Views from the Shore
I’ll admit it: I’m probably not the best person to lecture anyone about moderation when it comes to coffee. Most mornings begin with a trip to the Keurig machine, and by the end of the day I’ve usually gone through four or five 12-ounce K-Cups. Coffee isn’t just part of my routine, it’s practically a trusted coworker.
So when I had the opportunity to fill in for Scott Cronick on WOND NewsTalk 92.3FM last week, I was especially interested in one of the topics on the schedule. My guest was Kelly D’Agostino, a registered dietitian at Shore Medical Center, and our conversation focused on something that has become a summertime staple for many coffee lovers: cold brew.
With temperatures climbing and cold brew coffee showing up everywhere, from local coffee shops to beach coolers, it seemed like the perfect time to ask whether there is actually a difference between hot coffee and cold brew when it comes to health. As it turns out, there is, but maybe not in the way most people think.
Kelly explained that coffee is much more than a caffeine delivery system. Since coffee comes from a bean, it naturally contains beneficial plant compounds and antioxidants. These antioxidants help protect our cells from damage caused by free radicals, and research has linked them to a reduced risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain forms of cancer.
That was welcome news for someone who starts every day with a fresh K-Cup.
The interesting part of our conversation centered on the differences between hot coffee and cold brew. Hot coffee generally contains slightly higher levels of antioxidants because the hot water extracts more compounds from the beans. At first glance, that sounds like a clear victory for traditional coffee drinkers like me. But Kelly pointed out that the story doesn’t end there. Some research suggests that the antioxidants found in cold brew may actually be more easily absorbed by the body. In other words, while hot coffee may contain a little more of the good stuff, your body may be able to use more of what it gets from cold brew.
For cold brew fans, that’s one more reason to enjoy their favorite summer beverage.
Another myth Kelly helped clear up involves hydration. Like a lot of people, I grew up hearing that coffee dehydrates you. Kelly explained that’s not entirely true. While nobody is suggesting you swap your water bottle for a cold brew, moderate coffee consumption can contribute to your daily fluid intake. In fact, an 8-ounce cup or two can help count toward your hydration goals. During the summer, when staying hydrated is particularly important, that’s good news for coffee drinkers.
Of course, not every part of our conversation was reassuring. Kelly pointed out that while coffee contains beneficial antioxidants and plant compounds, more isn’t always better. Most experts recommend keeping caffeine intake below about 400 milligrams per day. Considering my daily relationship with the Keurig machine, I quickly changed the subject before asking exactly how much caffeine I’ve consumed by lunchtime.
There was also another important takeaway. The healthiest cup of coffee is usually the simplest one. Once we start adding large amounts of flavored syrups, whipped cream, sugar, and other extras, we can quickly turn a healthy beverage into something closer to dessert.
So, this summer, whether you’re sipping a cold brew on the beach, enjoying an iced coffee by the pool, or sticking with a traditional hot cup like I usually do, you can feel good knowing there’s more in that cup than just a caffeine boost. Thanks to my conversation with Kelly, I learned that one of America’s favorite beverages may also be doing a little good for our health, and that’s enough to make me feel slightly less guilty about reaching for another K-Cup.
Brian Cahill is the Director of Marketing for Shore Medical Center and Shore Physicians Group. He also volunteers on the Board of the Somers Point Business Association and is an Adjunct Professor in the School of Business at Stockton University.
