Decaf coffee was first marketed in the early 1970s. The medical community began recommending that people give up drinking caffeinated beverages and drinking water during this time.
Decaf coffee, on the other hand, does not provide the same health advantages as caffeine-containing beverages because of how it works. Instead, decaf coffee had been commonly used as a cheaper alternative to coffee.
In recent years, decaf coffee has become more popular as people have become more health conscious. In this article, we’ll explore why people might choose decaf coffee and list some of its health benefits.
Table of Contents
- What’s The Point Of Decaf Coffee
- Caffeine Side Effects
- Caffeine Sensitivity
- Decaf Coffee Vs Regular Coffee
- Bottom line: Should you opt for decaf?
- FAQs
Decaf coffee is coffee that has been decaffeinated. This means that the coffee bean has been processed to remove most of the caffeine.
Decaf coffee is made from regular coffee beans that have had caffeine removed. This process can affect the aroma and coffee taste and can be done in a few different ways, but all result in a
There are a few different methods to produce decaffeinated beans, but the most common method is called the Swiss water method. This process uses water to extract the caffeine from the beans.
What’s The Point Of Decaf Coffee
Some people choose to drink decaf coffee because they are sensitive to caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant and can cause side effects like anxiety, jitters, and insomnia. For some people, these side effects can be severe enough that they need to avoid caffeine altogether.
Some people prefer decaf coffee because they want to experience the flavour of coffee without being jittery from caffeine. Caffeine is a diuretic, so it can make you have to go to the bathroom more frequently. Dehydration becomes more likely if you do not drink enough fluids throughout the day.
Decaf coffee still has some health benefits which include:
1. Better Sleep and Reduced Anxiety
For a lot of people, coffee is the drink they need as soon as they wake up in the morning. People often turn to coffee to get rid of grogginess and feel more energized. However, caffeine’s effects can be strong enough to cause insomnia or disturb your sleep patterns.
Decaf coffee can help reduce insomnia that is caused by drinking too much caffeine. Also, decaf coffee in the morning will maintain your energy levels for the rest of day. If you have an anxiety disorder, having a cup of decaf could lower your anxiety levels.
2. Decreased Chance of Type 2 Diabetes
There are many benefits to drinking decaf coffee, including preventing type 2 diabetes. Decaf coffee can be just as beneficial as regular black coffee. You don’t need to drink caffeine regularly to reap the benefits of decaf coffee.
3. Antioxidant Properties
While decaf coffee has fewer antioxidants than caffeinated coffee because it lacks caffeine, it still offers enough to be a great solution for those who drink coffee for its antioxidant properties.
4. Less Acidic
Coffee is acidic, and it may cause acid indigestion. As a result, people combine coffee with dairy products such as milk to reduce the detrimental effects of acidity. Because decaf coffee has lesser caffeine content, it has a considerably lower acidity level than a regular cup of coffee. If you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), this is an option for you. This will aid in the prevention of numerous side effects, including acid reflux.
5. Reduced Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases
Decaffeinated coffee is often a healthier choice than regular coffee, especially if you are at risk for cardiovascular diseases. Caffeine can be harmful to your health, so decaf coffee is a smart option, particularly if heart disease is common in your family.
To sum up, decaf coffee has many benefits and should be considered if you have heart disease or acid reflux. Plus, it does not contain caffeine so you don’t need to worry about that aspect either.
Caffeine Side Effects
Although studies report that moderate caffeine intake is safe, consuming large amounts may result in the following side effects.
– Insomnia
– Restlessness
– Headache
– Anxiety
– Nervousness
– Stomach upset
– Increased heart rate
– Tremors
– Dehydration
Caffeine Sensitivity
People with caffeine sensitivity experience a severe adrenaline rush after consuming even small amounts of it. Caffeine is absorbed into the body quickly and causes rapid bodily effects.
However, if you’re drinking normal coffee throughout the day, it won’t have an impact. It may seem as though they’ve had 5 or 6 cups of espresso after drinking regular coffee, but this only happens after consuming ordinary coffee.
Since people with caffeine sensitivity metabolize it more slowly, the symptoms can last for several hours.
Decaf Coffee Vs Regular Coffee
To the naked eye, decaf coffee seems pointless because it contains such small levels of caffeine. For perspective, you would have to drink 5 to 10 cups of decaf coffee to equal the amount of caffeine in one or two cups of regular coffee.
For the coffee flavor, You can definitely taste the difference between decaf and regular coffee. Decaf coffee is often described as being smoother and less bitter than regular coffee.
Bottom line: Should you opt for decaf?
So if you’re not a fan of decaf, go ahead and stick with your fully caffeinated version. However, If you are a heavy coffee drinker and crave a fourth or fifth cup throughout your day, opt for decaf. You’ll be satisfied without all the health risks – and jitters
If you’re suffering from depression, anxiety, or sleeplessness, consider reducing your caffeine intake or switching to decaf.
Unfortunately, caffeine can exacerbate anxiety symptoms. If you have heartburn issues, stomach ulcers, chronic headaches, or are pregnant and need a decaf cup of coffee, the decaf may be the best option for you.
FAQs
Does Decaf Coffee Have Caffeine?
Coffee beans are decaffeinated by removing about 97% or more of the caffeine. A cup of decaf coffee has about 2 mg of caffeine, whereas a cup of regular coffee has approximately 95 mg.
Do You Still Get Energy From Decaf Coffee?
Although decaf contains some caffeine, most individuals aren’t affected by it because the amount of caffeine is insufficient. However, a few factors come into play when determining how alert caffeine makes you feel: one is caffeine sensitivity (which is mostly genetic), and the other is tolerance (which builds up with frequent usage).
Is Decaf Coffee Bad For You?
Decaffeinated coffee is safe to drink and can be a part of a nutritious diet like any other coffee. The decaffeination process itself is also completely safe.
Is Decaf Coffee Better For You Than Regular?
There are pros and cons to both regular and decaf coffee. It depends on the individual and their specific needs. For coffee lovers, decaf may be a wonderful alternative to regular coffee.
Decaf, on the other hand, might be an excellent choice for caffeine-sensitive people. Pregnant women, adolescents, and persons taking certain medicines should avoid drinking regular coffee due to possible side effects.