The debate between hot and cold coffee has long been centered around personal taste, but what about the health implications of each? According to Dr. Majid Basit, a cardiologist with Memorial Hermann in Sugar Land, Texas, hot coffee has been shown to have higher amounts of antioxidants, which may offer health advantages. A 2018 study in Scientific Reports found that hot coffee has higher levels of antioxidants compared to cold brew. While caffeine levels are similar in both hot and cold coffee, hot brewing methods yield slightly higher caffeine levels. However, the differences are not significant enough to overcome variables such as the type of beans used. The cardiologist notes that caffeine has both positive and negative effects on the body, including increasing brain alertness and energy levels, but also leading to an upset stomach, increased urination, blood pressure, and heart rate.
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