The specialist pointed out dangerous additives in instant coffee

In the production of instant coffee, less high—quality raw materials are often used - leftover coffee beans. The unbalanced composition of raw materials for instant coffee worsens its taste, and manufacturers compensate for this with various additives, usually harmful to the body. Irina Lyalina, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences of the State University of Education, told Izvestia about this on June 23.

She explained that coffee beans normally contain caffeine and theobromine. At the same time, most of the caffeine is concentrated in the peel, and theobromine in the core. When processing grains, the caffeine-rich part (the peel) is usually separated and given to pharmaceutical companies and manufacturers of sports nutrition. And the leftovers, the core containing mainly theobromine, are used to make freeze—dried and instant coffee.

"Theobromine is a substance that causes the diuretic effect of coffee. And since there is more of it in instant coffee than in freshly brewed coffee, drinking instant coffee entails increased water excretion from the body. This can lead to dehydration, so after a cup of freeze—dried or instant coffee, it is usually recommended to drink the same cup of clean water," the specialist suggested.

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The decline in sales of the drink is taking place, among other things, against the background of rising prices for raw materials

But, she added, there is much less caffeine in instant coffee than in freshly brewed coffee, which means that it is less invigorating.

The unbalanced composition of raw materials for instant coffee often worsens its taste, and manufacturers compensate for this with various additives-flavor enhancers, flavors, dyes and preservatives, often harmful to the body.

"Instant or freeze-dried coffee may also contain a small amount of trans fats produced during sublimation. Acids, including chlorogenic, and other compounds that irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa and increase the acidity of gastric juice. There is also more acrylamide than in freshly brewed coffee, because in the production of instant or freeze—dried coffee, the grains are subjected to the most intensive processing," Lyalina warned.

Acrylamide is a chemical that is formed during roasting of coffee beans and can be a carcinogen.

In addition, any coffee with poor oral care contributes to the staining of tooth enamel and the development of caries.

Moderate consumption of instant coffee (1-2 cups per day) usually does not pose a serious danger. However, the expert warned: in the case of diseases, which are usually more common in old age, it is necessary to consult a doctor about drinking any type of coffee.

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