How do you decide between different coffee drinks, specifically hot versus cold brews? Many people consider the weather, choosing cold in the summer and hot in the winter. However you choose your brew, the research suggests there are numerous benefits to drinking coffee in moderation, regardless of its temperature. Still, recent studies indicate that iced coffee can have surprising benefits over hot and vice versa. For instance, iced coffee is easier on the digestive system because it is less acidic than hot coffee. Still, hot coffee also has significant advantages over colder brews.
The Many Benefits of Hot Coffee
Hot coffee is antioxidant-rich and has proven mental health advantages. According to recent studies, hot coffee has more antioxidants than cold-brewed coffee. While the number of antioxidants might seem insignificant to some, the antioxidants in coffee give it its health benefits. The many benefits of antioxidants in coffee include the lower risks of several diseases, such as:
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Liver disease
- Premature death
A cup of hot coffee can also affect a person's mood. In one study, researchers told participants to either hold a cup of hot coffee or iced coffee. The researchers concluded that participants who held the hot coffee were more generous and viewed others as more caring and warmer, suggesting the experiential warmth of the coffee affected interpretations and expressions of interpersonal warmth.
Additionally, another study found that the aroma of hot coffee was enough to make people feel alert and less stressed. The hypothesis is that the scent of hot coffee can alter the activity of genes in the brain; however, more research is needed.
The Advantages of Iced Coffee
Iced coffees, especially cold-brewed coffees, have several advantages over hot coffees, including less acidity, less caffeine, and protection against heart attacks. If you love your coffee and crave a second cup, iced coffee might be the way to go. Iced coffee typically has about 40mg of caffeine per 100g; hot coffee contains 60mg. Doctors recommend limiting caffeine to ensure better sleep, lower blood pressure, and balanced hormones in women.
According to some experts, iced coffee contains more beneficial antioxidants for heart attack prevention. Iced coffee contains:
- Trigonelline
- Magnesium
- Caffeine
- Phenolic compounds
The ingredients or compounds work to stabilize blood pressure. The antioxidants work by lowering blood pressure and increasing sensitivity to insulin.
Iced Coffee Versus Hot Coffee
When comparing the two coffees, you will notice some apparent differences and similarities among the benefits. However, according to most health experts, the benefits of coffee are equal between the two temperatures. Both beverages will benefit the consumer, but too much of either can hurt the drinker. Too much caffeine is a bad thing. Additionally, if you are one to drink coffee with sugar, sweeteners, creams, etc., you essentially strip away the benefits of the beverage.
Coffee in moderation is beneficial. The temperature of the beverage is less of a concern than added ingredients. If you want to receive the most benefit from coffee of either temperature, choose to drink it black.