According to a scientific study highlighted by the New York Times, your coffee habits matter. Worldwide, 2 billion cups are consumed daily, yet common practices around temperature can harm health. This energizing drink, loved for its robust flavor, often cools while you're busy. The go-to fix? Zapping it in the microwave. But experts say that's a serious error.
Coffee's allure comes from 850 aromatic compounds and natural oils that deliver its signature taste. Exposed to air, these degrade rapidly, stripping away precious antioxidant properties as the brew cools. Microwaving only warms the surface unevenly, resulting in a flat, unpleasant flavor. The real danger arises with milk.
After two hours at room temperature, milk proteins can breed harmful bacteria, potentially leading to serious illness—hospitalization in vulnerable cases. Instead of wasting your cup, transfer it to the oven. Its intense heat effectively eliminates bacteria while preserving more flavor.
