Hot vs. Iced Coffee: Is One Better Than the Other?

Did you know over half of Americans say they prefer hot coffee? Only 9 percent favor iced, and 19 percent say it depends on the season. But what if the temperature of your coffee plays a role in its nutritional profile? In this blog post, we will determine whether iced or hot brewed coffee is superior.

How Does Coffee Work? 

Coffee contains about 95 mg of caffeine from an average cup of coffee. In approximately 45 minutes after consumption, this plant-based stimulant will bind itself to the adenosine receptors and speed up cell activity. As a result, the consumer feels awake, alert, and more ready for long days and nights. Caffeine also increases heart rate, discharges sugar into the bloodstream, and opens up breathing tubes. These effects lead to improved energy despite lack of sleep, as well as promote an overall positive mood.

What Is the Difference Between Iced and Hot Coffee?

Most people assume that hot brew is more effective than its cold or iced variety. In truth, if both iced and hot coffee have similar doses of caffeine, they will have the same effect on the mind and body.

What Are the Benefits of Drinking Coffee?

Whether you prefer a hot cup of coffee or an iced blend, caffeine may provide the following health benefits:

• Cut muscle pain
• Increase fiber intake
• Lower risk of type 2 diabetes
• Protect against liver cirrhosis
• Decrease risk of Alzheimer’s disease
• Protection against Parkinson’s disease
• Reduce suicide risk and depression
• Reduce chances of contracting heart disease
• Have stronger DNA
• Lower risk of multiple sclerosis
• Minimize colorectal cancer risk

There are several other benefits to drinking coffee. A study claims that caffeine could extend lifespans and delay age-related pathology. Further research claims that drinking coffee helps co-workers get along in the office.

Is Iced Coffee Better?

Iced coffee, however, is slightly better for your health. Hot coffee is three times more acidic than cold coffee; and the more acidic a drink is, the worse it is for your digestive system. This finding explains why iced coffee causes less tension in a person’s stomach than a hot cup. The typically alkaline environment of iced coffee not only has less acid, but it also has more flavor. Oils in coffee beans oxidize quicker at elevated temperatures. As a result, if you brew coffee grounds with hot or boiling water, oils full of acidic compounds will be released and give coffee a much bitter taste.

Conclusion

Due to its low acidity and less bitter taste, iced coffee is chemically superior to its hot counterpart. So, to everyone loyal to hot joes: Order yourself an energizing iced coffee the next time you need a caffeine fix! You can even become your own coffee connoisseur and make cold brew at home. Brewing coffee only requires a pitcher or a mason jar, and a strainer to sift the coffee grounds. Not only will you have delicious coffee in the comfort of your home, but you will also save money by avoiding a trip to Starbucks.