COFFEE WARS: Is Light or Dark Roast Healthier?
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted November 25, 2022
Regular readers know I’m gaga for coffee.
My favorite brew is downright delicious, of course. But even better, coffee is packed full of powerful phytochemicals that are natural antioxidants.
In other words, coffee helps fight off the free radicals that play a role in heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and more.
But I get asked a lot by patients if they should be drinking light or dark roast.
Now, I know I’m opening a GIANT can of worms even attempting to answer this question.
(After all, entire relationships have ended, and folks have nearly gone to war over which brew TASTES better: light or dark roast.)
So I’ll leave the taste battle to you and your loved ones…
The REAL question we want to answer today is which roasting method produces the most health benefits. And the answer might surprise you.
Luckily, a group of researchers from South Korea recently decided to tackle this same question.
The study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food compared different roasting methods with how much caffeine was retained and how many antioxidants were present in the coffee.
The researchers found that the lighter the roast, the more antioxidants remained in the coffee after processing.
That’s bound to surprise a lot of folks who have been convinced that darker roasts were healthier. But when you stop to think about it, it just makes sense.
After all, no matter what cooking method you use, the longer you heat something, the more “damage” is done and the higher the nutrient loss.
Take broccoli, for example. The difference in antioxidant levels between fresh broccoli and well-cooked broccoli is dramatic.
The researchers didn’t just measure the antioxidant levels and stop there. They also ran lab tests to measure the coffee for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. And once again, they found that lighter roasts came out on top.
But dark-roast lovers don’t despair. Your rich brew also brings big health benefits to the table.
In fact, here is a list of some of the many health perks your favorite morning brew delivers, regardless of which beans you choose:
- Enhanced energy levels.
- Reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Improved mental well-being.
- Weight management.
- A decreased risk of depression.
- Reduced liver disease risks.
- Better heart health.
- Improved athletic performance.
- A longer life
Now, if you’ll pardon me, I’m going to go pour myself a second cup.
P.S. Researchers have pinpointed one coffee compound that has a pretty astounding benefit. A recent study found that this potent ingredient can LOWER cholesterol. And you’re never going to believe what it is.
Source:
Study abstract: “Cellular Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Coffee Extracts with Different Roasting Levels,” Journal of Medicinal Food. Jun 2017.626-635.http://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2017.3935
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Why Your Muscles Are Your Brain's Best Defense
Forget expensive brain scans and head-scratching cognitive tests that make you feel like you’re back in school. Japanese researchers have stumbled onto something that could change how we screen for memory problems—and it’s so simple, you’ll wonder why nobody thought of it sooner. A quick, painless measurement you can get during a routine checkup might...
Four Carbs that Could Add YEARS to Your Life
You’ve likely been avoiding carbs like the plague. Health gurus, fitness influencers, and diet books have convinced you that carbs are the enemy—that they spike your blood sugar, pack on pounds, and fast-track you to diabetes. So you’ve eliminated bread, sworn off pasta, and feel guilty just touching a piece of fruit. But what if...
Upgrade from Bananas and Apples to These Powerhouse Fruits
I’m often asked which fruits are the best. So, let’s talk about it. I’ll cut right to the chase: berries win this contest hands down. If you’re limiting your options to apples and bananas, you’re missing out on a universe of superior antioxidant power. Those everyday fruits are like bringing a knife to a gunfight...
The REAL Reason Americans are Getting “Fatter”
You’ve heard it a thousand times: “Americans are getting fatter because we’re lazy.” We sit at desks all day. We binge-watch Netflix instead of hitting the gym. We’ve traded physical labor for sedentary lifestyles. It’s a tidy explanation for why obesity has skyrocketed in developed countries. There’s just one problem—it’s completely wrong… A groundbreaking Duke...
Mailbag: Room Won't Stop Spinning? Do THIS First
“I’m dealing with vertigo issues, lightheadedness, and dizziness. As recently as this last Saturday I had multiple occurrences throughout the day. Is there anything I can do for this? I’m 69 and in good health. I work out 4 to 5 times a week.” —Spinning Hi Spinning, When patients approach me with similar complaints, I...
Hidden Number Secretly Sabotages Male Performance
Guys (and gals that love them), we should talk. You know how we’ve always been told that bedroom troubles are just part of getting older—that we just need to live with them? Well, it turns out that’s not true. Scientists recently wrapped up a six-year study that followed over 100 healthy men, and the findings...
Shocking Study Links Kids' Snacks to Dangerous Early Puberty
Kids are growing up in a world vastly different from the one we knew. Back in our day, if a child wanted something sweet, it was a piece of candy or a homemade cookie. Today’s kids are surrounded by products filled with artificial sweeteners that didn’t even exist when we were raising our own children....
Outdated Vitamin Guidelines Put Your Brain at Risk
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think twice about vitamin B12—until your doctor mentions it during a routine blood test. But new research published in the Annals of Neurology suggests we need to pay closer attention to this crucial nutrient—especially as we age. Turns out, current guidelines for this essential nutrient might be...
The TRUTH About Supplement "Liver Dangers" REVEALED
There’s been a lot of buzz lately about liver damage from supplements—so, let’s talk about it. Reports of supplement-induced liver injuries have some folks wondering, “Could my natural remedy actually be harming me?” But before you toss all your supplements in the trash, let’s separate fact from fear—and talk about how to use supplements safely....
The 10,000 Steps LIE That's Ruining Your Health
I’ll be honest—I’m a little sick of the 10,000-steps theory. You know, the one that insists you need to take at least that many steps daily to stay healthy? You won’t believe where that claim originally came from. The 10,000-steps theory wasn’t handed down from the fitness gods on stone tablets. It originated from a...