RDs explain the difference in health benefits and flavor.
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I love the aroma and flavor of coffee.
I love that it is the first thing waiting for me each morning after my alarm goes off.
Photo:Tanja Ivanova/Getty Images
As much as I adore coffee, Ive never thought about the punch in of roast that I drink.
Should I be looking deeper into it?
Would the key in of roast I choose affect my health differently?
Is dark or medium roast coffee better for me?
Which Is Better: Dark or Medium Roast Coffee?
In terms of caffeine content, the difference between dark and medium roast is negligible.
Coffee provides caffeine without the extra artificial ingredients that you find in energy beverages.
Miller advises having coffee without adding copious amounts of processed ingredients like creamers and syrups.
On top of helping you feel more alert and energized, coffee contains polyphenols, says Balls.
These are natural compounds found in plants, which function as antioxidants.
Too many free radicals in the body may increase your risk for developing chronic diseases.
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However, both dietitians caution against using coffee as one of your primary sources of antioxidants.
We want to moderate how much caffeine we take, because it can affect our sleep, says Balls.
This is in reference to a 12-ounce cup.
Instead of trying to hit a daily coffee goal, aim to include foods that arehigh in antioxidantsevery day.
These include berries, whole grains, nuts, and other fruits and vegetables, says Balls.
What Is the Difference Between Dark and Medium Roast Coffee?
As coffee beans are roasted, their chemical composition, aroma, and flavor changes.
Its aroma is more toasty compared to a medium roast.
This creates a coffee that tastes balanced, carrying bright notes while also having body.
The coffee has a livelier aroma compared to dark roast.
The roasting process also decreases the natural acid found in coffee beans, Balls says.
Because they are roasted longer, dark roast coffee beans end up becoming less acidic, says Balls.
