Contrary to popular belief, coffee contains vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and bioactive substances. On the other hand, the capsules can be bad for your health.
Metals present in the capsules
Copper, zinc, acrylamide, cobalt, tin, chromium, nickel or aluminum are present in coffee capsules, according to a study by the National Agency for Food, Environment and Food Safety. work (Anses), in 2013. The tests were carried out on 10 brands of capsules, compatible with one of the four best-selling espresso coffee maker technologies in France.
The whole question is therefore whether these hazardous materials are found in the coffee we drink. Regarding aluminum, no risk. Its presence is not strong enough to cause damage to our body. “At the rate of about four cups of espresso daily, we do not exceed 0.3% of the tolerable weekly dose. As for the six other metals sought, none of them exposes to more than 0.8% of the tolerable doses”, according to 60 Million Consumers.
Furan
On the other hand, “furan, produced during roasting and classified as “possible carcinogen”, is more problematic, because it was detected in all the samples”, according to ANSES. On the other hand, it does not give any conclusion, because of the “very high volatility” of the molecule. This is formed when food is cooked. It is also present in prepackaged foods that have undergone heat treatment, such as coffee pods or baby jars.
According to another study from 2011, the furan present in coffee would be between 43 and 146 ng/ml in the pods. In filter coffee, it is only 20 to 78 ng/ml. However, for it to be dangerous, you would have to drink the equivalent of 20 cups of coffee.
Overconsumption
Furthermore, “the development of “espresso” machines could have repercussions on consumers’ exposure to caffeine if these coffees are consumed in the same quantities as traditional coffee”. The amount of lipids in the blood increases from six cups of coffee. The amount of lipids in the blood increases and can lead to cardiovascular problems. According to the researchers, this is linked to heavy coffee consumption for a long time.