Do you start your day with a hot cup of coffee? If so, you’re not alone. In the United States, over 60% of adults drink coffee every day. And while many people enjoy espresso more than regular coffee, both drinks have health benefits. So which one is better for you – espresso or coffee? Let’s take a closer look at caffeine, calories, and antioxidants to find out!
Caffeine
Caffeine is a stimulant that can improve mental alertness and increase physical energy. Espresso has more caffeine than coffee – about 127 milligrams per fluid ounce. While different beans have different concentrations of caffeine, regular coffee has around 96 milligrams per fluid ounce. So if you’re looking for a quick energy boost, espresso may be the better choice. However, too much caffeine can cause side effects like anxiety and insomnia, so it’s important to limit your intake. It is also important to mention that the amount of caffeine in espresso will depend on the sort of beans used, the grind, and how long it is brewed. By reading a coffee blog or the side of your coffee packaging, you can find details regarding this information. On the other hand, when it comes to regular coffee, the amount of caffeine is more stable.
Calories
When it comes to calories, since they are mostly water, both coffee and espresso have very few – about two calories per fluid ounce. A cup of brewed coffee (8 fluid ounces) contains 2.4 calories. A typical cup of espresso (2 fluid ounces) contains 5.4 calories. Because espresso is more concentrated than coffee, it contains more calories per ounce.
A typical cup of espresso, on the other hand, has a smaller serving size than a typical coffee cup. Adding any mix-ins, such as cream, milk, or sugar, to either beverage increases the calories. In addition, some coffee drinks, such as frappuccinos and lattes, can have added syrups or flavorings that add calories and sugar.
Antioxidants
Coffee and espresso both contain antioxidants, which are compounds that protect your cells from damage. These antioxidants may reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer. In addition, coffee and espresso both contain polyphenols, which are a type of antioxidant. Polyphenols may help to reduce inflammation, improve blood sugar control, and promote gut health.
While these antioxidants can improve your overall health, it’s important to remember that they are found in other foods and beverages, as well. It is important that you eat a variety of foods to get the most benefit from antioxidants.
Additionally, both espresso and drip coffee without additives are nutritionally equivalent. Both have trace amounts of B vitamins, magnesium, and manganese. However, adding milk, cream, or sugar to coffee or espresso decreases the nutritional value.
So, what’s the verdict? Both coffee and espresso have health benefits, but they also have some drawbacks. To put it another way, a cup of black coffee is better for you than an espresso drink with syrup, sprinkles, and milk. A plain shot of espresso, on the other hand, will not add as many calories, fat, and sugars as a cup of coffee with cream and sugar. So, whether you prefer espresso or regular drip coffee, keep in mind how much caffeine you consume, where you get your coffee beans, and anything else you put in your drink. And remember to get your antioxidants from a variety of foods and beverages to improve your overall health!
