Written By: Danielle Cale, cert. personal trainer at Prescription Fitness (Cleveland, Ohio)

Most of us love to start our day with that classic hot & delicious cup of joe. In addition to transforming us from zombies to productive worker bees,   coffee has some incredible health benefits you may not know about.

In moderation, coffee can:

  • Improve liver health by decreasing harmful enzymes
  • Reduce risk of diabetes and certain cancers by up to 33%
  • Reduce the risk of developing Parkinson’s Disease
  • Boost athletic performance
  • Prevent gall stones
  • Improve memory and focus
  • Lower the levels of uric acid in the body which contribute to Gout
  • Lower depression in women by up to 20%

What’s the difference between our classic hot coffee and the new Nitro Cold Brew coffee sweeping the nation? Are we still reaping the health benefits?

The biggest difference between hot brewed coffee and cold brew coffee is the brewing method. Hot coffee is brewed with water at temperatures around 200 degrees which activates the acidity in the coffee beans.  These high temperatures can also destroy some of the anti-oxidants found in coffee beans. Traditional iced coffee is still brewed with water at high temperatures, then diluted with ice.

Cold brew iced coffee is brewed at room temperature anywhere from 12-24 hours and actually creates a coffee concentrate that is cut with water before consumption. Brewing coffee at room temperature does not activate the same acidity in the beans which creates a much smoother, less bitter flavor. The advantage of cold brew includes less acidity, more anti-oxidants, and longer shelf life.

Cold brew coffee is 60% less acidic than our traditional hot coffee. Less acidity is better for the enamel on our teeth, contributes to less stomach cramping and bathroom runs, and provides a milder taste which can eliminate the need for added cream and sugar. Cold brew also has a shelf life of up to two weeks, while our tradition ground coffee beans for hot coffee usually hold a one week shelf life.

Now that we know the difference between hot coffee and cold brew coffee – what’s the difference between cold brew coffee and NITRO Cold Brew coffee?  Nitro Cold Brew is our tradition cold brew infused with nitrogen and served from a “tap.” The pour of Nitro Cold Brew looks similar to the pour of a Guinness. The nitrogen contributes to a velvety, creamy texture and contributes to a full-bodied flavor. This serving method also eliminates the need to add ice which means you can sip on it all day without the risk of it becoming watered down! In addition to reaping all the benefits, it’s also important to note the caffeine contents. The classic iced coffee contains around 125 mg, our traditional hot brewed coffee contains around 260 mg, while the Nitro Cold Brew contains around 245 mg. This might help explain why Nitro Cold Brew has become insanely popular: better taste, more caffeine, less acidity, and more anti-oxidants!!!

If you are interested in talking more about Nitro Brew Coffee, please contact our professional fitness team at info@prescription-fitness.com.

man in black jacket holding coffee cup and young woman in tan scarf sitting outside drinking coffee

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