Table of Contents
Coffee is one of the healthiest beverages on the planet. Most of the people start their day with a cup of coffee. Caffeine is the main element in coffee which makes all the difference. Some people want to have coffee, but for some reason they want to limit the consumption of caffeine. For those people, Decaf coffee is the best alternative. Decaf coffee is a regular coffee, except caffeine has been removed from it. Decaffeinated coffee is manufactured by a process which has become safer, than it was before. Also, researchers have worked on- whether any of coffee’s health benefits are lost in decaffeinating coffee. Here, a detailed overview is provided for you to decide whether decaf coffee is healthy or not.
How is Decaf Coffee Made?
Decaf coffee is the regular coffee without caffeine, but removal of caffeine is possible only up to 97%. There are three methods of making a decaf coffee beans/ for removing caffeine from regular coffee beans. Chemical solvent method is commonly used allover, carbon dioxide and water methods are other two. Taking green coffee beans, soaking them until the pores are opened, and then extracting the caffeine is the procedure to make coffee beans-caffeine free. This process is to be done before the beans are roasted. One thing that is to be taken care of while doing this process is that, the nutritional value of coffee beans should not get removed, apart from caffeine. Decaf coffee is favorable to people who are sensitive about the smell and taste of original coffee as the process may change the color, smell and taste, making it mild. But none of these methods remove caffeine completely from coffee beans. Removal of 97% caffeine is considered as an ideal decaf coffee beans.
Decaf Coffee is Full of Nutrients except Caffeine
Coffee is a big source of antioxidants in western diet. Decaf coffee contains similar amount of antioxidants as of regular coffee, although it may get reduced by 10-15%. Antioxidants are lost because of the decaffeination process. Apart from antioxidants, decaf coffee contains other nutrients as well. Magnesium, potassium, niacin and vitamin are the nutrients you intake if you have a cup of decaf coffee. 2-3 cups a day is an ideal count for getting required nutrients from decaf coffee. Coffee may also cure type 2 diabetes and liver. Decaf does the same work in curing these diseases as a regular coffee does. Both decaf and regular coffee prevents you from getting the neuro-degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Decaf coffee has a positive effect in curing heartburn and cancers. All the nutrients combined, make decaf coffee drinkable. It sustain all the benefits of a regular coffee, except for caffeine.
Is Regular Coffee More Beneficial then Decaf?
Coffee reduces the feeling of tiredness and increases alertness. These happens because of the stimulant present in caffeine. And caffeine is naturally found in regular coffee and not in decaf. There are some other advantages of caffeine which increases the nutrient value of regular coffee. Those are lost in decaf coffee. All the benefits attributable to caffeine are naturally not present in decaf coffee. These benefits would be phrased as:
- Improves physical performance.
- Reduces the feeling of depression.
- Burns fat.
- Metabolism boosts.
- Improves memory and mood.
- Improves reaction time.
- Enhances mental function.
These are the benefits provided by caffeine in coffee. Caffeine is indeed an integral part of coffee which makes a huge difference.
Risks of Decaffeinated Coffee
As chemicals are bad for health, the decaffeination of coffee by chemical method possesses some side effects. It may cause headache, nausea, dizziness, puking, confusion and exhaustion. Decaf coffee contains two natural chemicals- kahweol and cafestol. These chemicals are responsible for raise in cholesterol. Decaf coffee may result into gastrointestinal problems also. Although, these things happen only if decaf is consumed more then normal. But the process used to decaffeinate the coffee today, is much safer then they used to be.
Is Decaffeinated Coffee for You?
Forbearance of caffeine is totally subjective. A cup of coffee may be extreme for some people, where as others may easily intake 5-6 cups of coffee. Excess caffeine may cause anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, or digestive problems. There are certain medical conditions where caffeine is restricted completely. for them decaf is the best option. Moreover, people who are sensitive to caffeine and wants to drink coffee, may have decaf coffee and limit the intake of regular coffee. Also, breastfeeding and pregnant women are advised not to consume regular coffee in excess, decaf would be preferable.
Which Decaf Should You Choose?
Generally, people are not concerned about the decaffeination process used to make those coffee beans. But if you want to restrict the chemical intake present in decaf beans because of the process, you need to find out which decaffeination process is used. There is no direct way to find that out, as it is not compulsory for the manufacturer to mention the process in the label. But you may look for an organic seal on the product or may ask the dealer from whom you purchase your decaf coffee.
It is worth mentioning again that coffee is one of the healthiest beverages. It has different types which have different benefits. It has got all the nutrients which leads to various health benefits and reduced risks of certain disease. Although coffee has such benefits, not everyone can consume it. Caffeine may cause certain problems to people who are sensitive to it. For them, decaf is the best alternative. Decaf coffee’s got all the benefits of regular coffee, except for caffeine. So, people sensitive to caffeine may consume decaf coffee- with all the benefits and no side effects of a regular coffee. So if you ask whether decaf is good or bad, it is totally subjective and based on how you want your coffee to be.
