More Furans in Expresso than Coffee?
Research has shown that different coffee products contain varying concentrations of furans. Specifically, it was found that higher concentrations are found in espresso (43‐146 nanograms/mililitre) than in coffee made in drip coffee makers, both in the case of normal coffee (20‐78 ng/ml) and decaffeinated coffee (14‐65 ng/ml). The highest funan concentrations were found to be in capsule coffee, having levels ranging from 117‐244 ng/ml. In general, scientist say that the more the compound is exposed to air, the better, due to the fact that that furans are highly volatile compounds. Capsules, being hermetically-sealed, are the worst because they do not allow for furan evaporation. However, to those expresso and capsule coffee lovers out there, there is no need to worry because in order to exceed the maximum acceptable values for furan consumption, you would have to drink at least 20 cups of capsule coffee or 30 espressos per day (for the brands with the highest furan content). More can be read about this here.
This is extremely interesting as coffee is one of the most heavily consumed beverages in the United States of America, even more than water for some people. Also although one would have to drink at least 30 espressos per day to exceed the maximum acceptable values for furan consumption, the input of furan into one's body is a cause for concern and public awareness.
ReplyDeleteThis article does not take into account bioaccumulation. Although it would take too many cups of coffee and espresso to cause any harm, think about what the long-term effects are. Perhaps there are none. Does anyone know if furans bioaccumulate in the body??
ReplyDeleteFurans are stored in your fat cells, as do dioxins. Thus, there is gradual body accumulation that occurs due to constant dioxin or furan intake. C'mon Sara, start paying attention in class.
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