Health Benefits of Cold Brew Coffee
There are many health benefits of cold brew coffee. It is the perfect choice for those hot summer days and, if you're not familiar with this beverage, it is something you can try even if you're on the low-calorie phase of the HCG Diet.
It is made by steeping ground coffee beans in room temperature or cold water for several hours, often overnight. This method results in a less acidic, less bitter beverage. In some ways it is more similar to tea than traditional hot-brewed coffee. The steeped coffee is then strained and bottled or served over ice. If on Phase 2 (the low-calorie phase) if the HCG Diet, you can add 1 tablespoon of milk* and flavored or clear stevia. The result is an earthy, smooth beverage that's perfect for those who aren't fans of hot coffee or espresso drinks. Here are four health benefits of cold brew coffee:
1. Cold brew coffee is better for your stomach
It is the bitter compounds present in hot-brewed coffee that give it its strong flavor and aroma. These compounds are called "caffeine acids", which are only produced when hot water is added to the grounds during brewing. Cold brew coffee has a milder flavor with less of a bitter hit and aftertaste.
Bitter compounds are what causes acid reflux and heartburn in some people. If this happens to you, try switching to cold brew instead! If you're not sure if this applies to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Let them about how caffeine affects you personally.
2. Cold brew coffee has more antioxidants than regular brewed coffee
Coffee beans are rich in polyphenols, which are antioxidants that help fight free radicals in the body. The longer you brew your coffee, the more polyphenols will be extracted from the beans -- but not all of this goodness makes it into your cup. Cold-brewed coffee contains more polyphenolic compounds than brewed coffee because cold water extraction allows for more complete extraction of these compounds from the beans.
3. Cold brew coffee contains more chlorogenic acid than regular brewed coffee
Cold brew coffee contains more chlorogenic acid than regular brewed coffee. Chlorogenic acid helps prevent blood sugar spikes after eating by slowing down how quickly your body absorbs glucose from carbohydrates like breads and potatoes. This makes cold brew great for diabetics or anyone trying to maintain stable blood sugar levels throughout the day.
4. Cold brew coffee can be lower in caffeine
Caffeine is a stimulant that affects everyone differently. Some people love coffee because it keeps them alert throughout the day. Others may find that too much caffeine makes them jittery or anxious instead. When making cold brew coffee, you can control how much caffeine goes into each cup by adjusting how long it sits overnight in your fridge or freezer before drinking it.
Cold brew has less caffeine per cup than hot coffee because some of the caffeine escapes during the brewing process. However, this varies depending on how much you dilute your cold brew after you've made it, which also changes its caffeine content.
Cold brew coffee is a great alternative to hot coffee. It has less acidity and bitterness, which means you can drink it without adding anything to it. The benefits of cold brew coffee are numerous and include those listed above. Consider switching to cold brew coffee, at least some of the time, to enjoy its many health benefits today.
*You are allowed 1 tablespoon of milk (skim, 1%, 2% or whole) PER DAY while on the low-calorie phase, Phase 2, of the HCG Diet.