Not all coffee is the same and the body can feel that too. The gastroenterologist María Muñoz, known on social media as @dramariamunozb that the fastest option is not always the best one for our bodies. You can make your cup of Joe in many different ways: from capsules, instant powder, ground or raw beans. Some can concentrate more products for heat like acrylamides and furans, some keep the antioxidants, other conserve better the aroma. The preparation time and the flavors change too, but the important thing overall is that you choose the one you like the most.
The digestion experts’ message is about the process and how what you drink can affect how you feel. For her, it’s not really about stopping coffee, but choosing better.
When you know the process, you can find the product that’s best for you.
The different types of coffee and how they’re made
Now, since I’m not thinking about quitting brew anytime soon either, let’s explore our options:
- Coffee capsules: Muñoz explains that most of them are made of plastic that works with heat inside a sealed system, “these are toxic compounds that form by heat and concentrate more in the capsules since they’re sealed. Furthermore, their environmental impact is yet another inconvenience.” In this type of process, furans, the so called “toxic compounds” can be present. But nowadays there’s homemade capsules you can refill at home and reduce the risks.
- Instant coffee: This is without a doubt the easiest solution if you want a make a quick coffee, but the digestion experts warns that it’s actually the most processed format “it usually has additives and, in its roasting and drying process, acrylamides are formed, which are substances classified as highly cancerous.” But also, she explains that it can increase reflux and other discomforts if the stomach is not in its best shape; if that’s the case, then better to avoid it.
- Ground coffee: This one is a balanced option, and the recommendation from the expert is to look for 100% Arabica and natural roast if possible. “Avoid torrefactor coffee or mixed because this generates more acrylamides and furans. It results in a more irritating coffee for your digestive system.” Coffee is best when it has less intervention.
- Coffee beans: The number one choice of all the coffee lovers, like me. And as the specialist says, with the beans, you can “control the type, the amount, and the freshness of the grounding. It’s the perfect option to take care of your digestive health and reduce toxic compounds.” Adjusting the grinding and dosage lets you to adapt the extraction to your taste… and to your belly.
Trying consciously to choose betterb
Everyone’s stomach is different, and what doesn’t work for one person might work for another. So if you’re okay with the coffee you drink today, that’s cool; you can stick to it or just try different methods for fun.
For those who drink instant or capsules already without any discomfort, the possibility of choice is even bigger… what are you looking for in your hot morning beverage? A strong aroma? To make it as fast as possible before going to work? To be careful with the environment? You got it, because all four formats could be possible…
If your brew is causing reflux or digestive discomfort, then maybe prioritize ground coffee 100% Arábica with natural roast or coffee beans to grind at home, this way you will get more or the antioxidants and keep the gut happy. It might take a bit longer to make it but it can be your morning ritual, and it all be worth it after that first sip.