Coffee's hidden health benefits | James Hoffmann and Prof. Tim Spector

Tips to control your gut from ZOE Science and Nutrition - Download our FREE gut guide: zoe.com/gutguide
Many of us love coffee, but we may not be aware of its health benefits. If you thought coffee was just a caffeine kick, think again.
In today's episode, Jonathan, Prof. Tim Spector, and coffee expert James Hoffmann explore the intricate relationship between coffee and health. They uncover truths and myths about caffeine and describe coffee’s fascinating role in improving gut health.
Tim also shares exciting news about soon-to-be published research. The topic: coffee and the gut microbiome. Plus, James brews coffee live in the studio and helps us understand the different coffee variants. He even dives into the world of coffee kombucha.
James Hoffmann is an English barista, KZbinr, entrepreneur, coffee consultant, and author. He came to prominence after winning the World Barista Championship in 2007 and is credited as a pioneer of Britain's third-wave coffee movement.
Tim is a professor of genetic epidemiology at King’s College London, director of the Twins UK study, scientific co-founder of ZOE, and one of the world’s leading researchers.
If you want to uncover the right foods for your body, head to zoe.com/podcast and get 10% off your personalised nutrition program.
Follow ZOE on Instagram: / zoe
Timecodes:
00:00 Introduction
01:50 Quickfire Questions
04:24 Why are we all so obsessed with coffee?
05:02 What are the health benefits associated with coffee?
06:40 There is a lot more fibre in coffee than you think
09:47 The effects of caffeine and gender differences
12:31 Why is coffee full of polyphenals?
15:12 Tim’s new research teaser…
21:21 What is the health relationship between fibre, microbes and our bodies?
27:32 Should we all start drinking coffee and should we choose decaf?
31:52 Modern coffee is all about flavour
33:03 Does the way that we make coffee impact our health?
37:55 James explains his mini laboratory!
43:42 Why is coffee not regulated in coffee shop chains?
44:35 What is the best way to make coffee?
44:40 Coffee #1 Filter Coffee
47:10 Coffee #2 Decaf Coffee
51:00 Coffee #3 Instant Coffee
1:00:50 How does caffeine affect high blood pressure?
1:05:36 Summary
Mentioned in today's episode:
James's book:
How to Make the Best Coffee at Home by James Hoffman
www.amazon.co.uk/make-best-co...
James Hoffmann's KZbin channel: / @jameshoffmann
Editorial correction: At 35:18, James refers to chlorogenic acid as a polyphenol. We have since learnt that this is incorrect. Rather, it is a phenolic compound or a phenolic acid. James has shared this short video on his KZbin channel clarifying this: • What I got Wrong About...
Episode transcripts are available here: zoe.com/learn/category/podcasts

[@VanMan83]

I'm 58. I've been drinking coffee daily since I was 14. For the last 20 or 30 years I've been reading articles debating the benefits or hazards of coffee, claiming it's bad for you, claiming it's good for you, claiming it's neither. You'll never hear the end of it. I will continue to have my morning coffee for the duration of my life.

[@MrTrda]

I dunno man…. That might not be a good idea.

[@cuzIjust]

I am 40, like you was heavy drinker for 20+ years. Cut two weeks now from drinking only morning cup. Best decision ever, noticedcm coffee made me dehydrated, sleep better now, no crashes, no anxiety.. might drink a decaf coffee once in a while on Sunday but not yet. Loved smell of grinded ,fresh coffee. Try to cut it out for 2 weeks to see what did you relied on.

[@cassif19]

Love it when specialists tell me that my addiction is actually healthy

[@cliffcastle9808]

Thanks for putting this video together and for all the valuable information. As a coffee roaster, I would like to offer some additional comments. Coffee is essentially the pit of a cherry meaning that coffee "beans" are actually "seeds." Once coffee has been processed, green beans can be stored for a long time (years) without losing much nutritional value. However, once coffee has been roasted, the clock begins to tick. The flavor and nutritional value begin to diminish and after a couple of 6-8 weeks the difference is very apparent. Even more critical is the grinding date. Once beans have been ground, the clock ticks even faster. After a week of being ground, coffee starts getting stale. The takeaway is to buy your beans as soon after the roast date as possible (allowing 72 hours for degassing). And do not grind the beans until you are ready to use them. Outside of the origin and quality coffee beans themselves, these two things are critical to the end result.

[@drioliv1]

Valuable info!

[@peterjordan-turner8789]

So the good news is that James Hoffmann is going to live forever.

[@jonathanperry4189]

And ever and ever 👴

[@RichardLaurence]

Legend has that he already has!

[@follantic]

That is indeed good news!

[@davidway3905]

0!"0

[@zinniazinnia2145]

or be a Homer Simpson and eat all-u-like and be medicated to the hilt?

[@erasmus9627]

But how does milk affect the health benefits of coffee? Given so many people put milk in their coffee, it’s dumbfounding that this issue wasn’t covered.

[@waltery5582]

Glad that I read your coment, I drink the best coffee for the las 8 years ,-3cup- Bialetti coffee moka stove and and use double the size of my coffee with hot regular milk, can not live with out. you are listnening 130 mins and not coffee with milk, WTF

[@jimihenrik11]

Few years ago I decided to live healthier and one of the things I wanted to change was to consume less soft drinks. I was daily drinking stuff like coca cola at work. I vowed to completly give that up and only consume water, cofffee and tea instead. The tea didn't stick, because I didn't enjoy the taste, but the water and coffe proved to be a comfortable choice. Some people told me I was exchanging one harm with another. But I felt so much better and healthier with my choice, that I stuck with it. Awesome to hear that coffee is not as unhelathy as rumored after all (as I expected already).

[@hermanblinkhoven1856]

Nerds and nutrition. I love it

[@6stringcodger450]

My father explained to me back in the 1980s there was magic in coffee, the vast number of his eldest patients (late 90s and a few 100 year olds) were coffee drinkers. He kept his coffee habit as well into his mid 90s. I never doubted and intentionally ignored all the doctors asking me to stop coffee over the decades.

[@yvonne3903]

Me too, taxi driver coffee.

[@janezscancar4178]

well, my father's first wife never drink coffee and is now 101 years old. Almost all 90 and 100 year olds in my region of our planet never touch coffee or tea. It was not in the menu back then. They had barley coffee, but i don't think that this is the reason for their longevity.

[@silversilk8438]

Survivorship bias? What’s that? ;)

[@6stringcodger450]

​@@silversilk8438 well its not a study (probably n

[@themangochannel]

The most amazing lesson for me from this is that two cups of coffee has more fibre than a banana! Really interesting, as usual - thank you!

[@cataony813]

That statement is utterly false. Have you considered that filter or pour-over coffee passes through fine paper, which retains almost all solids and only allows particles that are less than couple hundred microns to escape?

[@BergerandLeggman]

Bananas not so good for smoothies either. Cuts antioxidant activity of other fruits(Amylase). I never eat them.

[@xethified]

​@@cataony813The dietary fibre in coffee is water soluble so a filter paper isn't going to make a difference. The extraction method might but not the filtration as far as I understand.

[@user-bm9rp6ec4z]

your cofee table has fiber in it as well, why don't you grind it down and drink it as well?

[@tasty_sand]

I've had soluble fiber drink before. They come in sachets and they dissolve like salt in water and are tasteless.

[@brianhawthorne7603]

I love the look on Tim’s face as James discusses the differences in coffee types. He had that “I can see another paper in this” look.

[@tammieprintupakaemaarukah5348]

Finally, someone confirms that a pinch of salt takes coffee flavor to another level!!!

Been a German tradition, my mother always added a pinch of salt.

[@nevinkuser9892]

I put a teaspoon of salt in my coffee with butter.

[@Grassmonster3]

I break open a green cardamom and put that in my coffee.

[@gibbsandpartnersltd1866]

Can't wait for the tea study!

[@fibber2u]

I'm looking forward to the Scones.

[@jonathanperry4189]

​@@fibber2u they will find a scone digesting bacteria, just hold on

[@wilts43]

Extremely toxic due to its uniquely high Fluoride content. Gave me what they called IBS. Long cured after discovering this.

[@rdvgrd6]

My worry with tea is the possible huuuge amounts of insecticides in it…

[@bobadams7654]

​@@rdvgrd6organic is the way to go

[@terrihoornstra8695]

Thank you! I grew up in Wisconsin with coffee as my warm morning beverage. I had to give up the caffeine due to heart palpitations, so had to switch to decaf, and I am so happy that it has the same health benefits. I still love coffee and have found good-tasting decafs.

[@chinookvalley]

Beware of the chemicals used to make decaf.

[@k8eekatt]

Nossa Familia, a grower of deliciously roasted Brazilian coffee, is working on a caffeine free bean!

[@whatrubbishthishandle]

If only coffee had no caffeine - 1 cup of coffee can make me very ill. You don’t mention such a possibility. I find your information is biased.

[@princemohlala4751]

@@k8eekatt i should buy from them

[@chriscarpunky]

There is. It’s called decaf. Swiss water processed is natural and 99.7 percent caffeine free

[@krimke881]

I appreciate the avoidance of the japanese tradition to acknowledge every single word from your guest. There's too many podcasters in practise, dubbing their guests with; Yeah, yeah, yes, yes, mmhm, mhm, mmm,mmm,," But nodding the head back and fwds to every word said, is really a new way to do this. LOL,, it's quite fascinating! glad there's more than 1 camera angle. Oh, yeah, and of course, great subject! Great talk! :)

[@meatme53]

I just started the vid. I do like James’ videos. I thought I’d mention, as an Audhd-er (ADHD+Autism) I saw a video talking about dopamine. She said,” why do “we” sometimes feel more relaxed after a nice coffee? It satisfies a dopamine shortage. The chase for that unknown anxiety satiation.

[@SamsaSpoon]

Have a link, please?

[@aduantas]

everyone just rhymes off these truisms about dopamine now as if the brain was this simple

[@nevadanate4957]

@@aduantas True but the fact remains that the #1 treatment for ADHD is drugs that feed you dopamine.

[@Jammoud]

@@aduantasfacts

[@pyfinx]

james hoffmann is such a cool guy. so passionate about coffee.

[@MrRaybrown007]

He needs a new jumper

[@nevadanate4957]

@@MrRaybrown007 Must be his favorite, we know he has a few others

[@nesanesa9547]

I just love the balance of these discussionS...experience. scientific and explanatory for us .. THANK YOU ZOE

[@lau.mclaren]

loved this! James and Tim were a perfect combination as guests. Also the summaries at the end of your episodes are great 👌🏼

[@myrnaalexander2090]

Thank you for this excellent, cutting edge podcast!

[@Katharine_Liberatore]

Really enjoyed this, thank you!

[@ondrejmitas3325]

Loved this, and hope the tea podcast is also on the way.

[@mrpiekuta]

I can't wait to read this study. I understand it's still being reviewed.

[@user-hd4wn2mx1n]

Really informative - as always. Loving all the Zoe podcasts etc.

[@siroyal2040]

This podcast really opened my eyes to my health and the benefits to coffee thanks for sharing just seighed up to the zoe podcasts really interesting thanks 🎉🎉🎉

[@WillNewcomb]

My new years resolution last year was to eat 2 squares of 85% dark Lindt chocolate with my morning espressos in part to increase my intake of polyphenols. The most SUCCESSFUL NY resolution ever!!!

[@ben-fe3zy]

Not surprised it was successful! How are the 10k runs going? ;)

[@jamesdean7756]

Ummm oxalates and metals smh😂

[@WillNewcomb]

@@ben-fe3zyAfter my Total hip replacement my surgeon told me never to run again. I actually used to love it. Now I average around 5,500 steps a day with brisk walking.

[@kimtorres8713]

@@jamesdean7756cadmium and lead is pretty high in Lindt choc but Ghirardelli is much much less.

[@billr8829]

Great enema. More concerned about my south mouth then north

[@LaCheshireChat]

Yay!! Finally! Good news!

[@miketranfaglia3986]

James is great! I'm a home coffee roaster, so I'm obviously a big coffee fancier. His advice about water is spot on---the flavor of your coffee will depend on the water almost as much as the coffee. Good coffee is not cheap, so use good water. But you can also play with it a little; if your coffee is too acidic for your taste, you can use hard water to mellow it out. If it's flat and needs more acid, use spring water or even distilled. My well water is very hard, but my water softener removes some of the minerals and adds a bit of salt, which makes nice, tasty coffee.

[@scoobtoober2975]

Oh goodie, another home roaster. I've been doing it out of cost savings for 10 years or so. What roaster do you use. I use a metal bowl and a heat gun and metal spoon constantly stirring. Coffee for me dries my skin out. How about you, in winter especially? Cheers. Thanks for the water tips.

[@miketranfaglia3986]

@@scoobtoober2975 I roast my coffee outside on a gas grill with a rotisserie attachment. Many years ago I bought a drum coffee roaster that fits on the rotisserie and holds up to 5 pounds of green beans. I usually roast about 3 to 3 1/2 pounds at a time because the motor on the rotisserie struggles with a full load. This method is great for roasting large batches, and all the smoke stays outside the house. The disadvantage, of course, is that I need reasonably good weather for roasting.

[@scoobtoober2975]

Cool, my neighbor has a similar setup, much smaller. Cheers, keep it up. just bought some new green beans.@@miketranfaglia3986

[@CesarSandoval024]

My mom has a alkaline water filter at home. That filter with my LA water is fucken perfect for coffee

[@laurencejardine4095]

Excellent work, love the format, keep it up!

[@risasklutteredkitchen1293]

I’ve been having gut issues for most of my life, Early on (5 yo), I had constipation. Up until pregnancy (34), I had a lot of the same issues. When I got pregnant, that all shifted and I was able to go everyday. After I delivered, I started having opposite issues. Never had problems with that. On and off, I’ve had the opposite of constipation. A little here and there. It is especially terrible when I am at work and I have to run up-and-down the stairs to the bathroom. So, I started eating homemade yogurt (plain) on a twice a month basis. Eating it every night with a touch of stevia and a little bit of berries OR some night time magnesium powder. I wake up and have no gas, no issues,, no problems at work. Then I heard about l.reuteri fermented dairy. I finally broke down and bought the tablets to make the fermented dairy. I finally made a batch of it and I started it last night. So far, I have no gas and I had a normal bowel movement. Sorry TMI. So I can’t wait to see your body response to this. I love kimchi. It is wonderful. I also eat fermented sauerkraut found in the dairy aisle. You could probably try that too, as it is very good for the micro biome too.

[@karentodd2678]

I saw that yogurt demo too. I’ve made yogurt many times in the past. I’m reluctant to use the inulin because I avoid inulin on a low FODMAP diet.

[@atelier27]

@@karentodd2678 I make it just fine without it.

[@brianworrell9143]

These webinars are so interesting and in presenting the latest thoughts about our health. Keep them coming. Thank you.

[@britishmemes]

i love this guy's voice

[@TylerLatsha]

James, there is a coffee shop in Las Vegas i think you should go check out. The owner has roots in Ethiopia and she has original coffee making equipment that was passed down by her grand parents, also the coffee is delicious. She roasts her own beans every week. The shop is off the strip. It’s called the Java Tree and it’s on flamingo road in a shopping plaza. If you decide to go i wanna meet you there it would fulfill a life dream of mine. God bless you James And great panel here thanks for the talk about a lot of interesting nuance about coffee!

[@louMccarthy221]

Fantastic! This was amazing to me bc of the previously unknown factors of fiber and polyphenols! Who knew? Well, now I do and I'm so glad to have found this video. Thank you so very much!

[@keithholmes6776]

I can't drink tea in the evening as I wake in the night to use the loo. Drinking coffee however I have a full nights sleep!

[@thehappypotter9612]

These things are so individual. I get nauseous if I drink tea early in the day, even after eating a meal. Other people cannot stomach coffee.

[@vanessac1965]

​@@thehappypotter9612it's probably the tannins in the tea bothering you

[@akaiappears]

What a fantastic watch. Thank you!

[@mdevile2703]

Excellent podcast. Thanks

[@weekenddistractions]

Great and informative video. I wish that coffee's effects on things like the liver and kidneys were discussed. For some odd reason, I sleep far better if I drink coffee before I go to sleep.

[@thehappypotter9612]

I stopped drinking coffee a while back and have been wondering if I did not sleep better when I used to drink it. But oh dear, did I feel terrible when I drank coffee for two weeks when I could not get hold of decaf in my little village. I was a dedicated coffee drinker for 20 years. Then I hit the wall and went cold turkey. Very thankful for decaf I am.

[@seanjohal7]

I always put Himalayan pink salt in my coffee, especially if you fast, do sauna and exercise. Losing salt needs to be replaced, so move more then have more. I also add some cayenne pepper for it's benefits to. Love the taste and benefits. Turmeric to.

[@karentodd2678]

This is encouraging news. I have long loved coffee and currently use an AeroPress. I also have started using decaf later in the day.

[@gordslater]

I am so chuffed my local pub has a coffee machine - I have the perfect excuse now

[@joeedwards9272]

Aup Ollie, your an inspiration i can’t wait for the day you say you’ve beat this keep us posted 👊

[@natus49]

Soo cool to see James Hoffman working with ZOE :D

[@joanmurphy2166]

Thank you. Excellent information. ☕

[@IntrovertPlayer]

Refer this research article - [Rao, N.Z., Fuller, M. Acidity and Antioxidant Activity of Cold Brew Coffee. Sci Rep 8, 16030 (2018)] where they investigates the impact of hot and cold brewing processes on the polyphonic content of coffee. It analyzes factors such as antioxidant levels and acidity in both brewing methods. The study aims to provide insight into how different brewing techniques affect the nutritional and sensory properties of coffee. In the study, the researchers observed that the hot brewing process led to higher levels of acidity, and antioxidant activity compared to cold brewing. However, cold brewing resulted in a smoother and less acidic taste profile. Overall, the observations indicated that the choice of brewing method can significantly affect the polyphonic content and sensory characteristics of coffee.

[@lynbeck2359]

Great Show on the scientific study by Zoe, no guilt enjoying coffees ☕️ We are fortunate to have several coffee houses! Brattleboro Vermont!

[@muhammadraflin7044]

The speaker is very practical and honest. Some of us so much worry to be against the mainstream. To share my experience, I have been drinking black coffee a lot count 2-3 medium cup a day since few years before Covid, with the grace of God, while almost everyone affected by Covid I was among the one who has never got infected.

[@dwalker6868]

Interesting program. Thank you for the information.

[@chrisavetrano]

Great interview!

[@cycoklr]

Started drinking coffee occasionally in the early 1960s when I was still in elementary school against my parents' wishes. Since 1980 I don't remember a day without coffee. I quit tobacco and hard drinking in 1983. Almost 71 now, living an active lifestyle, good vision, no maintenance meds and at 16% body fat. I can't attribute my good health to coffee but 2-3 cups a day does not seem to have made a dent in my physical condition. I've ran the gamut from instant to espresso but settled with French press as my current choice.

[@joycealdrich]

Thank you for this valuable information. I love using Aeropress. I use Lavazza Rosa coffee, diluting it with hot water, in the cup, making ut a delicious brew. I do add cream and honey, so know this depletes some of the benefits, but it's how I enjoy my coffee. I will drink it black, when out of cream.

[@docgl8301]

As a coffee drinker I found this amazing and informative, especially the de-caf info. I do wish you had touched briefly on the effect "if" milk, cream and natural sweeteners are added, and the effect of these additives.

[@vanessac1965]

Milk neutralises the benefits, Dr Gundry discussed this somewhere

[@pattifisk1829]

I made myself learn to love it 'Black' years ago❤

[@ronaldreid2185]

As a coffee nerd, this is music to my ears.

[@jonathansprout22]

Very informative! Thanks! I’ve been cold brewing coffee and wonder what its caffeine and polyphenal content is. I’m under the impression cold brewing produces less bitter coffee. Would love to hear your expert opinions!

[@jjjames6894]

Love James, his KZbin channel on coffee is top notch, it’s amazing he’s back on Zoe, thanks for this episode love it!!

[@xlalouba]

Thank you for a fascinating and very informative presentation.

[@Ko1234567890S]

So glad you get many of the same benefits from decaf, I love coffee but my body does not love caffeine

[@harrietendean1126]

So interesting, but from a coffee loving tea enthusiast Tim please note that green and black teas can contain equal amounts of caffeine. 13:50 They can be made from leaves from the same plants. Green and white teas can even contain more caffeine than black teas. It’s complicated, varietal, terroir, growing season, processing method etc can all have an impact on the chemical composition of the leaves. 🍃

[@rolandrodgers5201]

Green Tea has a lot of caffeine. I have to drink decaf GT now. GT should be brewed at 85Deg, not boiling, which reduces the caffeine a bit.

[@ben-fe3zy]

I heard that tea often contains more per gram, but we generally use more coffee per cup, so a cup of caffeinated coffee contains more than a cup of tea (generally!). Does this sound correct?

[@soccerboy10]

I was surprised cold brew process was left out of the conversation. Does it have the same benefits?

[@IntrovertPlayer]

Refer this research article - [Rao, N.Z., Fuller, M. Acidity and Antioxidant Activity of Cold Brew Coffee. Sci Rep 8, 16030 (2018)] where they investigates the impact of hot and cold brewing processes on the polyphonic content of coffee. It analyzes factors such as antioxidant levels and acidity in both brewing methods. The study aims to provide insight into how different brewing techniques affect the nutritional and sensory properties of coffee. In the study, the researchers observed that the hot brewing process led to higher levels of acidity, and antioxidant activity compared to cold brewing. However, cold brewing resulted in a smoother and less acidic taste profile. Overall, the observations indicated that the choice of brewing method can significantly affect the polyphonic content and sensory characteristics of coffee.

[@geog8964]

Thanks. An interesting and information rich episode.

[@valevans3510]

The yellow Zoe mugs on the table look excellent for those with arthritic hands - big handles!! Can one buy them>

[@dreamervanroom]

James talks so much faster than the others do I like his mind.

[@dorotheauschnig3174]

I love finely ground Turkish coffee enriched with cardamom and nutmeg It's a bit a ceremony but so worth the effort…

[@dreamervanroom]

Cardamom and cinnamon is good too.

[@gwpff205]

While listening to your podcast I made a cup of coffee in a Moka pot: when a cloud of marvelous smell started pouring out, a question ensued almost simultaneously: Is the smell alone able to produce any noticeable effect on our brain?

[@karenlin-mahar3403]

This is so interesting and the research so critical. Thank you Zoe from Sydney Australia!❤

[@makumbolindo3566]

What about when you drink coffee with milk or cream?, what happens? can reduce the goods properties of coffee?

[@mnjammnjamm]

this would be the only topic of concern to me as well

[@juliajones3613]

I would love to know that too - I had assumed that the protein in the milk would somehow neutralise the benefits of the tanins BUT James jept saying "or a flat white" made me think "really?!" I wonder what Tim's stance on added cows milk or plant "milk" containing protein is - does it lower the level of good compounds we can absorb from the coffee???

[@fromtheflightdeck252]

Somewhat. Much better to enjoy black coffee without all the bad stuff!

[@Mimulus2717]

I love a good instant coffee for making iced coffee in the summer. I so wish James Hoffman would have mentioned what brand coffee that was he made, they had removed the label. On his YT channel he did a taste test of instants and chose "Little's colombian premium instant coffee" but that was a round jar and this one is a squared round. Any idea british consumers? here in America I like the organic Mt. Hagen brand. comes in decaf too. Listening to him makes me want to up my brewed coffee game. I do start with good tasting water and use a Moccamaster machine when using my chosen freshly ground bean, but too chealp to be spending $20 plus per pound for beans. Edit: I went back and watched at slow speed and I think it is Nescafe Gold Alta Rica Blend which did not even make it past the first round.

[@ChloeJames-ny2fi]

Most useful to hear a drink I can’t do without is actually good for me!

[@ericojonx]

Coffee comment: 500 +/- years ago when coffee & tea was introduced into Europe, the attraction was bitterness. The epicurean idea is to safely experience everything, without dying; Normally bitterness means death. (Today most want their coffee as sweet liquid candy.) Appreciate good coffee, but not real particular. I drink mine black and enjoy the bitterness safely.👌. Edit # 1 - Salt free! Will study water quality. Edit #2 - Taster's Choice in packets for on the go coffee.🎉

[@josephludwig1126]

It is a wonderful time to live to be able to enjoy coffee at a realistic cost

[@MarianDouglasUngaro]

What about FRENCH ROAST coffees? What are their properties, compared to other types of roasts? And WHY is French roast even called French roast? 🇫🇷 Thank you! ☺️

[@tD-oo2ox]

Absolutely fantastic to have cutting edge science like this in an easy digestible format (see what I did there?...Ill get my coat). Seriously, I have a bachelors degree and masters in related subjects but been out of science for decades now. It's fascinating to see how things have moved on and to hear direct from those at the cutting edge in this way. Thank you!

[@TomBarlowBanhMi]

Great podcast, loved this. A couple of things I would have liked to hear about though. 1. Grind size. You touched a bit on surface area but wondering what your thoughts are around this. 2. Water temperature I boil to 80 degrees but is there a temp that’s optimal for drawing out flavour. 3. Water - James brought his own water and I’ve been reading a bit about removing chlorine from water for better flavours. What’s the best method to get the perfect water for a brew

[@hggmstrbmba3050]

Great questions, I hope I can help: 1. There's a lot to be said about grind size, but generally you are going to vary it depending on brewing style (eg very fine for espresso, quite coarse for French press). Compounds in fine grinds will dissolve more readily when water moves through the grounds, but overly fine grinds can lead to unpleasant bitterness or congestion in the brewer. 2. generally speaking, higher temperature water will dissolve more compounds from coffee grounds. Usually, people use very hot (boiling) water for light roast coffees and pour over, and less hot water for darker roasted beans (which are more prone to bitterness) 3. If you are trying to get "perfect water" for a brew(you do not need to do this! But it is tasty), the easiest method is probably to obtain distilled water, either by buying it at a store or filtering it at home. Next, you can remineralize it using commercially available powders like 3rd wave water, which will allow you to create water with a "good" (keeping in mind that this is actually pretty subjective) mineral profile for brewing. Hopefully this helps 😅. James has great videos on all of these topics on his channel, and if you'd enjoy a more technical, biophysical perspective, I would strongly recommend the blog Coffee Ad Astra

[@WhatsBliss]

It occurs to me that a lot of people believe that drinking coffee keeps them regular. Maybe having a consistent amount of fiber at the same time every day is contributing to that perception? Other parts of peoples diets are relatively erratic compared to coffee, which is typically drunk in the same quantities at the same time on a daily basis. I understand that caffeine has been eliminated as a cause for that phenomenon.

[@florida3658]

I love my coffee! 😊I can’t go a day without it.

[@flaljee]

Very informative!

[@dreamervanroom]

It’s really interesting. I have it going at 1.5 or 1.75 speed but then James starts talking and I must bring it back down to normal.

[@electronblue8334]

I never understood the people who complained about coffee having an immediate effect on their digestion until I changed my diet. Since I started eating healthier, I get the "acceleration" effect, too. So I understand everyone who wants to keep away from coffee because it messes with their digestion. Me, I gotta have my big mug in the morning. That's 500 ml of coffee and I usually stop after that and switch to water and herbal infusions in the evening.

[@rogernichols1124]

Oh, my! I have had cardiovascular problems and was worried that I shouldn't be drinking coffee - which I do daily.

[@earthmamma85]

I love coffee. I drink at least 2 cups everyday sometimes 4. I prefer black coffee but on occasion I’ll create some kind of latte.

[@andreahodson7031]

Butter latte, add a small chunk of butter, whisk with small spoon/ wisk, allow a minute to settle then enjoy!

[@rebeccahacker4503]

I'm 62 and have never drunk coffee! This has convinced me to start!😂

[@user-pf5xq3lq8i]

Don't do it.

[@marieobrien9465]

me too

[@KittenLord69]

Consider caffeine free coffee since caffeine can really screw you up. Anxiety, heart palpitations etc.

[@vlogkitsune6785]

Get caffeine free.

[@eliasbram3710]

i have never consumed coffee either untill last year, started with decaffeinated. Get the allegedly benefits, and no caffeine. Besides, it helps me to curb hunger in dieting

[@R0ckMum]

Very interesting - about the fibre in coffee, I always thought that caffeine stimulated peristalsis, especially in the colon, so it's good to have caffeine early in the morning, so you can have a good movement before leaving the home, but I didn't know about the gut bacteria and fibre aspects.

[@TJ_USA]

I love the gritty realism of these bros

[@iceanfire]

I've recently read some studies where coffee resulted in a spike in LDL Cholesterol in the range of 3-5 cups a day. Curious what the Zoe take on this would be?

[@Murraigh]

This was one of the best yet, thanks! Big question though… Does the fibre in coffee affect the time restricted eating theory? I start the day with coffee at around 6.30am, but then don’t eat till 12. I’m concerned now thought that my ‘clean-up crew’ are displaced in my gut when the fibre is released. It would be great if one of the experts could put my mind any rest!

[@karentodd2678]

I’d bet Zoe would have a podcast or two on time restricted eating. Maybe one of those or I like Nutrition Made Simple. Gil has a lot of interviews with people about various diets.

[@Murraigh]

They did, and indicated that coffee is okay as it doesn’t trigger the same responses as food. But…. If there is a specific bacteria that likes coffee and it’s got fibre in it then surely it must create a response in the gut. My morning coffee is important to me but so is my 16hour fast

[@drioliv1]

As long as you dont add anything to your coffee

[@scoobtoober2975]

James, Tim and Bryan Johnson need a round table How much caffeine was in the decaf. There's definitely some. In the past some said it was half. But what are the modern processes able to get out.

[@coronabaytherapy]

*I now know more about coffee than I ever thought I would !* 🌝

[@yuribudilov5638]

Question: what about the coffee impact on the brain-related health issues? (Dementia, Parkinsons, Alzheimer's etc?)? Is it Good? Bad? Neutral? Unknown? What roles does the caffeine in coffee play in the brain related matter? Or does the decaf coffee work equally well ?

[@rosemaryrosser8515]

I make coffee kombucha from the used coffee grounds from my espresso machine. It's delicious.

[@carmenburke6390]

Please do share how to make it 🙋‍♀️

[@hazeldellis]

Yes how do you make this. I usually put the grounds on the garden !!

[@zeesquare1480]

Ooh, I think I would like to try that.

[@trees5338]

Always a tea drinker, stopped alcohol after not finding flavours i like, i grew up in a household that did not drink coffee or alcohol, i prefer water. Recently started work in a place that has a coffee machine, proper beans and a selection of coffees, so i occasionally have a latte, i may now venture to the other options. I don't buy coffee, will not continue with coffee when i leave in about 6 weeks.

[@newlifecalling2233]

Another great podcast. Coffee drinker for 50+ years here, but I've always shied away from decaf, guessing that I would be drinking some awful chemical. It's good to know about that, and how instant is made too! All very interesting information!

[@chriscarpunky]

Google Swiss water decaf process. There are no chemicals and tastes like regular coffee. It is 99.7 percent caffeine free. It has to say water process or Swiss water process.

[@Jill-jb1jg]

Grumpy Mule decaf is good. And it’s water decaffeinated.

[@kay8930]

I was always told de cafe was chemically washed and not processed the same as normal coffee.

[@Jill-jb1jg]

@@kay8930 I believe only some sorts of decaf are made using chemical solvents. The Swiss Water website says, ‘When you see the Swiss Water name, it means your favorite roaster offers 100% chemical-free decaffeinated coffee.’

[@Jill-jb1jg]

@@kay8930 I think some coffees are decaffeinated using chemical solvents and some using water only. The Swiss Water Process company say that coffee decaffeinated using their process is 100% chemical-free.

[@michaelstreeter3125]

Since joining Zoe, I now have *2 jars of instant coffee:* caffeinated for mornings and decaf for afternoon/evening. Caffeine interferes with the activity of adenosine, which makes you feel sleepy. I still use my french press from time to time, but I'm really after the fibre not the caffeine.

[@deedeedoes818]

Did you also have a 0% score for Lawsonibacter 'Ted' in your results?

[@michaelstreeter3125]

@@deedeedoes818 original score 55, retest score 95. *Ted (Lawsonibacter hominis) 0%* in both tests (Jan 2023 and Aug 2023).

[@michaelstreeter3125]

@@deedeedoes818 Weird! I thought I replied to this but can't see the reply. I scored 0% for Ted on my Initial test Jan 2023 and my retest in Aug 2023. How can I get it?! Hang around in coffee shops talking to customers I suppose.

[@deedeedoes818]

@@michaelstreeter3125 do you mind me asking if you were pleased with your results after presumably changing your eating habits?

[@michaelstreeter3125]

@@deedeedoes818 Was (01/03/23) Weight: 79.8kg, Height: 177cm, Max Sys: 122mmHg, Min Dia: 63mmHg, BMI: 25.5kg/M2 Now (25/08/23) Weight: 70.4kg, Height: 177cm, Max Sys: 107mmHg, Min Dia:72mmHg, BMI:22.5kg/m2. I'm delighted.

[@fgfgfgf1234]

Great tip about adding salt to coffee to improve taste. Just tried it - it works!

[@soshea4158]

😮

[@harvinderubhi5540]

That can't be good for the heart

[@fgfgfgf1234]

It’s a tiny amount, I estimate I used about 1 mg. @@harvinderubhi5540

[@annettemurty624]

This was really interesting - especially that decaf coffee has the same health benefits. I would like to have heard what difference it makes to the health benefits if you buy ready ground coffee in a supermarket as opposed to grinding your own just before you make the coffee. I have to think grinding your own is better but I wonder if the difference is worth it.

[@erranandrews63]

I would have enjoyed hearing more of what the scientist had to say without so many interruptions. It’s like he’s your guest lecturer but you interrupt his knowledge rhythm in which he will answer most of your questions as he speaks. I really do appreciate what you do just a little disruptive in the information process.

[@michaeltaylor8204]

7 days off caffeine feel amazing energy, clarity, back to the gym each to the own but i feel back to normal.

[@matz4k]

I love my espresso and I think that it is great that we study it. On the one hand demonizing food or drinks has always been the most annoying thing, while in life it's all about the dose. On the other glorifying them is as annoying and unnecessary. I know that you guys know how to judge the results, but I can already see my big boned cousin declaring that he is living a healthy lifestyle because of all the coffee he is drinking. Exercise regularly and balance your macros.

[@bryanleaman5942]

I so want to see a director's cut version that shows James' expression during the "shot of expresso" comment. 😊 Did he refrain from grimmacing?

[@PavelMatous-vu9vh]

I been using distill water lately with dark roasted coffee. I am 85, I feel mentally alert .I drink 3 cups in the early mornings 4:00am to 9;00: am I use African coffee it has no acidic other coffees from South America and Asian coffees has to much acidic where I use to get hardburns until I change to African coffee where they say it originated before taken to other parts of the world. I use to buy coffee from a well known coffee shop but change because I was getting hard burns from their coffee I found later their filter water was not to clean coming out from the fossette a young boy told me , plus his manager told him not to mention it to customers. Also a woman told me most coffee shops especially restaurants use water from the fossette because they don't change the filter periodically 50% of the water goes through but not too clean .

[@MarizamAbdullah-mq8id]

I drink a cup of EMC daily for the past 60 years❤❤❤ (early morning coffee)... & my 7G Nutrition; 1) Greens ( vegetables) 2) Grains ( whole/ 3) Grazing cattle, goat& sheep 4) Ground fowls 5)Group Exercises & Games 6) Good sleep of course. 7)Grinded beans & nuts. Selected seafood & fruits follow with the season & take freshly.

[@torstrasburg8289]

I assume that the 25% reduction in heart attacks is the relative and not the absolute risk reduction.