Coffee lovers have certainly grown fast over time and they continue to increase in number. A survey conducted by Statista Research Department last June 2021, showed that the total coffee consumed in the Philippines in 2020 was about 3.3 million 60 kg bags. This reflects a long-term increase in coffee consumption over the years. This is why manufacturers of instant coffee and even gourmet coffee retailers are making good business according to Woodshed Roasting Company. Indeed, with the fast-paced lifestyle we live in, it is common to go for instant coffee rather than brewing the old-fashioned way. There are several advantages to consuming instant coffee but what are the effects of consuming it too much?
First, let us define instant coffee. Instant coffee is a powdered and water-soluble version of regular coffee. To make the drink, all you need to do is add a spoon of powder into your cup and add hot water. Unlike some claims to the contrary, there are no additional ingredients, and the product is made from 100% coffee.
There are a variety of different instant coffee products you can buy, and these include Instant Coffee Granules, which are pure coffee granules and usually come in a glass jar or a plastic pouch. It will always be 100% coffee. Another common variety is coffee sticks which is a set amount of single-serving sachets or sticks. Lastly, are ready to drink coffee that comes in a ready-to-drink can, bottle or sachet. These drinks also often contain sweeteners and/or creamers, and they are available in a wide variety of flavors.
Naturally, instant coffee can easily be prepared and consumed especially right before rushing to the office in the morning and during quick breaks at work. Nowadays, there are already a lot of variations and flavors for instant coffee, which has made it even more popular. Furthermore, instant coffee is cheaper, mass-produced and can easily be transported. Thus, it is suitable for travel, camping, and the like.
There are several differences between instant and pure coffee. Instant coffee contains higher concentrations of acrylamide than regular coffee. Acrylamide is a chemical that forms during a reaction between amino acids and sugar while heating certain foods. In experimental rat studies, exposure to acrylamide throughout life increases the risk of cancer. Despite many large-scale epidemiological studies on acrylamide and human health, a study conducted by Mandeep Virk-Baker et.al showed that the link with cancer has not been confirmed among humans.
According to Michael Joseph from Nutrition Advance, instant coffee contains less caffeine. Since it contains a smaller amount of caffeine, instant coffee may be a better choice for those with caffeine sensitivities. Some types of instant coffee (ready to drink and coffee sachets) may contain various sweeteners and oil-based creamers which may increase your sugar and fat consumption per day. In the long run, it may contribute to non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes and hypertension.
Instant coffee has both positive and negative points. But it is important to note that it still provides the usual health benefits of usual coffee. It still contains the coffee beans that can give you a good daily dose of antioxidants for a better immune system. Put in mind to steer away from drinks that are very high in sugar and fat and consume instant coffee in moderation.
PNFP-ZDS Marie Claire A. Gaas
References:
- What are the Pros and Cons of Drinking Instant Coffee?
https://www.woodshedroast.com/What-are-the-Pros-and-Cons-of-Drinking-Instant-Coffee_b_51.html
- Total coffee consumption Philippines 2011-2020
https://www.statista.com/statistics/314989/philippines-total-coffee-consumption/
- Instant Coffee: Is It Good or Bad For You?
By Michael Joseph (August 17, 2018) https://www.nutritionadvance.com/instant-coffee-good-bad/
- Dietary Acrylamide and Human Cancer: A Systematic Review of Literature
Mandeep K. Virk-Baker, Tim R. Nagy,Stephen Barnes, and John Groopman
