Sunday, March 30, 2014

Avoid Stomach Problems With Non Acidic Coffee

By Juana Buchanan


Non acidic coffee, or more accurately low-acid varieties, can help those who experience discomfort after drinking this popular beverage. Even if people have been drinking coffee for years, their systems may now be super-sensitive to many of the component compounds. However, there are ways that have enabled many to go back to their favorite beverage.

Some acids still remain. Experts say that acids are what give the brew flavor. A higher content gives more bitterness to the brew, which many Europeans prefer. Brews with that sharp, almost sour taste are the most irritating to the stomach. People often experience gastrointestinal upset, indigestion, heartburn, or acid reflux after drinking even one cup of a strong brew.

There is a solution for those who suffer stomach irritation. There are blends of beans that are naturally lower in acids as well as grinds that have been processed in a way that reduces the strongest acids. Steam is used to reduce the acidity without using chemicals or compromising the natural flavor of the beans.

Low-acid coffees abound on today's market. Some of these are grown on special soils at lower altitudes and naturally have a lower pH. Others have been roasted long and slow to give a smoother taste and a gentler effect on your stomach. Steam processing removes some of the harsher acids from the grounds. There are all sorts of low-acid brews available: regular and decaf, medium and dark roasts, and flavored brews.

Another way to pamper both your taste buds and your intestinal tract is to use the cold-brewing method. This fact is known to many, but for others it may be earth-shaking news. There are coffee-makers that use cold water, grounds, and an extended steeping period of at least overnight and optimally twelve hours. Strain out the elixir, mix it with either hot or cold water, and enjoy.

Folks who've tried and liked this method say that the flavor is as good or better than that produced by the traditional hot-water drip machines. This is one answer for those who drink a lot of coffee throughout the day and think that they are going to give themselves an ulcer.

Cold-brewing units are available to make this process easy and clean-up a snap. Otherwise you can put grounds in a bowl, moisten them with water and then add more water by the cup, cover the bowl, and allow the mixture to sit for twelve hours. To finish the process, strain out the elixir and dilute it to taste, add ice or heat it up, and voila.

To get full flavor without gastrointestinal distress, try one of the low-acid products on the market. You also can see if the cold-brewing method works for you; those who like this way of brewing say that the flavor may even be better than they found with the traditional boiling water drip. There are Arabica blends, Colombian roasts, and many other products to try. Real coffee lovers will have lots of fun finding a low-acid blend that they really like and that doesn't hurt their stomachs.




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