Is It Good to Drink Coffee In Summer?
A person’s relationship with coffee can come in many shapes and forms. There are those who prefer to take their coffee black, those who include a splash of milk or cream, the caramel macchiato drinkers and those who’ll opt for a cold brew over the hot roast. As temperatures start to rise, coffee-lovers are left wondering whether coffee should still feature in their beverages of choice or not.
According to registered dietitian Christy Brissette, drinking coffee during warm months can be beneficial to one’s health, in moderation. She suggests “If you enjoy coffee and it doesn’t set off any gastrointestinal distress, then drinking coffee on hot days is fine”. However, its worth noting that depending on the environment, excessive amounts of coffee can end up making you feel more tired due to the increase in body temperature.
Dr. Nina Radcliff breaks it down further, offering an explanation as to why drinking coffee over the summer months can be just as beneficial as in the colder months. “Coffee contains antioxidants and caffeine, both of which have been found to have various health benefits associated with them”, she says. From improving focus, increasing heart health to curbing inflammation, these two components act as catalysts in providing the body with positive impacts.
Is Cold Coffee Better In The Summer?
The debate between hot and cold brewed coffee has been ongoing for some time now. Taste aside, cold brews can come with health perks that hot brewed alternatives can’t even come close to providing. Due to the fact that cold brews don’t submit caffeine to high temperatures, the bitter taste is eliminated. This allows for the milder and slightly sweeter undertones of the coffee to come through. Furthermore, The consumption of cold brews has also been linked to increased energy, focus and cognitive function throughout the day.
The Positive Effects of Coffee On Athletes
Most athletes know the importance of rest and hydration, there are other aspects of physical performance that should not go unconsidered. Based on current scientific evidence, caffeine has been found to promote better sports performance for amateur athletes. During practices and especially in competitions, athletes can benefit from the boost of energy and focus that caffeine provides. Although this is the case, it is important to note that one should not consume coffee just before a workout session or race as the spike in adrenaline that occurs isn’t ideal.
Ways To Enjoy Coffee During The Hot Months
With summer in full swing, here are some caffeinated options to try out during warm months:
- Cold brew on ice: The perfect blend of cold and hot! Simply prepare your cold brew concentrate the night before and pour over ice with a splash of almond milk.
- Iced cappuccino: Gently pour a shot or two of espresso over a frozen cup and top it off with frothed milk.
- Iced latte: Simply pour a shot of espresso over fresh iced and top with your favorite type of latte, frothed.
- Iced tea latte or Matcha latte: For those looking for alternatives to coffee, blend up some iced tea or matcha powder with a bit of almond or oat milk for a boost of energy.
What To Watch Out For When Drinking Coffee In The Summer
Even though coffee can be consumed during the summer, it is important to be mindful of several things. Perhaps the most important is to avoid any type of coffee-based drinks that contain sugar. As sugar has the potential to spike one’s insulin levels, making them feel even more thirsty. In addition, weighing up the cup size is also key in making sure to keep liquid intake under control. Going with a large cup can have an adverse effect, leaving an individual dehydrated and possibly prone to headaches.
Health Benefits Linked To Coffee
Coffee is a drink almost endlessly associated with different health benefits. The opinion of experts in the field may vary, but studies continue to show positive correlations between coffee and the benefits it can provide to one’s health. Not only does drinking coffee reduce the risks of cardiovascular diseases, heart attack and stroke, it may also decrease the potential of an individual to suffer from cirrhosis and other chronic liver diseases. Coffee has been found to lower the risk of developing diabetes, certain cancers and Parkinson’s disease, as well as acts as a natural antidepressant.
Risks Of Excessive Coffee Consumption
Although coffee can have benefits, overdoing it can also have detriments. Too much caffeine can impact individuals differently, causing restlessness, anxiety and even insomnia. Caffeine is a diuretic and can cause dehydration, as well as lead to dizziness, headaches and increased heart rate. Therefore in order to reap the full benefits of coffee, one should regulate their intake in order to avoid experiencing any of its adverse effects.
Factors To Consider When Buying Coffee During The Summer
From the type of coffee used to the cup size and cream, consumers should be mindful of certain points. Since the summer months can bring about high temperatures, consumers should note that coffee-based drinks left to stand for too long can become stale overtime. Therefore, it is advised to buy coffee immediately after brew and consumed as soon as possible. It is also important to pick beans with high-fat content, such as those from Colombia or El Salvador. Coffees with less fat and more acid tend not to hold up as much during the warmer months.
Maintaining The Quality Of Coffee During The Summer
Storing coffee in the right environment is of vital importance in order to maintain its quality. A cool and humid-free environment, such as an air-tight container or an area without direct sun exposure is best. A fridge should be a last option as humidity and temperature fluctuations can occur, affecting the taste of the beans. Furthermore, it is typically not recommended to store coffee beans in the freezer, unless there are packs of pre-ground coffee, as freezing temperatures can cause moisture and condensation to form.
