We all know that coffee can be an incredibly energizing and uplifting beverage. But if you’re looking to get the same benefits of coffee without the extra caffeine, you may want to try decaf. Decaf coffee is typically just as flavorful and aromatic as its caffeinated counterpart, while containing only trace amounts of caffeine. Let’s look at why you might want to drink decaf coffee and explore some of the benefits it provides its drinkers.
The most obvious explanation for why you may want to drink decaf coffee is for its reduced caffeine content. Caffeine is a stimulant and can bring about feelings of alertness and energy; however, for some people, too much of it can lead to jitters, increased heart rate and difficulty sleeping. The amount of caffeine in decaffeinated coffee ranges from 0.4 to 4 milligrams, which is far less than the 95 to 200 mg in regular coffee.
In addition to its reduced caffeine content, decaf coffee provides a variety of other benefits. For starters, as mentioned above, it is as flavorful and aromatic as regular caffeinated coffee. Many of the oils and aroma compounds that give coffee its flavor and aroma don’t need to be removed during the decaffeination process. As a result, you can still enjoy the full-bodied taste of coffee without the caffeine.
Additionally, decaffeinated coffee contains certain compounds, such as antioxidants and polyphenols, which can help protect your cells from damage and may even reduce the risk of certain diseases. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that regular consumption of decaf coffee could help protect against type 2 diabetes. While the study does not provide an explanation for why this is the case, researchers speculate that compounds such as polyphenols and magnesium,which are found in coffee but tend to be lost during the decaffeination process, may account for the protective effects of decaf coffee.
Finally, decaf coffee can also be beneficial for those looking to kick their coffee addiction. Since the caffeine content of decaf coffee is much lower than regular coffee, you can still get the flavor and aroma you love, but without the same jolt of energy associated with regular coffee. This can make switching to decaf coffee easier if you’re looking to reduce your daily caffeine intake, while still retaining the taste of coffee that you love.
Decaffeinated Coffee and Digestion
Decaffeinated coffee may have some benefits for digestion. A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology showed that drinking decaffeinated coffee can reduce bloating and discomfort for those who suffer from gastric ulcers and other digestive disorders. While further research needs to be conducted to confirm this finding, the study suggests that overall, decaf coffee may be easier to digest than regular, caffeinated coffee.
As with regular coffee, decaf coffee may also help stimulate digestion. This is due to compounds known as phenolic acids, which are found in both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee. These compounds help to increase the flow of bile, which can improve digestion and make it easier for the body to absorb nutrients.
Decaf coffee is also beneficial for gastrointestinal health as it is low in acid and can help to reduce acid reflux and other digestive problems. In one study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers found that consuming decaffeinated coffee significantly reduced the amount of acid in the stomach, which could have beneficial effects on those who suffer from acid reflux.
Decaffeinated Coffee and Cardiovascular Health
Drinking decaffeinated coffee may offer some benefits for cardiovascular health. According to a meta-analysis published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, drinking up to six cups of decaf coffee per day may reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease by up to 15%. This is likely due to the antioxidants and phenolic acids found in coffee, which can help reduce inflammation and protect the body from damage.
In addition, decaffeinated coffee may also contribute to a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Researchers believe that this is due to certain compounds in coffee, such as magnesium, which may help to regulate glucose levels in the body. While further research is needed to confirm this, drinking decaffeinated coffee may help to reduce your risk of developing diabetes.
Interestingly, while the exact mechanism by which these compounds help protect the body is uncertain, it is possible that the antioxidant content of decaffeinated coffee may have some protective effect. The study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that the antioxidants in coffee can help reduce inflammation, which may help protect against heart disease and stroke. Additionally, since decaf coffee does not contain the same levels of caffeine as regular coffee, it may have less of a stimulating effect, which could lead to reduced blood pressure and a healthier heart.
Decaffeinated Coffee and Mental Health
Decaffeinated coffee has been linked to improved mental health and wellbeing. According to a study published in the journal PLoS One, drinking up to three cups of decaffeinated coffee per day was associated with a reduced risk of depression in women. While further research needs to be conducted to confirm these findings, it may be that the antioxidants in coffee, such as polyphenols, may be responsible for the protective effects of decaf coffee.
Interestingly, decaffeinated coffee may also have some cognitive benefits. According to a review published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, consuming up to three cups of decaffeinated coffee per day could lead to improved memory and focus, as well as faster reaction times. While further research is needed to confirm these findings, the review suggests that the compounds in decaf coffee, such as the antioxidants and polyphenols, may be responsible for these cognitive benefits.
Finally, decaffeinated coffee may also be beneficial for those looking to improve their sleep quality. Since it does not contain the same levels of caffeine as regular coffee, it may not interfere as much with the body’s circadian rhythm and may help to reduce feelings of insomnia. Additionally, the antioxidants and other compounds in decaffeinated coffee may help to reduce stress and anxiety, making it easier to relax and drift off to sleep.
Decaffeinated Coffee and Weight Loss
Decaffeinated coffee may also offer some benefits for those looking to lose weight. A study published in the journal Metabolism showed that consuming decaffeinated coffee could help to increase energy expenditure, which may lead to weight loss. The study also showed that drinking one cup of decaf coffee was associated with an increase in heart rate, which could lead to improved metabolic efficiency and fat burning.
In addition, the antioxidants in decaffeinated coffee may help to reduce feelings of hunger and may increase feelings of fullness. This could lead to a reduction in the number of calories consumed at each meal, which could make it easier to lose weight. Finally, since decaffeinated coffee does not contain any calories or fat, it can be enjoyed without the guilt associated with indulging in a sugary treat.
Decaffeinated Coffee and the Environment
Finally, drinking decaffeinated coffee may also help to reduce your environmental impact. Decaffeinated coffee is typically produced with a process that uses either water or CO2 to extract the caffeine from the beans. While both methods use energy, the use of water is much more efficient and leaves less of a carbon footprint.
Furthermore, the production of decaffeinated coffee also leads to less waste, since the process does not require the use of chemicals or additives. Since decaffeinated coffee does not need to be roasted in the same way as regular coffee, this leads to less emissions, making it a more sustainable option for those looking to reduce their environmental impact.
Conclusion
In conclusion, drinking decaffeinated coffee has a range of potential benefits, from improved mental and physical health to environmental benefits. While it may not provide the same level of energy as regular coffee, it can still be enjoyed for its flavorful and aromatic taste. While further research needs to be conducted to confirm the potential benefits of drinking decaffeinated coffee, it appears to be a healthier and more sustainable option than regular coffee.
