One of the most consumed beverages in the world, coffee, can have significant health implications depending on the type and amount consumed. Recent studies shed light on the potential risks and benefits of each type of coffee.
Instant coffee and cancer risk
Acrylamide content: Instant coffee contains twice as much acrylamide as ground coffee. This chemical is produced when foods are cooked at high temperatures and has been categorized by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a probable human carcinogen.
Cancer risk: Laboratory tests have shown that acrylamide causes lung and reproductive cancer in animals. According to scientists, consuming more than 10 cups of instant coffee a day may increase the risk in humans.
Antioxidants: However, instant coffee contains more antioxidants than ground coffee. These substances, such as melanoidins, help protect cells from damage and improve the diversity of bacteria in the gut.
The healthiest coffee for the heart and brain
Filtered coffee:
For the heart: A study in Norway with 500,000 participants over two decades showed that drinking four cups of filtered coffee a day was associated with lower rates of arterial disease, the most common cause of heart attacks.
Preparation: Hot water is passed through the ground beans, using a paper or metal filter, which removes some harmful compounds.
Espresso and its derivatives:
For the brain: Espresso extracts have been linked to reducing the buildup of toxic tau protein, which plays a role in the development of dementia. Studies also show that caffeine helps reduce inflammation and cell death in the brain, potentially offering protection against Alzheimer's.
Benefits of caffeine: Its positive impact has been seen in animal models, but the connection to humans still requires stronger evidence.
What should you remember?
Consuming filtered coffee and espresso in moderate amounts may be more beneficial for heart and brain health.
Instant coffee, although convenient and rich in antioxidants, may contain higher concentrations of compounds that raise cancer concerns.
To minimize the risk, limit consumption to less than 10 cups per day and include safer types like filtered ones in your daily routine.
Choosing the right coffee can help you stay healthy and get the most out of this beloved beverage. ☕/GazetaExpress/
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