As heat waves spread across the United States, many of us are ditching hot coffee and opting for iced coffee or cold brew.
But while the cold version may help cool you down, it could change the drink’s impact on your health.
According to Dr. Majid Basit, a cardiologist at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital in Texas, a A hot cup of coffee may have more disease-fighting nutrients than iced coffee.
In addition, the strong aroma of a steaming cup has been shown to improve mood and reduce feelings of fatigue.
However, cold brew coffee may still have some benefits, including being less acidic and even helping to regulate blood sugar.
Research suggests that coffee may improve health by preventing chronic diseases and boosting metabolism, but there has long been debate over whether it is better to drink it hot or iced.
“Hot coffee has been shown to have higher amounts of antioxidants, which may offer health benefits,” Dr. Basit said. The HuffPost.
Antioxidants are molecules that attack free radicals, unstable compounds that increase oxidative stress throughout the body.
Too much oxidative stress has been shown to damage cells and lead to long-term health problems such as heart disease, Alzheimer’s, kidney failure, and even some forms of cancer.
A 2018 study in the journal Scientific reportsFor example, hot coffee was found to have higher levels of antioxidants compared to cold coffee. This is because brewing coffee with hot water extracts more nutrients from the beans than with cold water.
Other foods rich in antioxidants include berries, green tea, dark chocolate, legumes, and artichokes, among others.
Some research also suggests that hot coffee may give you an added energy boost. 2020 Study A study by the American Chemical Society, for example, found that hot-brew methods produced slightly higher caffeine levels than cold-brewed coffee.
Jordan Karchner, coffee expert and founder of Grounds & Hounds Coffee Co., said: Bustle that cold brew coffee “contains less caffeine, which is a benefit for those who really crave a second cup of coffee but are feeling a little shaky.”
And even smelling the aroma of hot coffee could make you feel more relaxed, since hot coffee has a stronger aroma than iced drinks.
A study published in the journal Journal of agricultural and food chemistry Using rodents, it was suggested that a single sip of hot coffee reduced levels of fatigue and stress.
AND Research 2021 They found that people who inhaled coffee aromas before undergoing dental procedures were less anxious and more relaxed than those who did not.
“Since hot coffee emits more steam, it’s possible that this effect is more pronounced with hot coffee than with cold coffee,” Dr. Basit said.
And a 2009 Study They found that participants who held a cup of coffee for a few minutes were more likely to view others as generous, caring, and warm than those who were asked to hold an iced coffee.
According to researchers, drinking coffee in moderation may be good for your health. The drink has been linked to a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, and liver disease, among other benefits.
However, iced coffee may have its own benefits.
For example, cold brew coffee tends to be less acidic than hot coffee, as heat increases the acid content. More acidic beverages can disrupt healthy bacteria in your gut, leading to digestive distress.
Dr. Eva Cwynar, an endocrinologist based in Beverly Hills, said: First for women‘Acidic coffee disrupts your natural gut flora, which actually makes you feel sluggish.’
Cold brewed coffee has also been shown to contain higher levels of magnesium and antioxidants called chlorogenic acids. These can help regulate blood sugar and lower blood pressure, which lowers the risk of developing heart disease.
However, Dr Barit cautioned that research is limited and much remains unknown about what temperature is best for coffee. “More research is needed,” he said.