Decaf Coffee Benefits: Coffee is the most popular beverage consumed in the world. Millions of people begin their day with freshly brewed coffee, either as a pre-work stimulant or a pre-workout stimulant. As more and more people are delving deep into the health benefits of coffee, the amount of caffeine consumption automatically comes into question.
Decaf coffee is a counterpart to regular coffee which goes through a special process. They are healthier and safer options for everyday consumers. But research has found the positives and the negatives of decaf coffee.
In this article, we will discuss the decaf coffee benefits and also answer the most common questions – Is decaf coffee good for you? Or is decaf coffee bad for you? Keep on reading, to find out.
What is Decaf Coffee?
Decaf coffee is produced by coffee beans, which are decaffeinated by a special process. They contain a high amount of antioxidants and are beneficial for the systematic working of the body. Although decaf coffee isn’t entirely caffeine-free, it has about 97% of their caffeine removed compared to regular coffee beans. A cup of regular coffee contains 70- 140mg of caffeine, while decaf coffee contains about 236ml cup.
There are several ways to produce decaf coffee and the most popular way involves soaking the beans in water with methylene chloride or ethyl acetate. These chemicals not only hasten the process but help the beans retain their distinct flavour. There are several benefits of decaf coffee, but research has also found drawbacks to drinking decaf coffee. Let’s find them out.
What are the Decaf Coffee Benefits?
There are multiple benefits of decaf coffee. Let’s find out what are ways, is decaf coffee good for you.
- Lowers the Risk of Diabetes:
Several studies have shown drinking decaf coffee benefits in reducing the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Since the antioxidants present in the decaf coffee neutralize free radicals, this reduces oxidative damage, preventing heart disease and cancer as well.
- Detoxifies the Body:
Decaf coffee’s health benefits include detoxification of your body. As it contains the B3 vitamin, which effectively combats the free radicles and foreign materials produced by stress and anxiety.
- Improves Memory:
Decaf coffee benefits in improving memory, as decaffeinated coffee contains a compound called polyphenols, known to boost cognitive performance and alertness. Warding of early onset of dementia is another one of the benefits of decaf coffee.
Decaf Coffee Drawbacks
Undoubtedly decaf is one of the best sources of antioxidants and energy but it has certain drawbacks. So let’s find out why is decaf bad for you.
- Harmful for Heart Health:
Even though decaf coffee benefits are multiple, the research found that it is harmful to heart health. They increase the level of specific cholesterol in the blood and thus, increase problems like cholesterol.
- Risk of Dangerous Chemicals:
In the process of decaffeinating coffee beans, fatty acids are increased which impact our metabolic system and is harmful to heart health. Besides, methylene chloride a solvent used in the decaffeination process is a potential human carcinogen.
- Missing Out the Benefits of Caffeine:
The process of decaffeination creates an ultra-processed food item. Many bioactive chemicals are lost in the process like chlorogenic acid coffee, which is immunity building.
Conclusion
Decaf coffee benefits are multiple. It is loaded with antioxidants, stimulated memory and boosts energy. But decaf coffee’s health benefits can be found only when consumed in moderation.
Overindulging in decaf coffee is bad for you and can lead to serious health issues. But either way, decaf is a much better choice than regular coffee due to its low caffeine content and can be easily swapped as your everyday drink.
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Namrata Laha is an aspiring content writer, She is an English Honours Graduate from the reputed St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata. She is willing to complete her Masters along side carrying out her role as a private tutor.