The coffee that is prepared in espresso machines and, especially, that of capsules , contains more furan – a toxic and carcinogenic compound – than that of traditional drip coffee machines, although always within safe levels for health. This is reflected in a study carried out by researchers from the University of Barcelona.
In this framework, scientists have evaluated the presence of furan in coffee using an automated analytical method. The results, published in the journal Food Chemistry , reveal higher concentrations in espresso coffee (43? 146 nanograms / milliliter) than in drip coffee , both in the case of regular coffee (20? 78 ng / ml ) as in decaffeinated (14? 65 ng / ml). The levels of these toxic products were "significantly lower" (12? 35 ng / ml) in soluble coffee, but much higher in those prepared from capsules of a well-known commercial brand, where the highest concentrations appeared (117? 244 ng / ml).
? The cause of these higher levels can be attributed to the fact that the hermetic capsules prevent the loss of furan -very volatile-, since the coffee machines where it is prepared apply a greater pressure of hot water, which favors the extraction of the compound towards the drink ?, says Javier Santos, professor in the Department of Analytical Chemistry at the University of Barcelona, in statements to the SINC Agency. On the contrary, the longer the coffee is exposed in the cups or jugs, the more the furan evaporates .
