Coffee is one of the most consumed drinks in the world, appreciated by its taste and stimulus it provides. However, not all ways to prepare it are equal and coffee in capsule, although practical, can bring risks that many are unaware of.
The natural benefits of coffee
According to Women’s Health, coffee is rich in polyphenols such as chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid and feluric acid, health beneficial compounds that help reduce the risk of chronic diseases and mortality. A moderate consumption, between two and four cups per day, is associated with these positive effects.
Impact of the preparation method on coffee quality
The same article as Women’s Health states that coffee shape and preparation method influence the quality and benefits of drink. Capsule coffee has become popular for its convenience, but it brings with it some particularities that can compromise health.
Manuel Viso, a specialist in hematology and hemotherapy cited by the same source, explains that the capsule coffee can contain Furano, a volatile compound formed during coffee roasting. This compound is potentially carcinogenic and, while in traditional methods such as filtered coffee or the French press the furan dissipates in the air, in capsules is retained due to the closed system.
Women’s Health also states that health risk becomes significant only if consumption exceeds 30 daily capsules, a value far above the usual. Still, for those looking for a safer option, the expressed or filtered coffee made with ground grain are preferable for release most of the Furano during preparation.
Aluminum in capsules: what science says
Another issue that raises some concern is the presence of aluminum in the capsules. However, according to Women’s Health, and based on scientific studies and opinions of the European authority for food safety, the inner coating of the capsules prevents metal migration to coffee.
Still, the same source advises not to reuse the capsules or to warm them in excess to avoid any potential liberation of harmful substances.
The recommended daily consumption remains in the four cups, thus avoiding exaggerations.
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Safer and more recommended alternatives
With regard to the quality of coffee, the source points out that coffee in capsule does not offer the same richness of flavor or the same health benefits as natural grain coffee, preferably of light roasting.
Women’s Health explains that express or filtered coffee are superior alternatives, better preserving beneficial compounds. Even soluble coffee, as long as good quality, can be preferable to capsules.
Regardless of the method chosen, it is important to avoid the addition of sugar as it removes many of the natural benefits of the drink, alerts the same source.
Moderate consumption to take advantage of benefits
The general recommendation is that the consumer is prudent and aware of the limits of coffee in capsule, favoring methods that respect product quality and minimize exposure to potentially harmful compounds.
Finally, and according to the same source, coffee remains a drink that can integrate a healthy diet, as long as it is balanced in a balanced way and carefully to the way it is prepared.
Thus, for those looking for a tasty coffee cup and health benefits, the best choice falls on coffee made with ground grain and traditional processes, to the detriment of capsules.
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