Does Decaf coffee have oxalates?

Do you love coffee but worry about the oxalates? You’re not alone. Many people avoid coffee because of the high levels of oxalates, but what if there was a way to enjoy your favourite drink without giving up your health? In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of decaf coffee and whether or not it has oxalates. Keep reading to learn more!

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What are oxalates, and what do they do in the body

Oxalates are a naturally occurring compound found in many foods, including coffee. While most oxalates are eliminated from the body in the urine, a small percentage is absorbed and can potentially cause health problems. So, what do oxalates do in the body?

Most of the time, oxalates play a role in helping the body break down and eliminate excess calcium. However, high concentrations of oxalate in the body can be dangerous.

Health problems caused by oxalates

Oxalates can cause several potential health problems. When too much oxalate is in the body, it can bind to calcium and form calcium oxalate crystals. These crystals can accumulate in different tissues and organs, causing health problems. For example, calcium oxalate crystals can cause kidney stones or renal failure. Additionally, oxalates can also contribute to the formation of gallstones. In high enough concentrations, oxalates can be toxic to the body and cause serious health problems.

Does decaf coffee have oxalates?

The answer is yes. Decaf coffee does contain oxalates; however, the amount of oxalates in decaf coffee is significantly lower than that found in regular coffee. Therefore, drinking decaf coffee is unlikely to cause any health problems related to oxalate absorption.

How much oxalate is in regular coffee vs. decaf coffee

There is a significant difference between regular coffee and decaf coffee regarding oxalates. As mentioned, most oxalates are eliminated from the body in the urine. However, a significant percentage of oxalates are absorbed in regular coffee and can potentially cause health problems. In contrast, the amount of oxalates in decaf coffee is significantly lower and is, therefore, less likely to cause any health problems. So, how much oxalate is in regular coffee vs. decaf coffee?

In absolute numbers, it has been estimated that a cup of regular coffee can contain anywhere from 30 to 300 mg of oxalate. In contrast, a cup of decaf coffee typically contains less than 10 mg of oxalate.

How much decaf coffee is safe to drink

There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the individual. However, drinking moderate amounts of decaf coffee is unlikely to cause any health problems. If you are concerned about oxalate intake, speak to your doctor or a registered dietitian for more information.

How to reduce intake of oxalates

If you are concerned about your oxalate intake, you can do a few things to reduce your intake:

Try to avoid foods that are high in oxalates. Some examples of high oxalate foods include coffee, tea, chocolate, nuts, and spinach.
You can also cook these foods to reduce their oxalate content. For example, boiling or steaming spinach can reduce its oxalate content by 50%.
You can also speak to your doctor or a registered dietitian for more information about reducing oxalate intake.

Are there any other benefits to drinking decaf coffee

Yes, there are a few potential benefits to drinking decaf coffee:

Decaf coffee is a low-calorie beverage, making it a good choice for people trying to lose weight.
Decaf coffee is also a good source of antioxidants and can help protect the body against free radical damage.
Drinking decaf coffee has also been linked to a lower risk of death from all causes, including heart disease and cancer.

Deep dive: Benefits and side effects of Decaf Coffee: Should YOU Switch to Decaf

Conclusion

Decaf coffee contains significantly less oxalate than regular coffee. It is less likely to cause any health problems caused by oxalates.

While most oxalates are eliminated during roasting, a small amount remains in decaffeinated coffee. For this reason, if you are sensitive to oxalates or have a history of kidney stones, you may want to avoid drinking decaf coffee. Keep in mind that the health effects of consuming moderate amounts of oxalates (including those from decaf coffee) are still being studied. So it is essential to consult your doctor if you have any concerns.