For office workers glued to their chairs, coffee isn’t just a want—it’s a need. Science supports this.
A research team led by Bingyan Li from the School of Public Health at Suzhou University Medical School in China examined the effects of coffee on people who sit for long periods.
They analyzed data from 10,639 American adults between 2007 to 2018. Participants were divided into groups based on sitting time (less than 4 hours, 4-6 hours, 6-8 hours, and over 8 hours) and coffee consumption (non-drinkers, light drinkers, moderate drinkers, and heavy drinkers). They then analyzed mortality risks while considering various factors.
The results showed that the more time people spent sitting, the higher the mortality risk from all causes, especially cardiovascular disease. However, coffee seemed to counteract this effect. The increased mortality risk associated with prolonged sitting was only observed in the non-coffee drinkers.
The research team concluded that drinking coffee could help offset the life-shortening effects of a sedentary lifestyle, even for those who sit for extended periods. They noted that while the exact mechanisms aren’t fully understood – coffee is a complex brew with over 1,000 bioactive compounds – requiring further research to unravel its full potential.
So, hot coffee vs. cold coffee: which is better for your health?
Americano, the hot coffee classic, is espresso diluted with hot water.
On the other hand, cold brew is exactly what it sounds like – coffee brewed with cold water. Due to this unique process, most coffee shops only offer it as a chilled drink.
With its higher antioxidant content, Americano offers the most health benefits. It can help reduce stress and inflammation in our bodies, potentially warding off cellular damage and reducing the risk of serious health issues like heart disease, kidney failure, and cancer.
A joint study by Thomas Jefferson University and Philadelphia University found that Americano’s antioxidant activity averages 23.77, higher than cold brew’s 17.9.
A 2018 study in Scientific Reports backed this up, confirming that hot-brewed coffee extracts more of those beneficial compounds from the beans.
However, individuals with sensitive stomachs should opt for cold brew over hot Americano. Prolonged heating increases coffee’s acidity, producing stronger bitter and sour flavors. Cold brew, steeped in cold water, has lower acidity, making it gentler on the stomach.
Niny Rao from Thomas Jefferson University’s chemistry department recommends that you opt for a cold brew made with dark roast beans if you want a low-acid coffee.
When it comes to stress relief, hot coffee takes the crown.
Hot coffee offers stronger aromas and flavors than cold coffee, which helps reduce stress.
A study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that people who drank hot coffee experienced significant improvements in fatigue and stress levels.
Dr. Majid Bassit from Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital in the UK explains, “Hot coffee releases a lot of steam, and inhaling the coffee’s aroma can help people feel more relaxed.”
Most Commented