Instant coffee: benefits or harms

Instant coffee is one of the most popular drinks. However, there are many myths regarding this product, both about its harm and its benefits. Therefore, the properties of the drink should be considered in more detail.

How and what instant coffee is made of

Contrary to popular belief, instant coffee is still produced from natural raw materials, that is, from roasted coffee tree beans. There are various technologies for its production. The raw materials are either freeze dried or dry spray technology is used. The result is soluble powder or granules. To taste this drink is close to natural coffee. But in its production, sometimes the caffeine content is specially specially reduced, and sometimes its synthetic substitute is introduced. So in terms of chemical composition, these drinks are still different from each other.

Kinds

There are three main varieties of the product:

1. Coffee in the form of powder. In the production of this type, roasted coffee beans are first grinded to an almost powder stage, then they end up in a special installation where it is practically brewed by passing drops of liquid in a vacuum. After this, instantaneous drying of the coffee particles occurs. Then the raw material turns into a powder of very fine grinding. This variety is considered the cheapest.
2. Granular coffee. It is produced from powdered raw materials that undergo re-wetting with steam. As a result, individual small particles stick together into granules. This production technology contributes to a more rapid dissolution of coffee, but its taste and aroma deteriorate, which does not prevent the granular variety from being more expensive.
3. Freeze-dried coffee is produced using a different technology (it will be discussed below). As a result, it retains the taste and aroma of the feedstock. This is the most expensive type of coffee.

Thus, among themselves, the types of coffee differ not only in price and taste characteristics, but also in production technology. Moreover, a higher cost is not always an argument in favor of choosing a specific product.

What is the difference between ground coffee and instant coffee

In fact, these are completely different products that differ in both production technology and aromatic and taste characteristics, due to the different content of caffeine and other substances.

The main technologies for the production of instant coffee were discussed above. With ground coffee, everything is completely different. For its production, they take the fruits of a coffee tree, roast grains and grind them in a special apparatus. Moreover, modern equipment allows you to get coffee of different grinding - from small to large. The raw materials do not go through any more processing, which helps preserve the original composition of coffee beans, including essential oils.

The taste of ground coffee depends on which raw material it was made from and how it was roasted. About 70% of the total production falls on Arabica. The rest is robusta, which has a higher caffeine content.

Raw coffee grounds may have different degrees of roasting. To make espresso, you need coffee of the darkest degree of roasting, which is called Italian. Then in descending order of color are French, Viennese and Scandinavian (the lightest). For instant coffee, such a number of degrees of roasting of the feedstock is not provided.

What is the difference between freeze-dried and instant coffee

Freeze-dried coffee is a high-tech product. It retains the color and shade of the natural, but undergoes a fairly complex processing, which allows you to get a soluble drink from it. But it differs from other types of production technology. For its manufacture, coffee beans are ground from the very beginning literally to a state of dust, after which these raw materials mixed with water are frozen. After separation from the liquid, a kind of coffee tile is obtained, which is again ground. Coffee retains its taste and aroma, while caffeine, dyes, flavorings are not added to it. Of all the types of drink mentioned above, this option is considered the most useful - after ground coffee, of course.

Which coffee is better: instant or ground

Instant coffee has only two advantages - the speed of its preparation and a longer shelf life. This is due to the fact that in the production process the feedstock loses its essential oils, which increases the shelf life, but negatively affects the taste and aromatic characteristics.

Many people believe that the main drawback of instant coffee is precisely connected with this - that it is significantly inferior to ground to taste. However, in fact, the main drawback is that manufacturers seek to eliminate this difference and add artificial flavors and essential oils to the product. The taste of even the best powder or granulated coffee is still different from ground coffee, especially when it comes to cheap varieties. At the same time, at least many chemical components cannot be called useful. And they can even harm people with gastrointestinal tract pathologies, since they stimulate the production of gastric juice, and with gastritis this significantly aggravates the course of the disease.

Although instant coffee contains less caffeine as a percentage, the drink is still often bitter. This is due to the fact that obviously lower-quality raw materials are selected for the production of this product, since the best grains will be sold as a whole. Sometimes manufacturers use literally crop residues, which evens out the benefits derived from the most expensive technology - sublimation. In addition to caffeine itself, almost all the beneficial components of instant coffee are removed even at the initial stages of production.

Ground coffee is considered more beneficial because it does not contain any chemical additives, and it affects the secretion of gastric juice to a lesser extent than a soluble drink. However, not all so simple.

On the other hand, high-quality instant coffee contains less caffeine than ground coffee - 60–80 mg in one cup, while in the traditional coffee, depending on the characteristics of the raw materials and the preparation method, it contains up to 80–150 mg. This is important for caffeine sensitive people.

In addition, natural ground coffee contains the substance cafestol. It suppresses those mechanisms that regulate the level of "bad" cholesterol in the blood. The use of ground coffee containing cafestol increases cholesterol by an average of 8% in middle-aged men, by 10% in women, and in older people this figure can even be higher. Cafestol is found in coffee oils. In the production of instant coffee, these oils are removed, and cafestol in this product is contained in an insignificant amount. So from this point of view, a soluble drink is even more beneficial.

Composition and calorie content

The energy value of the product is low. If we talk about a drink prepared without sugar and milk, then in a cup of instant coffee contains only 1 kcal.

The chemical composition of natural coffee is not fully understood. It is known that it contains more than two thousand substances, and these are not only carbohydrates, oils, organic acids, but also various vitamins, minerals and proteins. However, in instant coffee, the chemical composition is much more modest. It contains about 2.8% caffeine, about 1.8% carbohydrate, and 4.5% trigonellin. The latter substance is also present in natural coffee. This alkaloid is one of the many compounds responsible for the aroma of a drink. Finally, there is dextrin in instant coffee - about 5%, but its role is reduced only to the fact that it helps to better absorb certain elements.

As for nutrients, instant coffee, albeit in a smaller amount, contains phosphorus and sodium, which are necessary for normal metabolic processes, vitamin PP, some B vitamins and antioxidants that slow down the aging process. And even the powdery variety of the product may contain up to 4% water.

Read the composition of the drink very carefully, as some manufacturers also use carbonic acid, synthetic coffee oil substitutes, dyes, and stabilizers for the production of instant coffee.

What is instant coffee good for?

General benefit

Although instant coffee contains less caffeine and other active ingredients, they are still present in this drink, which affects its properties:

• concentration improvement;
• enhancing cognitive abilities;
• prevention of clinical depression;
• normalization of intestinal motility.

Studies have also been conducted that caffeine (even artificial, which is sometimes introduced into a soluble drink) reduces body weight. Scientists believe that it stimulates energy expenditure, metabolic processes and suppresses appetite.

For women

Relatively recently, large-scale studies were conducted in several countries at once, in which more than 500 thousand people were involved. As a result, unexpected results were obtained. It turned out that coffee (including instant coffee) reduced the risk of developing cancer, but only among the fair sex. If we talk about specific numbers, then those women who drink up to three cups of instant coffee per day significantly reduce the risk of death from cancer and cardiovascular disease.

In addition, this drink, unlike natural coffee, to a lesser extent leaches calcium. Therefore, women during menopause, when the risk of developing osteoporosis increases, it is recommended to drink a soluble drink.

For men

The studies mentioned above also revealed that instant coffee has a positive effect on men's health. However, it is interesting that in the stronger sex, caffeine has a greater effect on the release of oxytocin. This is the so-called hormone of happiness, which is produced by the hypothalamus. It not only regulates energy metabolism, but also reduces the risk of developing clinical depression. So in men who regularly drink instant coffee, the risk of depression was not only reduced, but in general, fewer cases of cardiovascular diseases caused by emotional state were recorded.

It should also be noted that men who drink up to three cups of coffee a day are less likely to social aggression, suicide and destructive habits. However, the daily norm of caffeine should not exceed 400 mg per day, and taking into account the fact that a person receives it with various drinks and products, you should not get involved in coffee.

During pregnancy

Studies have shown that caffeine during pregnancy easily penetrates the hematoplacental barrier and enters the fetal blood. All embryo life support systems are still developing, so this substance simply cannot be properly absorbed by the body. There is a theory that says that this can lead to the birth of a child with a reduced weight.

At the same time, many expectant mothers feel the need for caffeine, without which they feel weak and weak.In this case, you should be guided by WHO recommendations, according to which it is better to use instant coffee, which contains less caffeine than natural. The maximum dose of this substance in such cases is 100 mg per day, that is, two small cups of this drink will be more than enough, but provided that the woman refuses other sources of caffeine (Coca-Cola, chocolate, black and green tea) .

When breastfeeding

Until the baby turns three months old, the nursing mother will have to completely abandon coffee and other sources of caffeine. Then gradually you can include your favorite drink in your diet. But at the same time, it is better not to use it on a regular basis, only occasionally allowing yourself a cup of instant coffee. And in any case, you need to carefully monitor how the baby reacts to this drink. If the child becomes moody, shows nervousness, rashes appear on the skin, you will have to refuse instant coffee. Better then replace it with chicory.

For kids

Many kids are drawn to a fragrant drink. And if a child aged 5–6 years takes a sip of instant coffee, nothing bad will happen. After all, this drink contains less caffeine than natural coffee, and at the same time brings benefits - for example, it improves concentration and memory, increases physical endurance and speed of reaction. It has also been proven that instant coffee activates the digestive tract and can even mitigate allergy attacks.

However, all these benefits can be offset by the negative consequences that regular coffee consumption can have. In particular, it can remove calcium from the body, which is especially important during the growth period. Also, this drink can negatively affect the hormonal background, since the child’s endocrine system is still unstable. In children with hypersensitivity to caffeine, irritability, irritability, and hysteria can occur. Also, coffee affects the heart rate.

Due to such an ambiguous effect on the body, coffee is not recommended for children under 14 years of age. Even younger students can be allowed no more than a couple sips of the drink. But since the child wants to behave the same way as adults, he can be offered a drink from chicory as an alternative.

When losing weight

Instant coffee itself is a low-calorie drink. At the same time, nutritionists do not mind including it in the diet, but only without sugar and milk, which significantly impairs its taste.

Science has proven that the use of instant coffee activates the pancreas. This means that the body increases insulin production. This hormone is important not only for people with diabetes. He is responsible for the accumulation of body fat. The more it is produced and the better it is absorbed, the less fat will settle in problem areas.

Finally, it is worth noting that instant coffee has a pronounced diuretic effect. This helps to remove excess fluid from the body and relieve puffiness, helps to get rid of extra pounds. In addition, as mentioned above, caffeine suppresses appetite and activates metabolic processes.

And even a soluble drink contains antioxidants, which not only prolong the youth of the body, but also improve the condition of blood vessels. However, coffee cannot be the basis of a diet. Only 2-3 cups of drink can be drunk per day to keep fit. To reduce weight, you need to drink up to 4 cups, without sugar and milk.

Instant coffee with milk: benefits and harms

Regarding instant coffee with milk, doctors have no unequivocal opinion. On the one hand, milk reduces the amount of digestible caffeine. Therefore, people with arterial hypertension can drink instant coffee with milk - the drink will not increase pressure. On the other hand, milk eliminates the vasodilating effect of caffeine, so people with hypotension just do not get the desired effect.Such coffee cannot invigorate, on the contrary, it will cause drowsiness in some people.

Coffee with milk will not bring much harm. But it should be noted that it will prevent weight loss. In this form, the drink will even slightly reduce the rate of metabolic processes. And this also applies to those cases when skim milk is added to it, since its benefit is, rather, a common misconception, long dispelled by nutritionists.

Instant coffee in medicine

For a long time, official medicine did not favor instant coffee, since it was believed that it contains more caffeine than natural. Then it was proved that this indicator is much lower, and in general, caffeine in combination with other substances contained in this drink does more good than harm.

With diabetes

In recent years, several studies have been conducted regarding the effects of coffee on type 2 diabetes. At first, scientists believed that a soluble drink would not affect the production of insulin as traditional, because it contains less caffeine. But further studies have shown that the whole complex of substances contained in coffee affects the production and absorption of insulin. And even a soluble drink that has undergone the decaffeination process (that is, artificially removed caffeine from it) reduces the risk of diabetes by more than 30%, provided that the person drinks 4 cups daily.

Important: glycemic index of instant coffee from 50 to 60 units.

With pancreatitis

Since the substances contained in a soluble drink increase the activity of the pancreas, this can lead to an exacerbation of the disease. So with pancreatitis, instant coffee should not be consumed under any circumstances.

With gastritis

With gastritis with low acidity, coffee is even useful in that it contributes to the production of gastric juice. But with another form of the disease, accompanied by increased acidity, it is contraindicated for the same reason.

With gout

Theoretically, coffee does not contain purines, which cause the development of this disease. However, much depends on how this product was produced. Some manufacturers, who use not freezing, but heating the raw materials to high temperatures, are forced to restore damaged caffeine in the future. To do this, they use its synthetic analogue, made from xanthine and uric acid, which negatively affects metabolic processes and causes exacerbation of gout.

Instant coffee in cosmetology

Due to the fact that instant coffee contains less nutrients, it is less commonly used in cosmetology than ground coffee. But then it has a more convenient form for making masks, so sometimes it is used for home-made cosmetic products.

For face

Based on instant coffee, a lifting mask is made that tightens the skin and corrects the shape of the face. To do this, you need 75 g of instant drink, 100 g of sugar, 5 g of cinnamon powder, 50 g of coconut oil (it is sold in pharmacies and perfume stores). The oil is heated over low heat, not boiling, then other components are added and mixed with a wooden spatula. When they completely dissolve, the composition is cooled to an acceptable temperature and applied to the skin of the face and neck with light massage movements. The mask is left for 20 minutes, then washed off with warm water.

For hair

To strengthen hair for 1 tsp instant raw coffee take two raw yolks, 2 tbsp. cognac, 1 tsp castor oil and 1 tbsp. hot water.Coffee is brewed with water, then mixed with the rest of the ingredients and applied to wet hair for 15-20 minutes, and then washed off with shampoo.

Harm and contraindications

1. Instant coffee with regular use can impair the absorption of iron from food. Therefore, this drink is contraindicated in anemia.
2. The use of it in large quantities leads to the depletion of the nervous system. The fact is that in combination with those substances that are present in the soluble form of the drink, caffeine is retained in the body not for 2-3 hours, but for a three times longer period. This greatly increases the excitability of the nervous system. In addition, this can lead to the development of addiction.
3. Due to the effect of coffee on the production of gastric juice and on the functioning of the pancreas, the drink is contraindicated in inflammatory diseases of the digestive tract, including pancreatitis, gastritis, colitis, ulcers, etc.
4. Decaffeinated instant coffee contains ethyl acetate and dichloromethane - they are toxic in large quantities.

How to choose and store instant coffee

You need to buy only products from well-known manufacturers, having previously studied the composition and making sure that there are no synthetic components in it. The integrity of the packaging must not be compromised.

It is recommended to store instant coffee either in a dark glass jar so that sunlight does not start oxidative processes, or in a tin can. In any case, the lid should be tightly closed so that the aroma does not disappear. Keep the container in a cool, dry place. And in no case should you take coffee with a wet spoon - this is especially true for the powder form, since it will be packed into tight lumps.

How to make instant coffee

The process of making instant coffee is extremely simple. Take 1 tsp. this drink and pour a glass of boiling water, and then stir. If desired, the drink can be made more concentrated using half the amount of liquid.

How to drink instant coffee

Instant coffee should be prepared in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and drunk in the quantity recommended by WHO.

How much can I drink per day

The total norm of caffeine per day for an adult is 400 mg, and for a teenager - 100 mg. But only from this amount can you make a different amount of coffee. In general terms, we can say that, following the manufacturer’s instructions, teenagers can drink 1-2 cups of coffee a day, and adults can drink 3-4 cups.

Can I drink at night and on an empty stomach

Doctors do not advise drinking instant coffee at night, because it is exciting and can lead to sleep problems. On an empty stomach, this drink is not recommended to be consumed, since it causes increased production of gastric juice.

Can I drink expired instant coffee

Even a soluble drink contains fats, which, after the expiration date, are oxidized. So it does not pose a particular danger to the body, but a corresponding reaction from the digestive system is possible - for example, flatulence or diarrhea. In general, expired instant coffee will be just tasteless. Even before the expiration date, provided the lid is not tightly closed, it loses its taste and aroma. What can we say about those cases when two years have passed from the time of manufacture!

The best varieties of instant coffee

Unlike natural coffee, in this case, the consumer does not always know what raw materials were used to produce the drink. And even more so, it is not known which sort of coffee beans went into its production (or was it a blend, that is, a mixture of varieties).

One of the best brands in this segment is Egoiste Noir, as the brand uses freeze-drying technology, preserving the natural taste and aroma. And the raw materials are initially selected quality.Another drink made using sublimation technology is Carte Noire Classic, and the brand insists that only the best arabica is selected for it. Both brands have a fairly high price.

From inexpensive drinks, quality instant coffee by sublimation is produced by Jacobs under the Millicano brand.

How to dye eggs with instant coffee

This dye can only be used for eggshells. You need to hold the boiled egg for 10-15 minutes in a hot drink so that it acquires a pastel brown hue. To make the color more saturated, the eggs are literally boiled in strong instant coffee for 2-3 minutes.

Interesting facts about coffee

1. The inventor of instant coffee was the Japanese chemist Satori Kato. But although he invented the technology back in 1899, it never became mass. So officially the palm belongs to the Nestle company, which launched a mass production in the 1930s.
2. Instant coffee can enhance the effects of certain drugs, such as aspirin. This is due to the fact that its use increases the acidity of the stomach, the tablets dissolve faster and are fully absorbed.

Photo of instant coffee