Decaf coffee is coffee in which most of the caffeine has been removed from the coffee beans. Learn the benefits and drawbacks of this drink for your health.
For coffee lovers who want to enjoy the rich flavor of their favorite beverage without the jitters and concerns associated with caffeine, decaf coffee, often referred to as “decaf,” eliminates most of the caffeine, making it lighter. An option for those who want to reduce their stimulant consumption. So, does switching to decaffeinated coffee offer any additional health benefits, or is regular coffee still the favorite? Let’s look at what decaf coffee is, how it compares to regular coffee, and whether it’s a healthier option. On this topic, only My Health is written.
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How to make decaffeinated coffee?
Clinical nutrition consultant Pooja Shah Bhava explains, “Almost 97% of the caffeine is removed by treating coffee beans with certain harmless chemicals. Caffeine dissolves in certain chemical solvents such as carbon dioxide or a carbon filter that removes caffeine. The beans are decaffeinated before roasting and grinding.” “.
Although it removes most of the caffeine, decaf coffee is not completely caffeine-free. A cup of decaffeinated coffee contains approximately 0-7 mg of caffeine, compared to the 70-140 mg found in a regular cup of coffee.
Nutritional value of decaffeinated coffee
Other than caffeine content, the nutritional profile of decaffeinated coffee remains almost the same as regular coffee. But as Bhave points out, “decaffeinated coffee also has about 15% lower antioxidant content than regular coffee because there is little loss of antioxidants during the decaffeination process.”
The slightly decreased antioxidant levels in decaffeinated coffee may be attributed to the decaffeination process itself. But decaffeinated coffee also has health benefits. For example, the expert emphasizes that avoiding caffeine “helps better absorb iron, calcium, and B vitamins because caffeine inhibits the absorption of these nutrients.”
Benefits of Decaf Coffee
Milder effect on digestion. One of the most important benefits of decaffeinated coffee is that it facilitates the digestive system. Regular coffee often increases acidity due to its caffeine content and can cause gastrointestinal reflux or heartburn. According to Bhave, “decaf coffee does not cause these problems, making it a better option for people with sensitive stomachs.”
Reducing the risk of developing certain types of cancer. Decaffeinated coffee is associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer. “Replacing 2 or more cups of regular coffee with a decaffeinated beverage has been shown to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by 48%,” Bhave says.
Improving sleep and normalizing blood pressure: Excessive caffeine can lead to increased blood pressure and disrupted sleep patterns, potentially causing insomnia. Decaffeinated coffee offers a solution to this problem. As Bhave notes, “Switching to decaf coffee could prevent these problems and also allow people to enjoy coffee.”
It is suitable for use by pregnant and breastfeeding women. Pregnant or breastfeeding women are often advised to limit their caffeine intake. Decaf coffee provides an alternative, offering similar taste and pleasure without the risks of excess caffeine.
Disadvantages of Decaf Coffee
Despite its benefits, decaffeinated coffee also has some disadvantages.
Lower effects of stimulants. Regular coffee is known for its stimulant properties that help improve alertness and mood. “For athletes, regular coffee is better than decaf when consumed in moderation,” explains Bhave. This stimulating effect is what many people use to increase alertness.
Decreased metabolism. Caffeinated coffee increases your metabolic rate and promotes fat burning, making it popular among those looking to improve physical performance or lose weight. Decaf coffee does not provide the same metabolic benefits.
Who should choose decaffeinated coffee?
Regular coffee can be drunk in moderation, and according to Bhave, “people should not have more than 400 mg of caffeine per day, which is the equivalent of four or more cups of coffee.” Those who consume excessive amounts of caffeine are recommended to switch to decaffeinated coffee to prevent side effects such as anxiety, cardiac arrhythmia and digestive problems.
Additionally, people with high blood pressure, anxiety, or using sleeping pills should also choose decaffeinated coffee. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are also advised to switch to decaffeinated coffee for safety reasons.
Let’s summarize the top 7 health benefits of quitting caffeine.
Previously Focus wrote about how to Drink coffee in the morning and don’t gain weight.
This material is for informational purposes only and does not contain advice that may affect your health. If you are having problems, contact an expert
Source: Focus
Mary Moore is an accomplished author and journalist known for her engaging and informative writing on trending topics. She currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker. With a keen interest in current events and a talent for finding the human angle in stories, Mary’s writing is always engaging, insightful and informative.