.

Coffee shops specializing in different flavors of  Myrtle Shade rose in different corners of every city and were flooded by all people from different walks of life, except children. The company spent a huge amount on its promotion and advertisement, showing the population of its different clinical studies about its safety and potency. Aside from that, the source of Myrtle Shade revealed its high antioxidant level and so far, hit the record of containing the highest Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC} value. ORAC is a laboratory test that quantifies the total antioxidant capacity of a food or supplement. 

Myrtle Shade also surpassed the taste and rich aroma by any other coffee, aside from the highlights of its flavors offered by coffee houses. The company also offered instant packs for home use and separate packs for non-dairy creamers. The highlight for their instant packs was also the different flavors offered which consumers could choose. 

Cherry frowned when her mom mentioned Myrtle Shade. She, herself, had heard of it and even went to one of its cafes. The slightly high prices and its more elegant shops than the rest of the coffee shops were the only factors that made the difference. Yet, she couldn't deny that the taste, complemented by the beautiful ambiance of the place, was more excellent than the rest. However, it had nothing to do with her mom's addiction, even though coffee is the most widely-accepted stimulant. The effect of her addiction was similar to the adverse effect of using methamphetamines and it could never be the effect of coffee intake.

"I'm also using Myrtle Shade," she said, throwing her mom a confused look.

"That's what I said, exactly. That's the only thing I am addicted to."

When Cherry gave her that unbelieving look, she added, "Dear, ever since, I despise those who are taking drugs and I could never imagine myself taking it. Look at those drug addicts-their physical aura, their poor judgment, their messy looks are something I could never imagine doing to myself. I'd rather cut my wrist or get overdosed with pills rather than making myself a drug dependent."

Cherry could see the sincerity in her mom's expression and she wondered how come she got those chemical compounds in her blood. It would also be impossible to get drugged without her knowing unless she was a subject of a syndicate's experiment.

"Okay, I believe you. Whatever is your job now, I want you to resign immediately. I need to monitor you closely every day because the stage of your illness is no longer a joke."

"But, dear, I don't want to stay idle. You're no longer a baby that I could enjoy taking care of."

"Then work in my company. I can give you a job." Her mom stared at her, gaping at what she said, and before she could say anything, Cherry continued. "And one more thing, I want you to work with Miss Grace for the design of our new house. I'll leave it to you."

Cherry's mom cried hard upon hearing her. She felt ashamed of herself in the fact that her daughter accomplished great things in which she had never contributed to. Cherry succeeded in proving it to her that she could do well without her presence and that having her around, only meant shame and frustration. Yet, she could no longer bring back the time.

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After dinner, the nurse came in to give another dose of her relaxant to let her heart rest for a faster recovery. She then fell asleep and Cherry hurried up to talk to her cardiologist.

"Doc, I get nothing out of my interview and she is really sincere. She despises drug users and she even said she'll rather kill herself than to become an addict."

"Let's give her a much longer time to open up," the doctor smiled, expecting this result. "This is your first meeting and naturally, she is not expected to speak out."

Cherry nodded and suddenly, she wanted to ask about the negative effects of coffee intake. The caffeine in coffee also causes palpitation and eventually, in her opinion, will tire one's heart out.

"Is she a coffee drinker?" the doctor asked lazily.

"She said she's addicted to Myrtle Shade."

The doctor stared at her for a few seconds but then her eyes darted in shock as she seemed to realize something.

"You know, the cases of cardiomyopathy under me increases into ten folds and all of them begged me to let them take their favorite coffee during their admissions. Could it be that this Myrtle Shade has an addictive substance other than caffeine?