Nutritional Differences Between “Light Roast” Coffee and “Dark Roast” Coffee
The main difference between dark roast coffee and light roast coffee is the level of roasting, which affects the taste, aroma, and nutrient / caffeine content of the coffee.
Dark Roast Coffee
Dark roast coffee is roasted for a longer time at a higher temperature than light roast coffee, resulting in a darker color and a stronger, more robust flavor profile. This results in a slight loss of nutrients, like flavonoids, and also of caffeine
Light Roast Coffee
In contrast, light roast coffee is roasted for a shorter time at a lower temperature, resulting in a lighter color and a milder, more acidic flavor profile.
Nutrients, Flavonoids and Caffeine Content Varies
Generally speaking, the caffeine and nutrient content (including flavonoid antioxidants) of light roast coffee is slightly higher than for dark roast coffee. This is because the roasting process can break down some of the flavonoids in coffee, as well as the caffeine. So, the longer and hotter the roasting process, the more likely it is that some of the nutrients and caffeine will be lost.
However, this is a slight difference, and the nutrient content varies more based on the variety of coffee and its growing conditions. Generally speaking, it is believed that roasted Arabica coffee has a higher level of antioxidants than Robusta coffee, for example. Arabica, coincidentally is the most cultivated variety globally.
In contrast, Robusta coffee has a notably higher caffeine content than Arabica varieties. But again, the difference may vary depending on growing conditions and roasting.
Ultimately, the choice between dark roast and light roast coffee comes down to personal preference. Some people prefer the bold, strong flavor of dark roast coffee, while others enjoy the lighter, more nuanced flavors of light roast coffee.
Coffee May Reduce Incidence of Type II Diabetes
Type II Diabetes is a resistance to insulin which helps keep blood sugar in check. This leads to potentially seriously elevated blood sugar levels and over time, if left untreated, can lead to nerve damage and a number of other potentially life-threatening consequences. Coffee drinkers, however, have been shown to have a lower risk of developing Type II diabetes in comparison to people who share other similar characteristics.
Coffee May Reduce Incidence of Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s Disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases that affects the elderly. While there is no known cure for the disease, some studies have shown that one of the benefits of drinking coffee may be having up to a 65% lower risk of developing the disease.
Coffee May Reduce Incidence of Parkinson’s Disease
The second most common neurodegenerative disease is Parkinson’s Disease, which is caused by dopamine-generating neurons in the brain dying. Like Alzheimer’s there is no known cure, but coffee drinkers have been shown to have anywhere from a 32% to 60% lower risk of developing the disease.
Coffee May Reduce Risk of Strokes or Heart Disease
Some studies have shown a reduced risk of heart disease or strokes among people drinking 1-3 cups of coffee per day. However, a specific cause and effect has not been proven and it may also be due to other factors such as other dietary or weight gain factors.
Disadvantages of Drinking Coffee
Caffeine Dependency
Like all psychoactive substances, caffeine can be addicting. The caffeine in coffee can inhibit sleep or make it harder to fall asleep. In doing so it interrupts the normal waking-sleeping cycle essential to good health and immune system function. Likewise if coffee begins to interrupt sleeping habits, then you may need even more to maintain an alertness during the day, resulting in even more caffeine consumption as well as degradation of caffeine effect.
Obesity and Elevated Sugar Consumption
Although black coffee itself has almost no calories, often it is prepared with milk, cream, sugar or artificial sweeteners – essentially defeating the potential health benefits of drinking coffee. For instance artificial sweeteners, although lacking calories, have been shown directly related to increased risks of stroke and dementia. Sugar has been shown to increase risks of heart disease, as well as obesity. Milk and cream contain saturated fats and cholesterol that have been linked with heart disease and stroke as well, in addition to being loaded with calories.
Coffee shop drinks can be delicious, but unfortunately, they also tend to be high in calories, fat and sweeteners. For example, according to Starbucks, the Frappuccino® blended coffee drink contains 240 calories (compared with almost zero for plain coffee), and has 50 grams of sugar, and 2 grams of saturated fat. It is delicious though. Just don’t drink it for a health benefit.
Can Cause Dehydration
Coffee has diuretic effects, which means that it can increase your body’s production of urine, thereby causing dehydration. Symptoms of dehydration may include dry mouth, thirst and headaches. If you’re drinking coffee, remember, it is not a replacement for water or other hydrating fluids, and you will not get the benefits of drinking water by drinking coffee.
Can Cause Insomnia
Drinking coffee can interfere with sleep patterns, especially if you drink it late in the day. The caffeine in coffee can stimulate the central nervous system, and those feelings of alertness that you get from coffee have the side-effects of interfering with the sleep-wake cycle of your body.
Can Cause Anxiety and Nervousness
The caffeine in coffee an cause an increase in anxiety or nervousness, particularly among people who tend to be sensitive to its effects. In some extreme cases, high levels of caffeine consumption have been found to contribute to panic attacks or other mental health issues.
Can Cause Stomach Aches
Coffee is very acidic. For some people, this can cause acid reflux and stomach ulcers. If you start having those symptoms it is important to go to the doctor.
Artificial Flavorings
Stroll down the coffee aisle in the supermarket, and you’ll undoubtedly find a wide variety of gourmet flavored coffees from upscale brands like Starbucks or Green Mountain. From Hazelnut to Vanilla to Toffee Nut, the variety can seem mouth watering and endless. However, the fine print is that most of these are artificially flavored, not naturally flavored. So, that Hazelnut Almond coffee may not actually contain any real hazelnuts or almonds.
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Love my black cup of Joe! Glad there are more benefits than risks, on balance 👍🏻