What does decaf coffee do to your body?

Are you worried about if you should cut down on your coffee intake or not? There are many reasons why people often have thoughts about putting on coffee.  Maybe you had a good night's sleep and you think you don’t need it or you've heard that coffee can cause cancer.

There are lots of facts and myths mixed up about what decaf coffee (se Coffee Gems decaf coffee) does to your body. Give this article a complete read about what actual impact does decaf coffee have on your body and make a decision for yourself.

One study found that 64 per cent of Americans drink one cup of coffee every day (the highest percentage), and another that Americans spend an average of $ 1,100 a year on hundreds of cups of coffee. It is difficult to decide whether decaf coffee must be avoided or not.

There might be a lot of health benefits of decaf coffee on your body and could help your body perform various functions along with the lower risk of diseases. However, overdose or certain elements in decaf coffee might also harm your body.

What is decaffeinated coffee?

Coffee, commonly called "decaf" is not just plain coffee, it's cold coffee. And since it is cold, it is cold when it comes to caffeine. But do not let a single word deceive you. Although decaf suggests caffeine-free, many types of decaf are not completely caffeine-free. However, the quantity of caffeine as compared to regular coffee is vague.

US Food and Drug Administration has not prohibited the use of decaf and neither it has issued any caution related to the contents of decaf coffee is still vague. Needless to say, the quality and processing methods of the beans affect the caffeine levels. As far as authorities are concerned you can enjoy your cup of joy without worrying about the risk of drinking decaf coffee.

What we do know is that the energy reduction process removes about 97 per cent of the caffeine from decaf coffee and on average, decaffeinated coffee contains three milligrams of caffeine per cup, while a regular cup of coffee contains 85 milligrams of caffeine - which is much higher. If you are sensitive to caffeine. So decaf coffee instead of regular coffee will be a smart choice if you are sensitive to caffeine.

History

Decaffeinated coffee was discovered in 1900 during a voyage when coffee beans were soaked in seawater, which naturally produced some caffeine. Later, a merchant used benzene (found in petrol and volcanoes) to prepare these coffee beans.

The good news is: Caffeine from coffee beans is safe and no longer a carcinogen.

Process

The decaffeination process begins with raw beans which are pre-soaked in water to remove the caffeine. After that, the following three main methods are followed.

1. Ethyl acetate is used in methylene chloride paint (IX) or nail polish removers, and water-based coffee compounds are used to remove caffeine from the water or the caffeine is removed from beans by putting them in the water mixture. This is known as an indirect process. The final step is to evaporate so the beans have a taste.

 2. In the Swiss Water Process, to minimize the chemicals, caffeine is separated from coffee beans by using a coal filter.

3. The last method also aims to remove chemicals and uses liquefied carbon dioxide to dissolve the caffeine. Although these latter methods may seem appealing, the chemicals remaining at the end of the first detoxification method are low and are considered safe by the FDA.

Whatever you choose, since the label is not required to reveal the method used, it is difficult to say what you will get unless you choose organic, non-solvent.

Are there any health benefits of decaf coffee?

Regular and decaf coffee beans both in general contain lots of antioxidants. And although decaffeinated coffee is slightly fewer antioxidants, decaffeinated coffee has more benefits.

Cancer and type 2 diabetes are prevalent all the globe. Caffeine is taken in any form; oral or smoked reduces the risk of diseases such as cancer and also prevents the risk of type 2 diabetes. Decaf coffee has many good properties, some of which are due to its low caffeine levels.

In one study, the use of daffodil coffee reduced the risk of cancer. Studies on rats suggest that feeding mice coffee does more work than cognac, and that coffee reduces age-related dementia and this could also be possible in humans but have not been tested yet.

Consumption of both coffee and caffeinated coffee protects neurons in the brain and can prevent diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Drinking coffee may also lower the risk of cancer and type 2 diabetes and help reduce weight without a strict diet. People drinking decaf coffee live longer as it cures depression and reduces inflammation in the body.

But is it good for you?

Decaf coffee has an overall good effect on the body and has many benefits but it does not guarantee that it is healthy. On the other hand, since caffeinated coffee has been extensively studied, we know a lot about it, so it is argued that they all provide benefits. But there is another important consideration: those who do not do well on caffeine (also see Decaf coffee impact on liver). 

While some people feel cured and fresh by drinking coffee, others experience abdominal pain, acidity, and heartburn and anxiety which most people may not tolerate early in the morning.

Since dehydration can soften coffee, decaffeinate reduces these symptoms, making it a wise choice for some. Caffeine consumers also experience some unpleasant effects such as difficulty in sleeping, fatigue, restlessness, high heart rate, and muscle spasms at night.  

Caffeine is not usually regarded as a drug and you may not be addicted to it but if you use it more often you may crave it and can’t function properly without and quitting it would be very hard.

Caffeine can also adversely affect some medications. However, since its caffeine level is low, decaffeination is a very safe method (but please consult your doctor if you have a health condition that requires caffeine intake)

Conclusion

Coffee cannot be fully regarded as harmful or beneficial because it acts differently in different bodies. If you have no side effects, stay calm and have a cup of decaf coffee often. Try to reduce your caffeine intake to 400 mg per day (3-4 cups, depending on severity). If you choose the soft one - both in taste and discretion - choose decaf.

And if importing chemicals is not good for you, look for a certified organic brand or add natural ingredients to your local coffee shop or find out how their beans are processed. A cup of joy is always a good start of the day as long as it is nutritional and keeps you healthy.

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