Coffee is loved by millions of people worldwide. With over 400 billion cups of coffee enjoyed annually, people have reaped the benefits that come alongside it. This includes, but not limited to, lowering the risk of certain diseases such as liver cancer, heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Coffee itself contains B vitamins, potassium and riboflavin and is a top source of antioxidants.
That begs the question, which is better for your body, hot or cold coffee?
Benefits of Hot Coffee
Hot coffee has more antioxidants
According to Thomas Jefferson University, there was a significant ‘chemical difference’ between hot and cold coffees. Hot coffee was found to have higher levels of antioxidants than cold brews, making a hot coffee slightly healthier. The higher level of antioxidants in coffee is important, due to them reducing the risk of cancer, heart diseases, liver disease and type 2 diabetes.
Hot coffee can boost your mood
Hot cups of coffee have been proven to ‘put you in a more positive mindset’. The experience itself can increase feelings of interpersonal warmth. Research funded by the Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee (ISIC) found that coffee improves mood, especially in the winter months. Many people are affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which can cause poor mood and low energy during the winter. Coffee was found to reduce the affects of this disorder, with many individuals’ moods improving after a warm cup of coffee.
The aroma of hot coffee can reduce stress
A 2008 study from the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found out that the aroma of coffee itself can alter the activity of certain genes. This study was found in sleep deprived rats which some had access to the smell of coffee whilst others didn’t. The smell of coffee was enough to reduce the effects of sleep deprivation such as stress or fatigue.
Benefits Iced Coffee
Less Caffeine
Generally, most cold brews contain less caffeine. For those of us who consume multiple cups of coffee a day, this is a huge benefit. Compared to hot coffee, cold coffee contains 20mg of caffeine less per 100g. Less caffeine results in a better night sleep, balanced hormones, and a lower blood sugar level.
Iced coffee can help prevent heart attacks
Iced coffee contains caffeine, magnesium, trigonelline and phenolic compounds that can help to stabilise blood pressure, increase insulin sensitivity, and lower blood pressure. The University of Colorado found that drinking coffee every week can help reduce your chances of getting a heart attack by 7%.
Drinking iced coffee can help with weight loss
Without additional components to a coffee (such as sugar and milks), drinking iced coffees can help with weight loss without the need of sacrificing your caffeine kick. A lab study published in the Food & Function in 2012 found that caffeine boosted thermogenesis which is the process of your body producing heat. Additionally, with iced coffee being cold, your metabolic rate increases which means your body uses carbs and fat to produce energy to balance your body back to its core body temperature.
Whichever you choose, coffee in reasonable amounts can help your body to work harder for you, reduce risks of disease and help you get up in the morning.
