Hot Coffee vs. Iced Coffee
When deciding between a cup of hot coffee vs. iced coffee, you most likely choose depending on your mood or the weather. Hot coffee will warm you up on those January mornings, but iced coffee sounds much more refreshing on hot summer days. While temperature is the most apparent difference between the two, each one comes with its own set of unique health benefits. Regardless of how you drink it, coffee consumed in moderation has many benefits. It can lower the risk of diabetes, improve your workout, reduce depression, and give your brain a positive chemical boost! Let’s check out the difference between the two.
Cold Coffee is Less Acidic
One of the most apparent benefits cold coffee has over hot coffee is that it’s around three times less acidic than hot coffee. Because it’s easier on your digestive system, you’re less likely to have an upset stomach after drinking it. The lower acidity is also beneficial for maintaining healthy teeth.
Hot Coffee Contains More Antioxidants
Studies have found hot coffee contains higher levels of antioxidants than cold coffee, making it slightly healthier. These antioxidants, called CQA antioxidants, have anti-inflammatory effects, which result in many health benefits. It can lower the risk of heart disease, liver disease, cancer, and diabetes!
Iced Coffee May Have Less Caffeine
The caffeine amount will vary depending on where you’re getting your coffee from, how it’s brewed, and the type of coffee bean used. In most cases, iced coffee will have lower amounts of caffeine compared to hot coffee. It’s difficult to qualify this as a benefit or drawback because it depends on the person! If you have a busy day ahead of you, hot coffee will serve you best. But if you’re sensitive to caffeine yet need a little boost in the morning, cold coffee will keep you energized without the jitters. Cold coffee typically contains about 80mg of caffeine per cup, with hot coffee containing 120mg per cup. Note that less caffeine intake does come with benefits like better sleep and lower blood pressure.
Hot Coffee & Good Moods
A warm cup of coffee in the morning may put you in a better and more positive mood. A study found that experiencing physical warmth can actually increase the feeling of interpersonal warmth! In their study, researchers split participants into two groups. One group held a cup of hot coffee, and the other group held iced coffee. They found that those holding the hot coffee were more likely to see others as caring, generous, and warm!
Iced Coffee Can Help Lower the Chance of Heart Attack
While hot coffee’s antioxidants help protect against many diseases, iced coffee is shown to be especially helpful in protecting against heart attacks. It contains magnesium, trigonelline, and phenolic compounds, increasing insulin sensitivity and stabilizing and lowering blood pressure. Regardless, a University of Colorado study found that drinking coffee at all temperatures reduces your heart attack chances by 7%.
In Conclusion
Whether you favor a warm cup of coffee or cold brew, know that they both share many health benefits. While the hot coffee vs. iced coffee debate is never over, we hope we helped point out the distinction between the two. No matter what temperature you prefer, we’ve got something for all coffee lovers! Our menu includes caramel macchiatos, cappuccinos, lattes, affogatos, and more! We welcome you to swing by our shop at 4449 Ocean Blvd in Pacific Beach. You can also order by phone at (858) 263-4300 or directly on our website.