Most people cannot survive a day without a cup of coffee, making it one of the most popular drinks worldwide. Like other drinks in the market, coffee has evolved from simple hot coffee to different varieties such as cold brew coffee. More and more people are learning about cold brew coffee in recent years, and the idea of drinking cold brew coffee has drawn the attention of some. Cold brew coffee requires time to steep coffee beans in cold water for 12 to 24 hours rather than using hot water to extract flavor and caffeine. Despite its popularity, many are unaware of the benefits of drinking cold coffee.
Cold Brew Coffee vs. Regular Coffee
In contrast to conventional iced coffee, created by freezing and adding ice to prepared hot coffee, cold brew is distinct from all other brews. Making a cold brew involves steeping coffee grounds in cold water for a long time, generally in the refrigerator. Because of its lower acidity, cold brew is smoother and friendlier to the stomach. Cold brew is for you if you enjoy coffee but frequently have acid reflux. But don’t choose any old beans. Choose a darkly roasted bean to ensure that you will extract less acid.
Because it is being marketed this way, particularly by the large coffee chains, cold brew is frequently portrayed as iced coffee, but it is much more. Darker coffee beans are commonly used because they are simpler to extract, even without hot water. Additionally, coffee with a lighter roast has a more acidic flavor, which is undesirable. Cold brew is frequently characterized as creamy, smooth, and less acidic, with taste overtones of cocoa. When preparing regular coffee, boiling water causes the coffee’s inherent acids to be released, giving your cup the vibrant, acidic qualities that most coffee enthusiasts cherish.
Benefits of Drinking Cold Brew Coffee
1. Cold coffee is a great way to fire up your hectic morning.
Individuals who find it difficult to wake up early in the morning to prepare coffee find cold brew coffee very convenient because they don’t need to wake up early every morning.
2. Cold brew coffee improves concentratio.
You feel more energized and concentrated after drinking cold brew coffee because of the slightly increased caffeine level. A stimulant known as caffeine binds to adenosine receptors. Dopamine is more likely to be absorbed because of this action, which lessens how tired you become.
3. It Lowers the Chance of Diabetes.
We’ve got a good reason for you if you need one more excuse to enjoy some highly caffeinated cold brew: it can lower your chances of developing type-2 diabetes. A study of almost 1,000 people found that those who drank three or more cups of regular-strength coffee each day, sometimes just the equivalent of one and a half cups of cold brew, were more than 40% less likely to develop type-2 diabetes.
4. Cold-brew coffee improves mood.
It has been demonstrated that caffeine enhances mood and overall mental health. According to the National Library of Medicine, caffeine consumption has been shown to improve mood and mental clarity in sleep-deprived people at about 300 mg. Higher doses beyond 600 mg may result in anxiety. In 2016, a meta-analysis of nearly 370,000 adults from observational studies found that coffee users had decreased rates of depression. Researchers believe that the risk of depression is lowered by 8% for every cup of coffee.
5. Reduces the risk of developing heart disease.
Coronary artery disease or heart diseases, such as heart attacks and stroke, are just a few illnesses that can harm your heart. Heart disease is the primary killer around the globe. Some components such as caffeine, phenolic compounds, magnesium, trigonelline, quinides, and lignans are found in cold brew coffee, which lowers your risk of heart disease. These reduce blood pressure, regulate blood sugar, and improve insulin sensitivity.
6. Provides antioxidants to the body.
Cold brew has a lot of antioxidants, which can help lower the risk of various health problems, including cancer. Antioxidants eliminate free radicals from our bodies. Our cells accumulate free radicals because of regular metabolism. Given their typically unbalanced diets, coffee contributes significantly to the daily antioxidant intake of many Americans. If you include a glass or two of cold brew in your morning routine and consume a typical American diet, you may reduce your risk of developing several health issues.
7. Cold-brew coffee is more tummy-friendly.
Cold brewing not only results in a sweeter taste, but it’s also much easier on your stomach because it’s less acidic. Therefore, if you have avoided coffee due to this problem, you have found a solution. Whatever the case, going for a lighter-weight coffee alternative is always a good idea. Some businesses claim that cold brew coffee can have up to a third less acid than hot brewed coffee. The pH of hot and cold coffee is very similar—roughly 5.5, give or take. Although there was little change in pH between hot and cold extracted coffees, researchers did discover differences in the kinds and amounts of acidic chemicals removed from the two brews. Therefore, it appears that cold brewing produces few acids in coffee but has little effect on pH.
8. Your risk of developing Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease may be lower.
Cold brew coffee may enhance your mood and concentration while having additional advantages for your brain. Your nerve system is stimulated by caffeine, which could affect your brain’s work. According to a recent study, drinking coffee can shield your brain from age-related illnesses. Many substances found in coffee, including phenylindanes and Harman and nonharman substances, seem to defend against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
9. Have a good effect on metabolism and weight loss.
Coffee has less than five calories per serving if you don’t add much milk and sweets. Those sick of drinking plain water may find that black coffee is a low-calorie beverage. Cold-brewed coffee can often be consumed unsweetened by those who usually need to add sugar and creamer to their hot beverage. This is probably due to a decrease in cold brew’s harsh tastes. Coffee consumption also appears to increase metabolic rate temporarily. Unfortunately, this effect was more noticeable in thinner individuals and less so in obese individuals.
10. May prolong your life.
Drinking a cup of cold brew coffee may lower your risk of passing away from all causes and diseases. The longer a person drinks coffee, the lower their risk of dying from heart disease, respiratory disease, stroke, injuries, accidents, diabetes, and infections, according to a long-term study including 229,119 men and 173,141 women aged 50 to 71. Antioxidants aid in preventing cell damage that can result in chronic illnesses, including cancer, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Specific disordes may drastically shorten your lifespan.