Acrylamide has been declared a “probable human carcinogen” by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), meaning there is strong evidence that the chemical can cause cancer in humans, but not conclusive evidence.
However, it’s worth keeping in mind that you would have to drink about 10 cups of instant coffee a day before acrylamide intake becomes a problem, according to researchers from McGill University in Canada.
The Best Coffee for Heart Health: Filtered
Filter coffee is passed through a paper or metal filter, such as those made with an Aeropress or filter coffee machine. Like all non-instant coffees, it is made from beans that have been roasted and ground, Rooke explains.
For those looking for a boost to heart health, this may be the best option. Researchers in Norway, who have analyzed the coffee habits of 500,000 people over the past twenty years, found that there were lower rates of artery disease and deaths among those who drank filter coffee.
One to four cups per day was the dose identified for this protective effect.
Although the study does not show that filtered is healthier than unfiltered, the scientists noted that unfiltered contains 30 times more diterpenes, specifically two types called cafestol and kahweol, which are compounds that can raise cholesterol and therefore increase the risk of diabetes . heart attacks and strokes.
However, a large number of studies have repeatedly shown that drinking coffee in general benefits heart health.
The best coffee for brain health: espresso
Espresso coffee is made by pressing hot water through finely ground coffee beans. “Most coffees you would buy in a coffee shop, whether it’s a latte or a cappuccino, have espresso as a base,” notes Rooke.
Research shows that espresso-based coffees can be especially beneficial for our brains.
A paperfrom the University of Verona, found that espresso, when studied in a laboratory, prevented the build-up of a toxic protein called tau, which is thought to play a role in the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
Espresso contains high levels of bioactive compounds (substances that affect our bodies), such as caffeine and chlorogenic acid (an antioxidant that has been linked to a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease, high blood pressure and heart disease), notes Collins, who has a could play a role in this finding.
The best coffee for your waistline: Cold brew
While instant or coffee shop coffee is ready in a few minutes or less, cold brew coffee involves steeping the beans in room temperature water for much longer, usually overnight or for up to 24 hours.
The resulting drink is less bitter and acidic, making people less likely to add sugar and syrups, researchers suggest.
Additionally, the long brewing process means that cold brew can contain a higher concentration of bioactive components, compared to filter coffee, Collins explains. “The bioactive compounds and caffeine can be as high as espresso,” she notes.
Is caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee healthier?
If you fancy a cup of coffee without the energy rush that comes with it, choose caffeine-free may be in the interest of your health.
It’s made by removing the caffeine from the beans before roasting them, although there will still be about 7 mg of caffeine per mug (compared to about 100 mg in a typical coffee).
Some research suggests that people who drink only decaffeinated coffee have better health than those who don’t drink coffee at all, Collins notes. This may be because “you still get the chlorogenic acid and beneficial compounds without the stimulant effect of caffeine.”