Background
Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world. Its popularity is due to its rich flavour and its numerous benefits, which are attributed to its components, mainly caffeine. This stimulant can help improve focus and alertness, as well as reduce fatigue and enjoy a better rest. Furthermore, research suggests that coffee may have a protective effect against several chronic diseases including type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and some forms of cancer. But how can we maximize the health benefits of coffee?
The Brewing Process
The healthiest way to drink coffee is to brew it properly. This process requires properly selected and freshly ground coffee, precise temperature, and precise water to coffee ratio, according to the World Coffee Research. The most crucial step is grinding: the size and shape of the grind particles will determine the extraction efficiency and ultimately the taste of the cup. For this reason, the beans must be ground only moments before brewing.
Type of Water
The type of water used for brewing also has a major impact on the taste and the aroma of the cup. Tap water is usually high in minerals, while purified water generally produces a better taste. The World Barista Championship also recommends that the temperature of the water should stay between 90˚C and 96˚C, ensuring that it is high enough to extract the desired flavours from the grounds, yet not too high to ruin the delicate flavour of the coffee.
Health Benefits of Coffee
Research suggests that consuming coffee can be beneficial for the health. It has been linked to a decreased risk of type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and some types of cancer, as well as a reduced risk of stroke, heart disease, depression and even Alzheimer’s disease.
Furthermore, coffee can help improve alertness, memory and concentration. It is also associated with improved mood and energy levels, as well as reduced fatigue.
Finally, coffee may have the ability to improve physical performance, as caffeine helps mobilise fat stores and can aid performance in endurance activities.
Consumption
The American Heart Association recommends drinking coffee in moderation. The organization highlights that this beverage may have beneficial effects on metabolic parameters, such as cholesterol, but can also have adverse effects if consumed in large amounts. The AHA suggests limiting your coffee consumption to three to four cups per day.
In addition, experts recommend avoiding adding excessive amounts of sugar and creamers to coffee, as these can undermine its health benefits. Instead, one may opt for unsweetened milk, sugar substitutes or even some spices, such as cinnamon, to enhance the flavour and its health benefits.
Alternative Ways to Drink Coffee
Cold Brew Coffee is a new way to consume this beverage that has gained immense popularity in recent years. This process requires cold water, a coarse grind and more time (6-24 hours) to steep the grounds. The result is a smooth, good-tasting and less bitter cup of coffee.
Another way to enhance the flavor and health benefits of coffee is to opt for organic and specialty grade coffee beans. Organic beans are grown without the use of pesticides, while specialty grade beans are carefully selected and are of the highest quality.
Organic versus Conventional Coffee
Organic coffee is often touted as a better choice since it is grown without the use of harmful pesticides. Research suggests that organic coffee generally contains higher antioxidants levels, therefore having positive health effects. However, some experts suggest that the differences in health benefits between organic and conventionally grown coffee are minimal, and therefore not significant enough to justify the higher prices of organic coffee.
Conclusion
To get the full benefits of coffee drinking, it is important to choose the right coffee, use the proper brewing technique and limit your consumption. Coffee is not only a delicious beverage that can be enjoyed by everyone, it also has several health benefits and can improve your physical and mental performance. Therefore, it is important to be informed about the healthiest way to drink coffee in order to make sure you get the most out of it.
