As warm weather approaches now is the perfect time to get to know our cold brews. At Bona Fide, we offer four specialty cold brew drinks that not only taste delicious, but also pack a variety of nutrients.
Cold brew is unique due to how it is steeped. Whereas other forms of coffee are brewed by running hot water through grounds, cold brew is steeped entirely in the absence of heat. The unique technique of soaking the grounds for long periods results in less acidity and a smoother, sweeter flavor.
In addition to the traditional health benefits associated with coffee, the unique sets of ingredients that comprise each cold brew provide tasty, unique flavors with diverse nutritional profiles. Our cold brews are gluten-free, and the Thin Mint, Sea Salt Mocha, and Reishi Maple cold brews are vegan. Here are summaries of the benefits of some of our cold brew’s ingredients:
- Mint oil has been found to aid in treating various symptoms in limited amounts of scientific studies.
- These include heartburn, tension headache, bloating, abdominal pain, and breastfeeding discomfort.
- Has shown promising results as a treatment for irritable bowel syndrome
- Contains antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties
- Mint oil can be found in our Thin Mint cold brew.
- Organic raw cacao is chocolate in its most natural form.
- This is an important distinction, as chemical processing and roasting destroy many antioxidants in various cocoa powders and chocolate, destroying the qualities that make cacao so nutritious.
- Cacao is extremely rich in a multitude of nutrients, including:
- Antioxidants; containing over 40 times the amount of antioxidants as blueberries.
- Iron and magnesium; cacao is the highest plant-based source of both nutrients.
- Calcium; with more per serving than cow’s milk.
- Bliss chemicals – like serotonin, typtophan, tyrosine, and phenylethylamine
- These neurotransmitters have been associated with feelings of wellbeing and happiness, and have been linked to alleviation of depression.
- Cacao can be found in our Thin Mint, Sea Salt Mocha, and Maca cold brews.
- Maple syrup serves as a fantastic natural sweetener due to it’s antioxidant and phytochemical content
- Phytochemicals are naturally occurring compounds that provide antioxidant benefits
- These are believed to possibly be able to regulate hormones, reduce inflammation, and even slow the growth of some cancer cells.
- Natural sweeteners have been found to be associated with lower insulin resistance; aiding in the management of blood glucose levels.
- Maple syrup can be found in our Reishi Maple cold brew.
- Phytochemicals are naturally occurring compounds that provide antioxidant benefits
- Reishi is a type of mushroom utilized in traditional Chinese medicine to promote health and longevity
- Believed to be able to treat fatigue, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and inflammation by bolstering properties of the immune system.
- Additional research has indicated it can help control blood sugar levels, liver problems, and immune system issues.
- Reishi can be found in the Reishi Maple and Sea Salt Mocha cold brews.
- Cinnamon has long been used as a traditional remedy for various symptoms.
- Is believed to contain antibacterial and antifungal properties, lower blood sugar, and reduce inflammation.
- May promote intestinal mobility, aiding symptoms of indigestion.
- Cinnamon can be found in the Reishi Maple cold brew.
- Agave nectar is a syrup made from juice of the agave plant.
- Contains phytonutrients that could have an antioxidant effect.
- Serves as a metabolism booster.
- Agave nectar can be found in the Thin Mint, Sea Salt Mocha, and the Maca cold brews.
- Maca is the root of a vegetable native to the Andes region of Peru.
- Believed to be energy boosting.
- Used to treat various conditions like depression, hair loss, hot flashes, and symptoms. associated with menopause.
- Maca can be found in the Reishi Maple and Sea Salt Mocha cold brews.
- Chaga is a type of mushroom, known particularly for its high content of the pigment melanin.
- Believed to fight inflammation, lower blood sugar, reduce blood pressure, and alleviate arthritis.
- Is rich in fiber and essential nutrients such as: vitamin D, iron, megnesium, potassium, manganese, and calcium.
- Additionally, is believed by some to bolster the melanin naturally found in skin, protecting it from sun damage, skin cancer, wrinkles, and aging.
- Chaga can be found in the Maca cold brew.
- Collagen is a protein that serves as building blocks for bones, teeth, muscles, skin, joints, and connective tissues.
- Collagen can be found in the Maca cold brew.
- To learn more about Collagen, read our blog post about the protein here.
These unique ingredients allow us to serve our delicious cold brew without the use of artificial syrups and sweeteners, available at all 3 of our locations to help you stay cool this summer!
Resources:
https://www.verywellhealth.com/peppermint-oil-for-ibs-1945342#health-benefits
https://www.verywellhealth.com/ways-maca-may-benefit-your-health-89573
https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-can-chaga-do-for-you-89553
https://www.verywellfit.com/maple-syrup-nutrition-facts-and-health-benefits-5100931
https://www.verywellfit.com/cinnamon-for-health-89013
https://www.verywellfit.com/agave-nectar-is-it-helpful-in-a-low-carb-diet-2241847
https://begoodorganics.com/cacao-5-little-known-benefits-of-this-amazonian-superfood/
