Coffee-lovers are often inundated with the decision between regular coffee and decaffeinated coffee. Before delving into the unlimited decaf decision, this discussion wouldn’t be complete without addressing why coffee drinkers may prefer decaffeinated coffee over regular coffee.
Decaffeinated coffee is essentially regular coffee made with coffee beans that have gone through a decaffeination process. This process is used to strip the beans of their predominant caffeine content while leaving the majority of the coffee’s flavour and aromatic qualities.
The idea of consciously seeking out regular coffee over decaffeinated coffee has become somewhat of a generational debate. Regular coffee’s caffeine content works as a stimulant, which unsurprisingly, has been heavily linked with increased alertness and physical and psychological energy.
Now, back to the topic of drinking an unlimited amount of decaffeinated coffee gas. Though it sounds like an appealing way to ward off sleepiness and fatigue, it’s important to keep in mind that even decaffeinated coffee contains a small trace of caffeine.
It’s common knowledge that caffeine, in high doses or consumption, can have negative side effects for health. High doses of caffeine consumption can cause headaches, jitteriness, nervousness, feel-good emotions followed by a crash, and may even worsen existing medical conditions.
Although the idea of drinking an unlimited amount of decaffeinated coffee may seem like a more health-conscious decision than regular coffee, it’s important to keep in mind that you are still consuming a small amount of caffeine, every sip of decaffeinated coffee counts.
The action of drinking decaffeinated coffee in large amounts can also be linked with many contributing factors, and these factors depend on the individual. Depending on the amount, the individual’s lifestyle, and the individual’s reaction to ingesting caffeine, the effects and the benefits of drinking unlimited decaffeinated coffee are going to be different for every person.
Experts suggest that, regardless of the level of caffeine in decaffeinated coffee, there is no harm in drinking up to three cups a day and is actually known to have some health benefits including improved concentration and lowered risk of diseases.
Coffee Sensitivity
It’s also important to consider that everyone’s body is different and may react differently to the caffeine found in decaffeinated coffee. Some people are more sensitive and can drink unlimited decaffeinated coffee with no issues, others may experience negative side effects beyond that three cup threshold. It’s important to be mindful of how your body reacts to decaffeinated coffee and adjust your caffeine intake accordingly.
Pregnant Women and Caffeine
For expecting mothers, the consumption of caffeine should be limited or ideally avoided, as studies have linked caffeine with higher rates of miscarriage and stillbirth. Therefore, decaffeinated coffee should be consumed in small amounts, as results of even moderate consumption of caffeine can have noticeably adverse effects such as higher blood pressure in pregnant women and their unborn children.
Making Decaf Your Choice
Whether heeding the advice of the experts or consulting with your doctor, drinking an unlimited amount of decaffeinated coffee is up to the individual. Ultimately, the decision to make decaffeinated coffee your go-to option, or choose decaffeinated coffee over regular coffee on certain occasions, is up to you.
The Impact of Decaf on Sleep
The amount of caffeine a person chooses to consume has been linked to the quality of their sleep, the science of this being that its stimulant properties inhibit quality sleep. Therefore drinking an unlimited amount of decaffeinated coffee can influence sleep hygiene, as none of the stimulant properties are present.
French Presses vs. K-Cups
Health aside, coffee connoisseurs may argue that coffee from a French Press yields a higher quality cup of coffee versus coffee from a K-Cup, this argument being that K-Cups are made with pre-ground beans, which lose flavour over time. Whereas, coffee brewed from fresh grounds in a French Press retain the full flavour profile the coffee beans initially provided.
Coffee Alternatives
If looking to cut back on coffee intake, there are many alternatives to coffee that provide stimulating energy without caffeine. These include green tea, yerba mate, chicory root, and decaffeinated tea. All of these alternatives are caffeine-free and can provide feel-good energy without the side effects of caffeine.
