Acorn coffee - properties... Acorn coffee for weight reduction

The beverage from oak fruits is prepared from the fruits of the oak tree, which are first boiled and roasted, and then ground. The preparation process is similar to the Turkish method of making coffee. It has a mild, nutty flavor and aroma. Recently, this beverage has become very popular. It has been known for a long time and served as a substitute for traditional coffee, as it can be easily made at home. It does not contain caffeine, so it does not have a stimulating effect. Therefore, it is often found on the market with a flavoring additive that acts similarly to caffeine. The product is naturally gluten-free, which is valuable information for people with gluten intolerance. Manufacturers also add other spices, such as cardamom or cinnamon, to give it a different flavor and aroma [1, 2, 3, 4].

Apart from the flavoring qualities, does acorn coffee have a positive impact on our body? Acorn coffee contains a certain amount of nutrients like calcium, magnesium, iron, and vitamins, but they do not make up a significant proportion of the human diet. However, it is worth noting that it contains antioxidants – flavonoids. The concentration of flavonoids in the raw materials used for producing acorn coffee is higher than that in grain coffee and is similar to that in traditional coffee. This translates into the antioxidant activity of acorn coffee, which is comparable to the soluble and ground antibodies of coffee. This property helps to combat free radicals, which are responsible for cell damage and lipid oxidation, which can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, cancer, and accelerated aging over time. Other properties of acorn coffee include antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory effects due to the presence of phenolic acids such as gallic acid. Additionally, the contained polyphenols – tannins – have an astringent effect and can reduce inflammation, small intestinal bleeding, and act as a mild laxative [1, 2, 3, 4].

A crucial aspect of effective weight reduction is an energy deficit (providing less energy than the body needs to make fat the source of energy), a modification of dietary patterns, and consistent physical activity. It is claimed that acorn coffee can decrease hunger, although this is rather a personal conviction. However, coffee may be beneficial due to its antioxidant effect, as the fat tissue releases substances responsible for inflammatory processes in the body.

Acorn coffee can be sourced from outlets offering healthy food products, both in physical stores and online, as well as in large retail chains. The costs of this product may differ based on its composition and quality. A package with a capacity of 200 g can be obtained for an amount ranging from 8 to 12 zł.

A coffee-like beverage from acorns can be prepared by utilizing the gifts bestowed by nature. The optimal time for gathering the raw material is October. The fruit must be cleaned and separated from the husks. Then, it should be filled with boiling water for a duration of 24 hours to eliminate the tannin responsible for the bitter taste. Upon completion of this period, the water should be drained and the fruit rinsed. Subsequently, the acorns need to be ground and dried, for instance, on a radiator or in a preheated oven. They can be ground again and subsequently roasted on a dry frying pan. The finished coffee-like beverage can be enhanced with spices such as cardamom, cocoa, cinnamon. It serves as a good alternative to natural coffee and is gluten-free and caffeine-free. Furthermore, it exhibits a high antioxidant potential, safeguarding the body against free radicals. Additionally, it demonstrates anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and astringent effects on the digestive tract.