A-list Slimming Secret: NITRO-BREW COFFEE
Can sipping nitrogen-infused coffee really give you a supercharged energy boost and shrink your waistline? Wellness columnist Jorge Cruise weighs in
Coffee lovers are buzzing about a new twist on java that fans say is more slimming and more delicious than the standard cup of joe. It’s a hit in Hollywood, where some leading ladies (including Jennifer Garner and Reese Witherspoon, who seem to never run out of sunny energy) flock to cafés that serve the trendy sip.
Called “nitro cold brew” (and less commonly called “draft coffee”), it’s cold-brewed coffee that’s been infused with nitrogen gas. This preparation creates a cascade of superfine bubbles that turn standard coffee into a creamy sip that is less acidic than regular coffee and tastes sweet without added sugar or creamer. The reason: Most carbonated drinks like seltzer are made “bubbly” by the addition of CO2, which activates the bitter receptors on the tongue. But nitrogen doesn’t react with the taste buds in the same way, so the brain expects a bitter flavor. As a result, the brain perceives nitro-brew coffee to be much sweeter than it actually is. Thanks to this natural creamy sweetness, nitro brew is an easy way to cut sugar and fat from typically calorie-dense coffee drinks.
Another benefit: Nutritionists say that because the sip is brewed slowly over at least 12 hours, the coffee retains more beneficial polyphenols like chlorogenic acid than a standard cup of hot-brewed coffee. That’s a plus for anyone looking to slim
because chlorogenic acid has been shown to flip a genetic switch that instructs the body to increase fat burning while also helping preserve calorie-burning lean muscle mass. And the payoff is substantial: One Norwegian study revealed that women who favor coffee varieties highest in chlorogenic acid lose three times more weight than women who drink brews that contain lower levels of the polyphenol.
Despite the potential benefits, though, experts caution that nitro cold brew may not be the best option for people who are sensitive to caffeine. That’s because the slower brewing process concentrates nitro brew’s caffeine content. This can lead to an increase in jitters, anxiety, insomnia and even heart palpitations.
If you do want to try it, look for packaged nitro brew at some supermarkets (we like Califia Farms Nitro Cold Brew at Target), or order a cup at chains like Starbucks. (Use the store locator on their website and filter by “Nitro Cold Brew” for locations that offer it.).