Coffee drinkers know that drinking their daily cup is more than just an enjoyable treat – it’s a source of powerful antioxidants which reduce risk factors associated with heart diseases, diabetes and cancer. But do black iced coffees count? In short: yes; as long as no additional unhealthy ingredients such as sugar or milk are added.

Iced coffee is made by chilling freshly-brewed brewed coffee over ice, much like how hot coffee is prepared. While both drinks follow similar processes, there are subtle distinctions between them that you need to keep in mind when creating either drink. Conventionally brewed coffee involves pouring hot water over ground coffee before filtering it and pouring it directly into a pot or mug for easy control of sugar and fat content; but iced coffees often feature instant or bottled coffees with sugar syrups containing high amounts of calories as well as sodium and fat content compared to its predecessor brewed counterpart.

If you’re trying to cut back on calories and added sugars, making your own iced coffee may be an ideal way to achieve both goals. Not only can it save money by cutting back on expensive coffee shop beverages but it’s also a fantastic way to get caffeine fix without extra added sugar, salt, or fat! For anyone unfamiliar with making their own iced coffee at home try freezing leftover brewed coffee into an reusable ice cube tray before using that coffee in a glass filled with ice cubes – an effective and inexpensive method!

This recipe is great because it’s so straightforward. All the ingredients can be found right in your pantry, including cold brew you make at home or iced coffee concentrate. Both versions taste delicious – cold brew is slightly more caffeinated but less acidic than traditional coffee, making it easier on stomachs while being suitable for people trying to avoid dairy products or gluten.

No matter whether it’s hot or cold brew, it is essential to adhere to the recommended serving per day of caffeine consumption. Too much can result in difficulty sleeping, anxiety and increased blood pressure; maintaining an intake below four cups has proven its ability to provide powerful antioxidants, improved alertness and heart-healthy fiber for gut health benefits.

If caffeine in your iced coffee is of concern, don’t fret: regardless of which method you use to prepare it, what really matters is its coffee-to-water ratio. Experts suggest using either 1:3 or 1:5 ratio while others suggest coarsely ground coffee measured out in ounces as the optimal formula – experiment and see which works for your tastes best!