THE PERKS OF COLD BREW COFFEE

Good Morning. I admit it, I’m addicted to my morning coffee. The stronger the better. But after consuming my morning cup I rarely consider coffee later in the day, opting for iced tea instead. That was until my recent trip to DC (just before the Covid 19 Pandemic) where we spent a week with my son who has become a fan of cold brew coffee. Observing him enjoying it during the day prompted me to learn a little more about this alternative way of preparing and drinking coffee. So let me tell you what I learned about the perks of cold brew coffee, a coffee trend that is really growing in popularity. And since you may have extra time on your hands these days, you might want to change-up your coffee routine, as I am, while we have the time to experiment.

It is estimated that 6 out of 10 Americans drink a coffee-based drink every day. Of course there are many ways to drink, prepare and enjoy coffee. Some take it black, others mix it with milk or sugar, and many, like me, opt for more elaborate concoctions like cappuccinos and lattes.  But now I understand that cold brew is becoming the style of choice for many younger coffee drinkers. So, what is cold brew coffee and what makes it different from warm brew? Read on to find out.

What is Cold Brew?

It’s important to know that cold brew coffee is not the same as iced coffee. Iced coffee is heat-brewed coffee that has been chilled and is then served over ice. Iced coffee might also be mixed with milk and sweeteners.

On the other hand, cold brew coffee is made by steeping coffee beans in room temperature or chilled water for up to 24 hours. You know, similar to the way one prepares Sun Tea.

One benefit of cold brew coffee is its taste. Since the beans are not subjected to heat, the flavor that they emit is not as bitter. In making cold brew, instead of heat extracting the flavor, time and water extract the flavor and caffeine from the coffee beans. This process makes for a particularly flavorful yet mild, not so acidic cup of coffee.

What Are the Benefits of Cold Brew Coffee?

There are several presumed benefits to opting for a cup of cold brew coffee:

• More Caffeine: A cold brew coffee requires a long steeping process. As a result, you get a higher coffee to water ratio. With traditional drip coffee, there is a ratio of 1:20. However, with a cold brew coffee, that ratio is increased to 1:60. That’s a threefold increase. Some people choose to dilute their cold brew coffee using cream, milk, or extra water to reduce the caffeine kick.
• Could Help You Lose Weight: Caffeine produces an afterburner effect. This is your body’s ability to burn calories after energy expenditure. Let’s say you work out and then drink a cup of cold brew coffee.  Some studies report that the body will continue to burn energy at a higher rate because of the heightened caffeine level in cold brew coffee. Regular coffee has the same effect, but cold brew takes it to a new level.
• Improved State of Mind: The caffeine in cold brew coffee can improve your mood. Multiple studies have shown that caffeine consumption can improve a person’s mood, especially if they are tired or sleep-deprived. Most people who drink coffee in the morning know this without reading a study.  Like me, they don’t want anyone to talk to them until they’ve had their first cup of joe.
• Improved Brain Function: There are several studies that link caffeine to a natural boost in brain function, especially in older adults. For example, caffeine has been shown to improve a person’s ability to react to an object moving in their direction. This shows improved brain function.
• Lower Risk of Heart Disease: There are some studies that suggest that higher levels of caffeine, magnesium, phenolic compounds, lignans, trigonelline, and other compounds prevalent in cold brew coffee, may stabilize blood sugar and could potentially lower blood pressure. Cold brew coffee is also shown to have anti-inflammatory agents that are good for the heart and body.

Improved flavor, higher levels of caffeine, and multiple potential health benefits are attracting people to cold brew coffee. If you have not tried it, why not give this trending style of coffee brewing a try? You’ll be glad you did!

So there you have it: THE PERKS OF COLD BREW COFFEE

Thanks so much for dropping in!

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All opinions expressed in this post are my own. Unless otherwise noted, all photos are the original property of Celia Becker @ www.AfterOrangeCounty.com and may not be reproduced without specific permission. This blog post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.  It’s what helps to make this blog possible. Thanks very much for your support. This article is for informational purposes only. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.