What is the healthiest way to make coffee?

Is coffee healthy or not? I get this question at least once a week and have therefore written several articles about it. There are many reasons why drinking coffee is healthy .

It is full of antioxidants that are good and important for your body. In addition, drinking coffee can contribute to a healthier heart and vascular system and has psychologically good properties.

But in addition to the health benefits of coffee, I started looking into how you can also make the healthiest cup of coffee possible by making it.

With a few small adjustments you can make your daily portion of coffee just that little bit healthier.

Why coffee can be healthy

Before we dive into the best brewing methods, let's look at some reasons why coffee can be good for your health.

Several studies show that drinking coffee has numerous benefits, from improving your energy levels to protecting against certain diseases.

Coffee not only contains antioxidants, but also essential nutrients like vitamin B2, magnesium, and potassium, all of which contribute to better overall health. Additionally, drinking coffee can boost your metabolism, which can help with weight management.

Studies have also shown that regular coffee drinkers may have a lower risk of developing diseases such as Parkinson's and type 2 diabetes. This makes coffee not only a delicious beverage, but also a valuable addition to a healthy lifestyle.

Choose high-quality coffee beans

The first step to healthier coffee is to choose your beans carefully. Good coffee beans are free of mycotoxins and low in acrylamide, which is not only better for your health, but also for the environment.

Using natural growing methods ensures that the soil and ecosystem surrounding the coffee plants remain healthy. In addition, these coffee beans often retain more of their natural flavor and nutrients, resulting in a richer and fuller coffee flavor.

This means that you not only make a conscious choice for your health, but also for the quality of your coffee experience.

How do you know you are buying high quality coffee beans?

Therefore, always buy specialty coffee. These are coffee beans that belong in the top 5% best coffee beans in the world.

Grown with care and good for people and the environment.

Choose filtered brewing methods

When making coffee, there are several methods to choose from, such as brewing with a French press, a percolator, or a filter machine.

Of these methods, filtered methods are generally healthier, as they remove many of the oils and impurities that can remain in unfiltered coffee.

Not only does filtered coffee have a cleaner flavor profile, it may also be more beneficial to health, as it contains lower levels of certain compounds that can be potentially harmful if consumed in excess.

This makes filtered coffee a popular choice for coffee lovers who want to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee while being conscious of their health.

Why filtered coffee is better

Filtered coffee, such as that made with a paper filter, can help lower your blood cholesterol levels. This is because the filter traps the compound cafestol, which is responsible for raising LDL cholesterol.

Popular filter brewing methods

Methods like the pour-over and the drip coffee maker are excellent choices. They are easy to use and produce a clean, clear cup of coffee that is rich in flavor and health benefits.

I use the Hario V60 daily. It gives me a lot of control over the brewing process and it is also better for my health.

Avoid adding excessive sugar and artificial creamers

While coffee can be healthy on its own, adding sugar and artificial creamers can quickly negate the benefits.

Coffee naturally contains antioxidants and other beneficial nutrients, but when you add sugar to it, it loses its health benefits.

Sugar and artificial additives not only increase calorie intake, but can also contribute to health problems such as obesity and diabetes.

It's important to be aware of what you add to your coffee, as even small amounts of sugar and creamers can add up and have negative effects on your health.

Instead, consider natural alternatives like a splash of milk or plant-based milk and find ways to enjoy your coffee in a healthier way.

Healthier alternatives to sugar

Instead of sugar, you can use natural sweeteners such as stevia or honey. These variants have a lower glycemic index and offer additional health benefits.

I always tell (new) customers who want to try our coffee that it is best to drink our coffee without sugar. We do not roast the coffee too dark, which means that the coffee does not taste bitter, but very sweet and fruity. Just try it. Sugar is really unnecessary!

Why Avoid Artificial Creamers

Artificial creamers often contain unhealthy trans fats and added sugars. Instead, opt for natural options like almond milk or coconut milk, which will give your coffee a creamy texture without the drawbacks.

Think about the water quality

The quality of the water you use to brew coffee has a significant impact on both the taste and health benefits of your coffee.

Clean, filtered water not only provides a purer, richer taste, but it also helps eliminate unwanted contaminants and chemicals.

For example, using hard water can lead to a bitter aftertaste, while soft water does not allow the coffee's aromas to develop optimally.

By investing in properly filtered water, you ensure that every cup of coffee you brew not only tastes great, but is also free of harmful substances that could affect your health.

The importance of clean water

Poor quality water can contain harmful substances that can negatively affect your health. Using a water filter can help remove these contaminants and improve the taste of your coffee.

Tips for the best water quality

Always use fresh, cold water and avoid distilled or softened water as these lack minerals that contribute to the flavor of your coffee. A simple water filter pitcher can be a great investment for improving your coffee experience.

I have a Brita water filter connected to the water supply at home and at our roastery. This means we always have a consistent and healthy water quality that is very suitable for making coffee.

If this is too much of an investment, you can always opt for bottles of SPA blue from the supermarket. You can make really great coffee with these.

Pay attention to the brewing temperature

The temperature at which you brew your coffee is crucial to extracting the best flavors and health benefits from your beans. Too high or too low a temperature can result in a bitter or weak cup of coffee.

Optimal brewing temperature

The ideal brewing temperature for coffee is between 90 and 96 degrees Celsius. This range ensures the best extraction of flavors and antioxidants from the coffee beans.

Use a thermometer to measure the temperature of your water before brewing. If you are using an electric coffee maker, make sure it has the correct temperature settings.

Drink in moderation

While coffee has many health benefits, it is important to drink it in moderation. Excessive consumption can lead to negative side effects such as insomnia, anxiety, and heart palpitations.

How much coffee is too much?

Health experts recommend not drinking more than 3-4 cups of coffee per day. This equates to about 400 milligrams of caffeine, which is considered the safe upper limit.

Listen to your body

Everyone reacts differently to caffeine, so it's important to listen to your body and adjust your coffee intake accordingly. If you find yourself experiencing any side effects, consider cutting back.

Conclusion

As you may know, coffee is actually a super healthy and natural drink. It is full of antioxidants, it can fight the symptoms of various diseases and it is just super tasty.

But besides the health benefits of coffee itself, the way you brew it also has a major influence on the ultimate healthiness of the coffee.

Therefore, avoid sugar and creamers. If you buy a good, nice quality coffee, you don't need milk and sugar at all to enjoy your cup.

Do you pay attention to your health when making your coffee? I'm very curious.