Organic Iced Coffee Reimagined: A Delicious Route to Better Health
It’s no secret that coffee is a very popular drink among people of all ages and lifestyles. Many people don’t go a single day without their coffee because they need the caffeine boost, they love the taste, or a mixture of both. Some people like fresh-brewed hot coffee, while others prefer it over ice. Have you ever heard that saying, “No coffee before talkie?”
If you’re a health-conscious person, you may wonder if a coffee habit is healthy. You’ve probably heard people warn against consuming too much caffeine at some point in your life. Like many foods, coffee can cause health issues if consumed in excess. However, a moderate coffee intake can be a regular part of any healthy diet. Additionally, coffee itself might have some particular health benefits.
Interested in how iced coffee could contribute to better health? Let’s take a look at organic iced coffee’s history and the properties present in this popular drink (needing some right now to get through this blog? Order here!) that could be just as health-boosting as they are delicious.
Table of contents:
- A Brief History of Iced Coffee
- Organic Iced Coffee vs. Cold Brew Coffee: What’s the Difference?
- Why Did Cold Brew Get So Popular?
- Organic Iced Coffee vs. Hot Coffee Taste Differences
- Organic Iced Coffee and Cold Brew Health Benefits
- Are There Long-Term Health Effects of Iced Coffee and Cold Brew?
- Introduce Cold Brew into Your Health Routine with Clean Juice
A Brief History of Iced Coffee
Coffee has been around for centuries and has been enjoyed in countless cultures and nations. One of the first known instances was when Japanese sailors in the 17th century drank their coffee cold to avoid any fire hazards while onboard ships.
Another early instance of iced coffee occurred in Algeria during the Battle of Mazagran when tired soldiers craved a hit of caffeine that was cold and refreshing while also boosting their energy.
This concoction was named Mazagran after its historical context, and soldiers and families from both sides of the battle started to enjoy this cold beverage. In some places, it was served plain, and in others, it was mixed with syrup for a bit of sweetness.
When the French soldiers in Algeria returned to France, they brought this unique coffee drink with them and encouraged their local cafes to create their own version.
This concoction has taken on many different forms over the generations as it has spread throughout Europe, Asia, and the U.S. The Austrian version of a Mazagran includes a shot of rum, and in Vietnam, iced coffee is mixed with sweetened condensed milk for a rich and satisfying flavor.
In America today, iced coffee is generally thought of simply as the chilled counterpart to regular hot coffee. In many coffee shops, this is exactly how iced coffee is made. Brewed coffee is allowed to chill to room temperature or refrigerator temperature and poured on ice.
In recent years, however, the brewing process for iced coffee has received a serious upgrade — the cold brewing method. Cold brew coffee is now widely available in most coffee shops, so iced coffee lovers can have easy access to this upgraded version of their favorite drink.
Organic Iced Coffee vs. Cold Brew Coffee
How exactly are traditional iced coffee and cold brew different? Traditional organic iced coffee is made with cooled hot-brewed coffee, a brewing process that uses hot water to draw out the caffeine and flavor of the ground coffee beans.
By the time this coffee has cooled down and is served over ice, it’s no longer at peak freshness and can develop some bitterness.
On the contrary, cold brew coffee never uses hot water during the brewing process. To create a cold brew, the ground coffee is steeped in cold water for anywhere from 12 to 24 hours. The longer the grounds steep in the water, the more flavorful and rich the cold brew will be.
Why Did Cold Brew Get So Popular?
Why has cold brew seemingly popped up all over coffee shops and restaurants over the past several years? Cold brew coffee has existed for many years, but it’s experiencing a huge increase in popularity.
Since cold brew is designed to be served cold and never heated, it tends to have less bitterness than organic iced coffee or even hot coffee served fresh. Additionally, cold brew tends to have higher levels of caffeine and a bolder flavor than traditional organic iced coffee.
This is why many organic iced coffee lovers tend to prefer cold brew when it’s available.
Additionally, for those who like to brew their own coffee at home, cold brew coffee is now just as accessible as hot coffee. Individuals can buy their own cold brew coffee kits that make it easy to create this delicious beverage at home.
Cold brew is present in many healthy beverages and dishes, making these items even more delicious and optimal for wellness. At Clean Juice, we love the way cold brew increases the flavor profile of our smoothies, bowls, and bottled juices. Order now!
Organic Iced Coffee vs. Hot Coffee Taste Differences
Are you a hot coffee drinker who’s curious about switching over to organic iced coffee or cold brew? You may be wondering what the differences in taste tend to be, and that all depends on the type of hot coffee you usually drink.
Light roast coffees tend to be bright and acidic, while dark roast coffees are earthy and robust. Medium roast usually has a mixture of both, making it the most similar to the taste of cold brew coffee. You will likely notice that cold brew is less acidic than many hot coffee blends and has a more smooth flavor overall.
Additionally, cold brew is typically made in a concentrated form and mixed with water. That means the less water is mixed with cold brew concentrate, the stronger your cold brew coffee will taste.
Drinking plain cold brew concentrate isn’t recommended, as the taste will be too rich for most people’s liking, and the caffeine content could create unwanted effects.
If you simply prefer a hot beverage over a cold one most of the time, it may be difficult to switch to cold brew from hot coffee. However, cold brew can be a refreshing treat on a particularly hot day.
Just keep in mind that cold brew is served without ice in many coffee shops, which can actually be a benefit as it prevents your beverage from becoming watered down over time.
Organic Iced Coffee and Cold Brew Health Benefits
Organic iced coffee and cold brew are more than just a tasty pick-me-up. These beverages have many potential health benefits that can be enjoyed with regular consumption.
Many of these benefits are similar to those you can take advantage of with hot coffee, but you may prefer cold brew for any number of reasons, and it is easier to mix with other things, while hot coffee is generally consumed on its own.
More Energy for Daily Tasks
Most people know that coffee gives them a boost of energy thanks to its caffeine content. Caffeine is a naturally occurring substance in coffee beans that stimulates the nervous system, increasing your sense of alertness and possibly even increasing performance at work, at school, or during physical activity.
If you’re feeling tired during your day and need a boost to get things done, a cup of organic iced coffee or cold brew can give you that quick boost of energy you need. Just make sure you don’t drink too much, as excessive caffeine intake can create unwanted symptoms like anxiety, headaches, and restlessness.
Great Source of Antioxidants
Did you know that all coffee drinks are great sources of antioxidants? These naturally-occurring substances are found in many different plants, including coffee beans. Antioxidants work to prevent a bodily process called oxidation, which can create damage in the body and put you at higher risk for many different types of diseases.
Antioxidants also help sweep up harmful agents known as free radicals in the body, which may contribute to many diseases, such as cancer and heart disease. That’s why consuming foods like coffee that have high levels of antioxidants is such a good decision for your health.
Are There Long-Term Health Effects of Iced Coffee and Cold Brew?
Including organic iced coffee and cold brew in your daily life can have some great short-term effects, but what about the long-term? When you make iced coffee part of your daily life, you could be making a great choice for your health for the long haul while also reaping the benefits in the short term.
Are you looking for an easy way to combine cold brew with other nutrients? Boost your health the tasty way with Clean Juice. We have a ton of coffee-friendly options available right now like our “The Coffee One” or “The Iced Latte One” or if you want some chocolate in your life, “The Mocha One.” Order now!
Decreased Risk of Heart Failure
Heart failure is one of the most common causes of death in the U.S. The best way to avoid heart failure is to decrease your risk of developing heart disease, and regular servings of coffee are a convenient way to help keep your heart healthy.
Studies show that a few cups of coffee per day could decrease your risk of heart disease by as much as 15% compared to those who don’t drink any coffee. If you have high blood pressure, consult with your doctor about your caffeine intake.
Decreased Chance of Developing Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s
When you drink coffee, the caffeine stimulates your central nervous system, which includes your brain. In this way, drinking organic iced coffee regularly could help protect your brain from developing neurodegenerative diseases. That’s because regular mental stimulation helps keep your brain function strong.
Some of the most common neurodegenerative diseases are Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease, which have many symptoms in common, including memory loss and disorientation. Alzheimer’s tends to affect the brain and memory more significantly, while Parkinson’s mostly creates physical symptoms like tremors.
These conditions can come along with decreased quality of life and many significant health consequences of their own. By including organic iced coffee in your daily routine, you could reduce your risk of developing these conditions later in life.
Reduced Stroke Risk
The high levels of antioxidants in iced coffee and cold brew can work to prevent many unwanted health conditions. One such condition is stroke, which can occur due to an artery blockage or blood vessel bursting. Strokes are the fourth leading cause of early death in women in the U.S.
When you consume iced coffee regularly, you can support good heart health, which will help reduce your chance of stroke later in life. This is mostly due to the high antioxidant content in coffee.
Lessened Odds of Developing Colon Cancer
Cancer is never good news, and colon cancer can be one of the toughest to treat. However, drinking iced coffee and cold brew might be a helpful way to reduce your odds of developing this type of cancer.
According to a study by Johns Hopkins Medicine, coffee drinkers are about 26% less likely to be diagnosed with colon cancer during their lifetime. This study found that the benefits of drinking coffee to prevent colon cancer were the same with regular coffee drinkers and decaf coffee drinkers.
Helps the Body Properly Process Glucose
According to some studies, people who drink iced coffee or cold brew regularly (or perhaps you’d rather eat it, like in our “Cold Brew Bowl”) might have an advantage with their body’s ability to process glucose. This means a reduced risk of developing minor conditions like anemia or major conditions like type 2 diabetes. However, the research on this topic is still in the early stages.
Introduce Cold Brew into Your Health Routine with Clean Juice
Our team at Clean Juice knows just how delicious and health-boosting cold brew coffee can be. That’s why we offer multiple products that feature several ways to consume this amazing healthy food. We have “The Iced Latte One,” “The Mocha One,” and “The Coffee One,” which as you guessed it, contain coffee.
Drink your coffee in a bottled smoothie or juice, or enjoy it in bites in bowl form! There’s no wrong way to add cold brew to your daily diet, and you’ll love the rich taste that fresh cold brew adds to our nutritious products.
Order now to get your favorite Clean Juice products delivered right to your door for a fresh, nutritious meal on your timeline.
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Disclaimer: The information presented here is for educational purposes only and is in no way intended as a substitute for medical counseling. Consult your doctor before using any health treatment, including natural remedies, and tell your doctor if you have a serious medical condition or are taking any medications.
If you’re unsure whether iced coffee would be a healthy choice for you, ask your doctor.