Benefits of French Press Coffee
The benefits of French press coffee are numerous and multifaceted. Its economical and easy, low-tech and time-honored. Just grind, pour and plunge. The benefits of coffee in general have been a topic of debate for years. In this blog we will explore the benefits and disadvantages of both French press coffee and coffee consumption in general. But one thing is undeniable, there is nothing like a freshly brewed cup of French press coffee.
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Table of Contents
Using a French Press Gives You More Control Over Strength and Taste
You can use more or less coffee and you can steep for longer or shorter times giving you precision control over strength, taste and thickness. A mild brew can be done in 90 seconds. Or you can let your grounds steep for up to 5 minutes for an extra strong, rich flavor. You can add another tsp of grounds for an extra thick, extra strong coffee. Or you can reduce the amount of grounds to keep it light for your after supper or evening coffee.
Simple to Use, Easy to Clean and Store
A French press is easier to use, clean, and store than many coffee makers. They are small and don’t take up too much space in your kitchen so you still have plenty of counter space. A French press is small and lightweight and will fit almost anywhere. They consists of only two parts, the container and the plunger. It’s as easy as grind, pour, plunge, and drink!
A French Press is Easily Portable
Small French presses can be packed away easily and taken anywhere. They are small, lightweight, and do not require electricity so you can brew up a coffee anytime, anywhere. You can find models specifically for traveling which are made from stainless steel instead of glass making them even more convenient.
All the Good Oils Stay in the Coffee
All the healthy oils and antioxidants stay in the coffee giving you better flavor and a healthier beverage.
Using a French Press is Economical
The average French press costs about $20 and it lasts for years. All you need is ground coffee, no need to buy filters or expensive pods. You can make great coffee at home for months and it’ll cost you the same as a week’s worth of Starbucks coffee.
More Sustainable – No filters of pods
Making coffee with a French press is more sustainable than some other methods. No need for filters or plastic pods and energy use is low, all it takes is a quick water boil.
Coffee from a French Press Simply Tastes Great
I’m not sure exactly what it is, but coffee made with a French press just tastes great. Perhaps it’s the fact you can personalize the taste. Or the smell of brewing coffee combined with the relaxing routine of brewing with a French press somehow make it taste better. Whatever it is, French press brewed coffee is, without a doubt, my favorite way to brew and drink coffee.
Health Benefits of Drinking Coffee
Too much coffee can cause headaches, nervousness, insomnia and irritability and pregnant women should avoid coffee. However, recent studies have shown that moderate coffee consumption can be good for us. Below is a selection of recent studies that show moderate coffee consumption, 1-5 cups of coffee per day, can be part of a healthy lifestyle and help us live longer.
Higher Coffee Consumption is Associated with Lower Risk of Early Death
An observational study of nearly 20 000 participants found that people who consumed at least four cups of coffee per day had a 64% lower risk of all-cause mortality than those who never or almost never consumed coffee. In those who were at least 45 years old, drinking two additional cups of coffee per day was associated with a 30% lower risk of mortality.
Regular Consumption of Coffee has a Beneficial Protective Effect on Human DNA
A 2018 study found that regular consumption of a dark roast coffee blend has a beneficial protective effect on human DNA integrity in both, men and women. DNA damage could be the root cause of aging, so anything that helps protect it is good in my books.
Drinking Coffee Protects Against Heart Disease and Premature Death
A 2022 study which followed 449 563 participants over 12 years found that drinking 1-5 cups of coffee had a significant positive effect on heart arrhythmia, cardiovascular disease and mortality. Decaffeinated, ground, and instant coffee, particularly at 2–3 cups/day, were associated with significant reductions in coronary heart disease, cardiac failure, ischaemic stroke and mortality. Ground and instant but not decaffeinated coffee was associated with reduced arrhythmia.
Increased Coffee Consumption Substantially Reduces Risk of Liver Cirrhosis
A 2016 meta-analysis study suggests that increasing coffee consumption may substantially reduce the risk of liver cirrhosis.
Coffee is Associated with a Probable Decreased Risk of Cancer, Cardiovascular Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, Type-2 Diabetes and Mortality
A 2017 umbrella review of observational studies found that coffee was associated with a probable decreased risk of breast, colorectal, colon, endometrial, and prostate cancers; cardiovascular disease and mortality; Parkinson’s disease; and type-2 diabetes. However, pregnant women need to exercise caution as the study also found an increased risk of miscarriage.
Coffee Consumption Is Positively Associated with Longer Telomere Length
A 2016 study found that higher coffee consumption is associated with longer telomeres among female nurses. Longer telomeres equals a longer lifespan.
Whenever I am at home I always use my hand grinder and small French press to brew my perfect cup of coffee. The routine is relaxing, helps me start my day on the right foot and fills me with joy and contentment at the same time. Try brewing your next cup of coffee with a French press and have fun experimenting with the grind size, amount and length of brew time to find you perfect cup of joe. Enjoy!
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