Other than TC writing about the problem of K-cups and the importance of using a paper filter (Tip: Dump this Type of Coffee in the Trash), however, I haven’t seen a recommendation on how to actually brew the perfect anabolic drink. Browsing the T Nation articles on coffee or plastics, the recommendation appears to be something like:
High altitude whole coffee beans for the higher CGA content, light or medium roast, non-flavored.
Brewed with a paper filter, not a K-cup or a brewing method that uses a metal filter (so, espresso is out and so is a French press).
For hot coffee, a brewing method that avoids plastic.
TC has an affiliate link to the AeroPress, mentioning it’s BPA-free and implying it’s a good option. I’ve been reading about how even BPA-free and phthalate-free plastics aren’t the wonder solution we were all hoping for.
Here are my questions:
Is the T Nation recommended brewing method something like a Chemex pour-over (all glass with a paper filter)?
Does a BPA-free and phthalate-free plastic move us beyond the micro plastics concern Dani’s discussed?
My primary motivation in asking is that I’m troubleshooting low T levels and wondering whether my 3-5 cups per day coffee habit using an AeroPress is a contributing factor due to the heated plastic. 34-year old male, 160 lbs, 5’6", with two testosterone tests in the past month of 391 ng/dL and 276 ng/dL and free testosterone less than 7 pg/mL.
This is my personal opinion and not a statement from T Nation or it’s core writers.
For the reasons mentioned i prefer an all stainless French press or a Chemex pour over. I’m not a fan of K-Cups. There’s too much waste and the coffee isn’t nearly as good. I don’t think BPA free plastics fix the micro-plastic issue. BPA/Phthalate free plastics “solve” the issue of leaching with a cold liquid, but hot liquids can still cause leaching. They also can still turn into micro plastics.
I prefer stainless, glass, or porcelain containers for my coffee once brewed. Otterbox, Yeti, or Hydroflask all work.
At least with Yeti the lids are still plastic though, right? Of course not using the lid is the obvious option but then that kinda defeats the point of the mug keeping the coffee warm.
This is what I have mostly switched to following Dani’s article. I already had a Chemex and I like the taste better anyway. Its just a little more effort than the automatic drip I was using. I tried to find an automatic drip machine that had no plastic touch the hot water and my memory is that there really was only one good option that was very expensive.
In theory yes, but now your talking about diminishing returns. The main issue is the hot coffee setting in a plastic insulated container and leaching out xenoestrogens over hours, not a couple of seconds as it flows over the lid. Don’t get caught up in the minutia at this level.
Fair point. Applying this logic then to automatic drip machines, the amount of time the hot coffee spends in contact with the plastic pieces isn’t going to be long given the brewing process doesn’t take that long.
I feel like I should plug a coffee pod company that avoids quite a bit of the excess plastic.
Couldn’t find a great picture of them, but they don’t have that whole plastic piece on the bottom like other K-Cups. If I’m going to do K-Cup coffee, I use these.
From a plastics exposure standpoint I’d rank from most to least exposure soemthign like
1.) K-Cups
2.) Storing/Drinking hot coffee from an all plastic container
3.) brewing coffee in a plastic body drip maker with a glass carafe
4.) Drinking coffee from a non plastic container with a plastic sippy lid
The affect each has on you will differ based on your particular sensitivities.
