From morning to night, your hand and a million others automatically reach for the coffee. For a long time, coffee has been the saving grace that would keep you upright during the day. Another version of coffee is decaf.
Decaffeination produces a coffee with a significantly low amount of caffeine. So, here we have upheld all the effective health benefits of decaf coffee. Have a look!
Generic Health Benefits of Decaf Coffee
Since decaf coffee has a lower level of caffeine, it’s relatively healthier than other forms of coffee. Also, it is tasty and safe to consume.
The following are the top 6 benefits of having decaf coffee.
Rich in Antioxidants
The decaf has almost the same level of antioxidant content as that of regular coffee. Though a little antioxidant is lost in decaffeinating, it still provides the needed level for your body. Hence considering decaf instead of caffeine is a healthy option in many ways.
Decaf is packed with potassium, magnesium, and other essential minerals your body needs. The antioxidants are a scavenger for dangerous toxins harming the body and help prevent many diseases from affecting your health. When you’re making decaf, never add sugar or cream.
Has a Lower Level of Caffeine
If your hand always reaches for a cup of coffee to keep your day going, it’s time to switch to decaf. Though caffeine can make you active for the time being, it destroys the natural healthy sleep cycle. Decaf can make you stress-free all day while promoting sound sleep at night.
Decaf is the ideal option if you suffer from an anxiety disorder or lethargy after the caffeine wears out. There is a large variety of decaf made of different coffee beans and grinds. Decaf has approximately 90 to 100 mg less caffeine than regular coffee.
Low Acid Concentration
To reduce the acid concentration of regular coffee, you must mix it with milk and cream. Still, you can experience heart burns and stomach issues. With decaf, you have no reason to worry about the acid of caffeine hurting you. The decaffeination process tremendously lowers the acidic nature of coffee.
Decaf prevents digestive issues and is accepted by your body without adverse effects. It prevents insomnia. Though many prefer a regular cup of joe for the taste, decaf with its milder flavor is best for a good night’s sleep.
Prevents Acid Reflux
As the decaffeination method actively reduces the acid level, considering decaf as your everyday beverage is a wise and wholesome choice. Regular coffee sometimes makes you feel acid reflux and heartburn, which might become a chronic issue. In addition, regular coffee sometimes makes the existing acid reflux worse.
The acid reflux you feel from regular coffee will not occur if you have decaf. The low acid and caffeine level prevents Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). As regular coffee contributes significantly to the daily acidic intake, preferring decaf is a more beneficial option.
Promotes Cognitive Health
Decaf coffee promotes the health of your brain. It protects your brain from serious illnesses like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. In addition, decaf can prevent unwanted lumps usually found in people with Alzheimer’s.
Phenylindanes formed while roasting the coffee beans play an active role in inhibiting Amyloid beta and tau, which can otherwise cause Alzheimer’s.
Maintains Cholesterol
One of the healthiest benefits of decaf coffee is that it plays an influential role in reducing cholesterol.
With regular coffee, the cholesterol level might increase. The method of brewing also plays a significant role in affecting the cholesterol level. Since the decaffeination process lowers the caffeine, decaf keeps the cholesterol at a healthy level.
Benefits of Decaf Coffee for Weight Loss
Be it at breakfast or in the evening; you can have decaf without having to worry about disruptive sleep at night or heartburn. The chlorogenic acids present in the coffee acts as antioxidants that regulate weight. You can have a cup of decaf after breakfast or lunch for maximum benefit.
Decaf has comparatively lower calories than regular coffee. A cup of decaf has just 2 to 8 calories, whereas regular coffee has 90 to 110 calories. Your morning cup of joe, even if it keeps you active, is packed with calories. Decaf can help you maintain your weight without compromising your health.
Benefits of Decaf Coffee While Pregnant
Pregnant women are usually advised to cut down their caffeine intake. Decaf is an excellent and healthy choice if you still want to have coffee without the abundance of caffeine. You can safely drink up to 2 cups of decaf in a day. The baby will not be affected because the caffeine and acidic levels are super low.
Decaf is packed with nutrients like magnesium and potassium, which benefit the baby and the mother. But do not drink more than two cups, as decaf doesn’t mean zero caffeine. But in an overall consideration, decaf coffee is preferable for pregnant women.
Health Benefits of Regular Coffee vs. Decaf
Regular coffee and decaf have their own separate and some common health benefits. Let’s compare them.
Regular Coffee
Regular coffee can potentially prevent many cancers like skin cancer and leukemia. In addition, a person is less likely to develop Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s. Also, regular coffee keeps the enzymes present in the liver in check. You will even have a lower chance of having a stroke.
Decaf Coffee
Decaf coffee lowers cardiovascular issues because of its low level of caffeine. In addition, it helps you regulate a healthy slee[p routine preventing insomnia. Decaf is the best for people with anxiety issues. Decaf is ideal if you have heart palpitations or high blood pressure. Also, it facilitates a low risk of GERD and bowel-related health problems.
Conclusion
Though regular coffee is widely preferred, owing to the benefits of decaf coffee, the latter is slowly being considered by many.
Not much different from regular coffee, they share a lot of common health benefits. So, you can always try a decaf and decide if it’s your cup of joe or not.