Summer Drinks: Coffee?
As temperatures rise during the summer months, people often reach for cold drinks to stay cool and hydrated for the day ahead. Refreshing fruit juices, iced teas, and even soft drinks are popular choices for those avoiding the extreme heat of the midday sun. But is it ever a good idea to drink coffee in summer?
Coffee, with its strong and bitter taste, is generally deemed to be too hot a drink to consume during the summer months, and instead is more likely be found as part of a traditional winter beverage. But while hot coffee is certainly uncomfortable to drink in hot temperatures, research shows that cold brew has seen an uptick in popularity among summertime drinkers in recent years. Nevertheless, the question remains – is cold brew a healthy choice when it comes to keeping cool in the heat?
Experts are divided when it comes to this particular beverage conundrum. Nutritionists and dietitians recommend that coffee should be avoided in the summer months, citing the high levels of acidity and caffeine that it can contain. This can lead to dehydration, stomach issues, and other health problems. On the other hand, doctors argue that cold brew coffees can contain significantly less acid and caffeine than their hot-tempered counterparts. They argue that when iced correctly, coffee can be consumed without any health concerns – it even provides the body with some valuable nutrients.
The debate over summer coffee-drinking continues in light of both arguments, but one thing is certain – cold brew coffee does have some potential health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants, for example, and helps to keep the body energised and free of fatigue. Furthermore, cold brewed coffees can contain up to twice as much caffeine as their hot counterparts, making them an ideal choice for those needing an extra jolt of energy.
However, health professionals still advise coffee-lovers to monitor their intake of summer beverages. Too much cold brew – and other summer drinks – can lead to dehydration, confusion, and other unpleasant physical symptoms. In particular, people with certain medical conditions should seek professional advice before consuming cold coffees.
Alternatives to Cold Coffee
Fortunately, there are a range of alternatives to iced coffee that provide an enjoyable and refreshing experience. Iced teas, for example, can be brewed with a range of natural fruits and spices, creating an array of different flavours and tastes. With no added sugars and caffeine, these drinks are a healthy option for those wishing to stay hydrated during the hot summer months.
Iced smoothies are also a popular cold drink option, with hundreds of recipes available online. Fruits such as berries, bananas, pineapple and melon can be blended together with Greek yoghurt, almond milk and ice to create a nutritious and delicious smoothie. With such a variety of flavours available, smoothies are great for keeping cool during the summer.
In addition, herbal and green teas are a popular choice for those who wish to reduce their caffeine intake in the summer months. Rich in antioxidants, green teas have been used for centuries for their healing powers, and are an ideal summertime drink for those wishing for a delicious and refreshing experience.
Health Benefits
Whilst cold coffees and other summer drinks may not be the best option for everyone, they can still provide a range of potential health benefits. Cold brewed coffees in particular are said to provide the body with a number of antioxidants, reducing the risk of heart disease and obesity. Additionally, cold coffees contain a range of vitamins and minerals, providing benefits such as increased energy levels, reduced stress and improved concentration.
Alternatively, iced teas, smoothies and herbal teas are a healthier choice when it comes to staying cool in the heat. With no caffeine and fewer calories, these drinks can provide the body with essential vitamins, minerals and fluids. What’s more, the natural sweetness and flavour of the fruits used to make these drinks mean that there is no need for added sugars and unhealthy ingredients.
Considerations
Before reaching for the cold coffee or tea, it is important to remember to moderate intake. Too much caffeine and sugar can have harmful health effects on both the body and the mind. Furthermore, caffeine is also known to cause dehydration, and can worsen symptoms of dehydration if over-consumed in the summer months. A general rule of thumb is to limit iced beverage intake to two cups per day.
Ultimately, when it comes to summer drinks, moderation is the key. Choose wisely, and the rewards in terms of taste and refreshment can be plentiful. With a range of alternatives available, and the potential benefits of some of these drinks, staying cool during the hot summer months needn’t be a challenge.
Coffee Alternatives
Hotter days can mean reaching for cold coffee, but this can cause a host of health issues. Therefore, many people are turning to other, healthier alternatives to cold coffees, such as teas and smoothies. These drinks offer a range of flavors and nutritional benefits, without the health drawbacks of excessive caffeine and acidity.
The biggest advantage of alternative drinks is that their ingredients are mostly natural and don’t come with the same health risks as hot coffee. For example, organic teas can contain vitamins and minerals that help to boost energy levels, whereas cold coffees usually have added syrups and artificial flavours. Additionally, iced teas and smoothies also contain fewer calories and carbohydrates than hot coffees.
Another advantage of alternative drinks is that they don’t cause stomach upset. As cold coffees come with a high level of acidity, they can be hard on the digestive system. Alternatively, iced teas and smoothies are easier to digest and don’t contain any acidity. This can be beneficial to those with digestive issues, such as nausea and indigestion.
Lastly, alternative drinks are much kinder on the teeth. Cold coffees contain higher quantities of sugar, meaning they are more likely to erode tooth enamel over time. Thus, opting for iced tea or smoothies instead can help to protect your teeth from damage caused by sugar.
Environmental Impact
When it comes to the environmental impact of hot and cold coffees, the debate is similar to that of their health benefits. And while the environmental footprint of coffee can be difficult to measure, experts generally agree that cold coffees are preferable in terms of their impact on the environment.
When brewed hot, the production of coffee requires energy to heat the water and the beans. This burning of energy resources often comes from non-renewable sources, leading to increased levels of carbon dioxide when released into the atmosphere.
On the other hand, cold brew coffee only needs to be heated once until boiling point, meaning that the energy used is much less than that used for hot coffee. Additionally, cold coffees are usually available in recyclable containers that make up for their excessive weight.
Therefore, it is possible to reduce your environmental impact by opting for cold coffees over the traditional hot beverage option. This is an excellent way to stay refreshed in the summer months, without contributing to the global carbon footprint.
Final Thoughts
With the arrival of the summer months comes the opportunity to switch up our usual hot coffee routine and opt instead for a refreshing iced coffee or smoothie. While coffee should be consumed in moderation in order to protect against dehydration and other health issues, cold coffees can offer a number of potential health benefits too.
For those looking to reduce their potential environmental footprint, cold coffees provide an excellent choice in terms of their energy usage during production. And with a variety of alternative drinks available to choose from, there’s no shortage of options for those wishing to keep cool and refreshed during the summer months.
