Instant coffee generally has coffee connoisseurs turning the other way. Why? Because it isn’t considered to be real coffee. But how can fake coffee provide real health benefits?
Instant coffee is not only incredibly popular in parts of the world, with over 50% of people consuming instant coffee in these countries, but it’s also cheaper, faster and much easier to use.
While you may think you are trading in the health benefits of a regular coffee for the speed of an instant one, it is worthy to know that you will actually be gaining some great benefits just the same.
What Is Instant Coffee?
Instant coffee (1) also comes from coffee beans roasted and ground, but the extra step goes into extracting the ground beans with hot water. This preserves the coffee flavor and aroma which is then dried in one of two ways: spray-drying or freeze-drying.
Spray-drying
“In spray-drying, the coffee extract is sprayed into a stream of hot air at the top of a tall cylindrical tower. As the droplets fall, they dry, becoming a fine powder by the time they reach the bottom. The powder may then be texturised into granules to facilitate dosage and dissolution. The quality of the aroma and flavour are preserved thank to the very fast drying occurring during this process. Spray-drying is the most commonly used drying process.”
Freeze-drying
“In freeze-drying, the coffee extract is frozen to about – 40°C and cut into granules. The frozen granules are then dried at low temperature and under vacuum. The quality of the aroma and flavour are protected by the very low temperature and gentle drying conditions.” (2)
What Are the Benefits of Instant Coffee?
The difference between instant coffee and regular ground coffee hasn’t been so far apart. With the beneficial compounds being activated during the roasting process, the amounts of these compounds will vary, but not depending on the difference in coffee. These differences depend on how the bean is roasted and how the coffee is prepared.
This means that the benefits you find in regular coffee will be similar to those in instant coffee. These include:
- Antioxidants.
- Benefits physical and mental stress and performance.
- Provide the same polyphenols as in regular coffee.
- Prevention of Type 2 diabetes.
- Aids in concentration and mood.
- Enhance physical activity.
- Reduce the risk of stroke.
Quick Caffeine
With the health benefits being generally the same, it is interesting to know the amount of caffeine is not. Instant coffee contains less caffeine compared to a freshly brewed cup of coffee. According to the International Food Information Council Foundation (3) instant coffee ranges from 60-85mg of caffeine while fresh-brewed ranges from 75-165 mg.
Remember, that you are essentially adding water to coffee granules for a second time, which may be the reason as to why the caffeine levels are lower.
Grateful Earth's Superfood Instant Coffee
There are plenty of instant coffees available in the supermarket and online. Despite these being easily bought and consumed, its worth making sure you are getting the best out of your morning coffee.
Here at Grateful Earth, we have developed a Super Brain blend of superfood instant coffee powder that will give you all of the health benefits of coffee with an added boost of energy and focus with nature's adaptogens - mushrooms.
Adaptogens are non-toxic plants, herbs and fungi that have been utilized in alternative and holistic medicine for centuries. These adaptogens can bring on a host of potential health benefits depending on which ones you consume.
In our transformative blend, we look to stimulate your mind with turmeric, cinnamon, L-theanine, black pepper (4) and mushroom varieties lions mane (5) and chaga.
As a 3-in-1 blend, we also add non-dairy creamer, coconut milk powder, and brown sugar to add some sweetness. The great thing about our quick and easy blend is that we utilize a single serving. Meaning we give you the ideal companion to bring on the go and provide you with the much-needed boost of energy you may be longing for throughout your day.
Everyone is an expert when it comes to coffee, but don’t let their judgement diminish your choice. With instant coffee having most of the same benefits of a regular cup of Joe, you aren’t missing out on much at all. As a quick and easy alternative to your busy lifestyle, there is nothing nicer than ticking off making coffee with the easy addition of hot water.
If you are looking for a healthier alternative to your regular morning instant coffee, you should try our 3-in-1 Superfood Instant Coffee. With the added benefits of adaptogens, nootropics and superfoods with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, you’ll be ready to take on whatever the day has to throw at you.
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