Is Coffee Acidic? Why Does Coffee Acidity Matters?

Coffee is a famous drink but is coffee acidic? Here’s what you need to know.

IS COFFEE ACIDIC – Coffee may have a variety of potential health benefits but the confusing thing about this drink is its acidity level. What should you know?

Drinking coffee is good until you do it excessively. Too much caffeine may lead to insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, stomach upset, nausea and vomiting, increased heart and breathing rate, and others. It may also result in headachesanxiety, agitation, ringing in the ears, and irregular heartbeats.

Is Coffee Acidic
Photo lifted from The Daily Meal

SEE: Coffee Beans – Types and Description Of Each Type

It is best to avoid consuming this 4 to 6 hours before going to bed so it may not disrupt your sleep. It will also sabotage your weight loss goal if you had unnecessary sweeteners like sugar, heavy whipping cream, and milk.

Another thing that’s confusing about this drink is its acidity. Its acidity is affected by certain factors like the type of coffee bean used and the method done. Its acidity actually contributes to its good flavor, however, too much acid can make your stomach upset, cause acid reflux, damage the teeth, weaken the bones, and interfere with the nutrient absorption process.

Most coffee varieties have an average pH value of 4.85 to 5.10. The major acids found in coffee listed from highest concentration to lowest are chlorogenic, quinic, citric, acetic, lactic, malic, phosphoric, linoleic, and palmitic.

According to a post from Third Wave Coffee, here are some tips to make your coffee less acidic:

  • Use filtered water.
  • Be mindful of the beans to use. Arabica beans have lower acid levels compared to Robusta.
  • Light roasting is less acidic than dark roasting.
  • Add milk or cream to neutralize your coffee’s acid level.
  • What you use also matters. A coffee maker with a built-in water filter is better.
  • To prevent an upset stomach, try drinking your coffee on an empty one.
  • Sugar increases acidity. Avoid this. Sprinkle a little salt instead to neutralize it.
  • The method of cold brew coffee making extracts lesser acid.
  • Choose decaffeinated coffee.
  • An espresso machine is also a good choice.
  • Hot coffee is more acidic than cold coffee.

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