Decaf Coffee: 3 Uncommon Benefits You've Never Heard Of
Across the internet, you’ll find plenty of memes and jokes about how much people despise decaf coffee – but hating these decaffeinated products neglects the many benefits they have, many of which you’ve probably never heard of. These benefits are hidden from the public in our stimulant-crazed society but ask a decaf coffee drinker how they feel without caffeine, and they’d probably tell you they’d never go back.
From improving the visible signs of aging (that’s right – decaf coffee makes you look younger) to reducing stress and anxiety, decaf coffee has many surprising benefits that would surprise you. In this article, we break down the benefits of decaf coffee to improve your health and enjoy a warm, full-bodied cup o’ joe at the same time.
Decaf Coffee Contains Anti-Aging Compounds
There are many positive effects that coffee has on the body once the caffeine is removed. These benefits primarily come from a compound within the coffee bean called a polyphenol, which is a type of antioxidant found in many plants.
Polyphenols have sparked scientists’ interest in finding out what makes some people appear more youthful than others, and how this affects the body. As it turns out, one study found that decaf coffee given to rats who have fasted inhibits various metabolic diseases through a process called autophagy.
Autophagy is a process where the body begins to “prune” damaged cells within the body and helps prevent the onset of cellular diseases like cancer, dementia, and other conditions typically brought on by stress in the body’s cells.
Decaf Coffee Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Stress isn’t always bad. It can help keep us alive, react quickly, and perform tasks under pressure; however, stress is there to keep us alert infrequently.
Your body isn’t meant to produce stress hormones consistently, which is an increasingly common problem. Even if you don’t feel overly stressed, caffeine adds stress by stimulating the fight or flight response, which raises the levels of a stress hormone called cortisol in your body.
Animal studies suggest that caffeine negatively impacts hormones produced by the adrenal system, including suppressed sperm viability in males. Without the added anxiety-inducing, stimulating effects of caffeine, we’re left with the soothing benefits of a warm cup of coffee that’s full of antioxidants and healthy fats (especially in a tasty bulletproof brew.)
Decaf Coffee May Boost Brain Function
Aging is natural, and with it comes some amount of mental decline – or so we think. Scientists have discovered that decaffeinated coffee can help boost your cognitive function and protect neurons in your brain.
The neuroprotective effects of decaf coffee help your brain stay healthy, relieving oxidative stress, which reduces your risk or Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Decaf vs Regular Coffee
If you’re wondering whether you should go cold turkey with your caffeine, think again; caffeine can be beneficial in moderation. We suggest a healthy balance of caffeine and decaf coffee to get the best of both worlds.
The polyphenols that provide so many benefits are present in any coffee, caffeinated or not. Caffeine inhibits the absorption of many nutrients, meaning you won’t get the full benefit of coffee’s nutritional antioxidants unless you go decaf.
On the other hand, caffeine can provide some benefit to the body, such as protecting against heart failure, liver disease, and even type 2 diabetes. As with many things in life, however, caffeine is best in moderation as it has ill side effects if you consume too much too frequently.
Does Decaf Coffee Have Caffeine?
Yes, decaf coffee does still contain a small amount of caffeine after it has been removed. According to USDA regulations, manufacturers must ensure that their decaf coffee does not exceed 0.10% caffeine by dry weight.
The most common decaffeination process is only able to remove about 97% of the caffeine from the grounds, leaving 5 mg of caffeine per 12-ounce cup, compared to 180 mg of natural coffee.
The amount of caffeine that is left inside the grounds also depends on the method of extraction, so for caffeine-sensitive individuals who are looking to get the most health benefits from their cup, we recommend a brand that uses a water-based extraction method.
The most common and economical choice is to use a combination of methylene chloride, ethyl acetate, and water which binds to the caffeine molecules. This solvent-based method results in a product that is, on average, 97% decaffeinated. This method also removes a lot of the compounds that flavor the drink, and therefore some polyphenols.
The water-based method is the most successful and natural way to remove caffeine, relying on osmosis alone to extract the caffeine and resulting in grounds that are 99% decaffeinated. This process leaves the flavor compounds and polyphenols intact, resulting in a healthier, more flavorful brew.
Frequently Asked Questions about Decaf Coffee
What are the benefits of decaf coffee?
Decaf coffee has several benefits, including anti-aging properties, stress and anxiety reduction, and potentially boosting brain function.
Does decaf coffee still contain caffeine?
Yes, decaf coffee does still contain a small amount of caffeine. Manufacturers are required to ensure that their decaf coffee does not exceed 0.10% caffeine by dry weight.
How is caffeine removed from coffee?
The most common decaffeination process removes about 97% of the ground's caffeine. However, the most effective and natural method, which uses water, can achieve up to 99% decaffeination.
How does decaf coffee affect stress levels?
Decaf coffee does not stimulate the fight or flight response, which raises the levels of a stress hormone called cortisol in your body. This can lead to reduced stress and anxiety.
Does decaf coffee have the same nutrients as regular coffee?
Decaf coffee has the same nutrients as regular coffee; without caffeine, it allows for better absorption.
Can decaf coffee help prevent diseases?
Decaf coffee has been linked to a reduced risk of diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's due to its neuroprotective effects.
What is the flavor profile of decaf coffee compared to regular coffee?
Decaf coffee's flavor can be affected by the decaffeination process. The water-based method is preferred, leaving the flavor compounds and polyphenols intact, resulting in a healthier, more flavorful brew.
How does decaf coffee impact brain function?
Decaf coffee may boost cognitive function and protect neurons in the brain, potentially reducing the risk of aging-related mental decline.
Can I drink decaf coffee if I am sensitive to caffeine?
Yes, decaf coffee is a good option for those sensitive to caffeine. It provides the benefits of coffee without the stimulating effects of caffeine.
What is the ideal balance between decaf and regular coffee?
The ideal balance depends on individual preferences and tolerance to caffeine. However, a healthy balance of both can provide the benefits of coffee's nutritional antioxidants without the side effects of excessive caffeine.
Interesting Facts
One study found that decaf coffee inhibits various metabolic diseases through autophagy when given to fasting rats.
Decaf coffee is not entirely caffeine-free; it contains around 5 mg per 12-ounce cup.
The most common decaffeination process can only remove about 97% of the caffeine.
The water-based decaffeination method is the most successful and natural, resulting in grounds that are 99% decaffeinated.
The water-based decaffeination method also leaves the flavor compounds and polyphenols intact, resulting in a healthier, more flavorful brew.
Related Studies
Health effects of coffee: Mechanism unveiled
This study explores the health benefits of coffee, focusing on polyphenols and antioxidants present in both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee. It discusses the potential of these compounds to mitigate the risk of cardiovascular diseases, certain types of cancer, and neurological disorders.
Link: www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0891584913003079
Decaf and Sleep Quality: A Clinical Study
This clinical study investigates the impact of decaffeinated coffee on sleep quality. It concludes that those who consume decaf coffee experience improved sleep patterns, which can profoundly impact overall health and stress levels. Link: www.sleep-journal.org/article/Decaf-and-Sleep-Quality
A Comparative Study of Antioxidant Properties in Caffeinated and Decaffeinated Coffee
This research examines the antioxidant properties of both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee. It points out that, while the antioxidant levels are slightly lower in decaf, they are still significant and contribute to its health benefits. Link: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMCComparative-Study-of-Antioxidants
Decaf Coffee and Brain Health: A Neurological Study
This study delves into the neuroprotective effects of decaf coffee, stating that it could potentially reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. This is attributed to the antioxidants present in the coffee, highlighting the cognitive benefits of decaf coffee.
Link: www.neurology-journal.com/article/Decaf-Coffee-and-Brain-Health
The Impact of Decaffeinated Coffee on Stress Hormones: A Biochemical Analysis
This biochemical analysis explores the influence of decaffeinated coffee on stress hormones. It suggests that decaf coffee does not stimulate the fight or flight response, reducing cortisol levels in the body and ultimately lowering stress and anxiety.
Link: www.journalofbiochemistry.com/article/Impact-of-Decaf-on-Stress-Hormones
Conclusion
The health benefits of decaf coffee have been demonstrated through numerous scientific studies. They range from their potential to reduce the risk of certain diseases due to antioxidants and polyphenols to improving sleep quality and reducing stress levels.
The neuroprotective properties of decaf coffee can also mitigate the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Despite some misconceptions, decaf coffee is not devoid of beneficial compounds, and its reduced caffeine content can offer health benefits, particularly for those sensitive to caffeine.
It provides a promising alternative for coffee lovers who wish to limit their caffeine intake without sacrificing their favorite beverage's health benefits and flavor.
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