You just need to pour hot water over the granules, and the drink is ready.
Instant Coffee: Can You Drink It Every Day
The modern pace of life forces many to choose quick solutions - and instant coffee becomes one of the most popular options. You just need to pour hot water over the granules, and the drink is ready. But is this choice healthy? RBC-Ukraine reports, citing professor and dietitian Oleg Shvets on Facebook.
How Instant Coffee is Made
First, roasted coffee beans are ground and then turned into a concentrate by immersing them in very hot water under high pressure.
Next, manufacturers use two drying methods:
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Sublimation method - freezing and evaporating ice under reduced pressure. This is of higher quality but more expensive.
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Spray drying - the concentrate is sprayed into droplets and instantly dried with hot air. This process is cheaper but partially loses aroma.
Most modern brands use the second method.
Is Instant Coffee Healthy?
High temperatures and pressure during processing change the chemical composition of coffee. In instant coffee:
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there is less chlorogenic acid, which lowers sugar and blood pressure
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there are fewer antioxidants and phenolic compounds
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there is less N-methylpyridinium - a substance with anti-inflammatory properties
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there is more acrylamide - a potential carcinogen
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there are more oxalates, which can affect kidney stone formation
For comparison: 100 g of brewed coffee contains about 657 mg of phenolic compounds, while instant coffee contains only 151 mg.
Possible Risks
Some packets of instant coffee contain:
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sugar and sweeteners
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dairy additives
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saturated fats
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preservatives
Several cups a day can become a significant source of added calories and sugar.
Who Should Avoid Drinking Instant Coffee Regularly
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people prone to kidney stones
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those with insulin resistance or prediabetes
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people with liver damage
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those concerned about cancer risks (due to acrylamide content)
Can You Drink Coffee Daily?
Yes, if there are no issues with caffeine and no side effects arise. Studies even show that coffee may contribute to longevity. At the same time, it's better to drink it in the first half of the day to avoid disrupting sleep.
