When temperatures heat up, nothing beats a chilled cup of coffee as a refreshing treat. Unfortunately, not all iced coffees are created equal: some contain added sugars and sodium that could have adverse effects on health; other varieties use high-quality grounds that provide antioxidants and other essential nutrients – yet many cold brews may still contain too much acidity for some stomachs to handle; cold brew is created by steeping coarse-ground beans for 12-24 hours in cold or room temperature water for easier digestibility for people suffering from acidic foods and drinks – making cold brew an easier option to drink when trying out for acid reflux or digestive issues caused by acidic foods and drinks!

Cold coffee is also more concentrated, featuring a higher coffee-to-water ratio than its cold counterpart, meaning more caffeine per serving – great if you want to boost energy levels or enhance focus and mood, yet too much caffeine may increase heart rate, cause jitteriness or interfere with sleep if consumed later in the day – especially since people tend to drink cold beverages faster. As such, they may consume more caffeine per serving overall than would otherwise be consumed from drinking hot beverages!

No matter your beverage of choice – be it cold brew, iced coffee or something in between – both provide significant health advantages when enjoyed responsibly. Both provide energy to get through your morning grind; contain antioxidants which may lower risk for heart disease, diabetes and obesity; promote weight loss, stimulate dopamine release and serotonin release and can even boost mood-enhancing neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin release!

At home, creating cold brew requires no special equipment – simply pour coarse-ground coffee into a Mason jar, cover it with cold or room temperature water and leave to steep for at least an hour and two before straining out your drink and adding milk and sugar (optional) as desired. These ingredients mask its natural flavors as well as increase caloric intake.

Pre-made cold brew can also be found in bottles, cans and cartons at supermarkets and convenience stores, with sales increasing by 137% between 2016 and 2017 according to market research firm Mintel. Though often touted as healthier alternatives to traditional iced coffee, Keating cautions that you need to read labels carefully because some contain added sugars and sodium which could negate their benefits; also be wary of brands with over 400 milligrams of caffeine which may act as a “sleep disruptor”