Whether it's espresso, latte, macchiato, or iced coffee, this daily ritual kickstarts our mornings. Coffee is our trusted ally for shaking off deep sleep or re-energizing before a tough meeting. Life without it would feel incomplete. Yet, we often undermine its benefits—and our health—by reheating it after it cools. This everyday habit carries serious health risks, especially for those over 65.
It's tempting to zap cold coffee in the microwave for a quick fix. But research highlighted by Business Insider and the New York Times, and shared by GQ, reveals why this harms you. Microwaves only heat the surface. Milk in your coffee can curdle after sitting out, fostering bacteria that the microwave's mild heat fails to kill. The toll on a weakened immune system can be significant. Even black coffee poses risks—its natural oils degrade after 30 minutes exposed to air. Stick to freshly brewed hot coffee, particularly if you're over 65.
