Decaf Coffee May Help Lower Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes
Coffee has been known for its ability to lower multiple conditions, but it has always been chalked up to the caffeine itself. However, decaf has been shown in a few studies to have similar effects, meaning that its not just the caffeine that lowers the risk of Type 2 Diabetes. In fact, it could be said that decaf coffee can be just as beneficial as regular coffee, without having to expose yourself to caffeine on a daily basis. While theyre not sure what is exactly causing these effects in both regular and decaf, the fact that its not solely the caffeine is an important finding to decaf drinkers everywhere.
Health Benefits Of Coffee Based On Science
Coffee is one of the worlds most popular beverages.
Thanks to its high levels of antioxidants and beneficial nutrients, it also seems to be quite healthy.
Studies show that coffee drinkers have a much lower risk of several serious diseases.
Here are the top 13 health benefits of coffee.
Is Decaf Coffee Bad For Adrenals
Some might think that decaffeinated coffee is the answer for those that enjoy the experience and taste of coffee. However, even decaffeinated coffee can contain small amounts of caffeine not eliminated during the extraction process, which can still be aggravating for those with exhausted adrenal glands.
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Why Drink Organic Decaf Coffee
The FDA said there wasnt enough methylene chloride in coffee, so they allowed processors to continue to use it. Unfortunately, coffee producers do not have to say how they decaffeinate their coffee. Many say that they use natural processes, so you do not know if they have methylene chloride or other harmful toxins. It is best to buy organic decaf coffee, so you know it is safe.
Many organic coffee growers and roasters have small batches. If you are worried about what is used to process your coffee, you can contact an organic coffee farmer to ask them. Their answers should give you peace of mind.
If you are unable to find out where your coffee comes from via the label, you can always talk to your grocer or buy coffee from a locally owned coffee shop. You should also look for the official organic seal, so you know unnecessary chemicals werent used in production.
It Suppresses Your Appetite
Probably one of the biggest problems while losing weight is all those nasty cravings. They are usually the reason many people quit dieting. If you struggle with cravings while losing weight, you should probably know that coffee has been proven by various studies to reduce hunger.
It increases the synthesis of the hormone PYY which lowers your appetite and hunger. This study has also proven that decaf coffee actually reduces your appetite more than regular coffee.
So if youre someone who drinks too much regular coffee, switching to decaf can be great! Not only because you wont consume too much caffeine, but its an excellent way to control your hunger and cravings!
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Does Decaf Coffee Taste The Same As Regular Coffee
Theres a difference in taste betweenregular coffee and decaf coffee.
The decaffeination process is done on greencoffee beans to remove the caffeine content, but this process greatly affects flavour,aroma, and other chemicals. To put it simply, decaf coffee tastes flatter orweaker than regular coffee due to the absence of caffeine and other chemicalslost due to the decaffeination process.
The Only Coffee That Does Not Contain Any Caffeine Whatsoever Is Instant Decaf Coffee Crystals
. You wont be receiving the benefits caffeine has for your skin when using decaf, which is a major downside with it containing about 7mg of caffeine vs 100mg in regular. There is also a slight difference in taste, with decaf coffee tasting lighter and more watery than regular coffee. However, not everyone who drinks coffee likes the side effects of caffeine.
For many, a decaf cup of coffee seems pointless due to its minimal levels of caffeine. When it comes to the choice of decaf vs regular coffee, health benefits can play a vital role. Coffee is quite acidic and is often mixed with dairy to help reduce the acidic effects, but it can often lead to heartburn and other uncomfortable side effects.
Is decaf better than regular coffee? A study conducted in 2006 found that ten to nine cups of decaffeinated coffee had between 8.6 mg to 13.9 mg of caffeine. Both regular and decaf coffee were shown to lower liver enzymes in study participants who drank at least three cups per day.
For instance, both decaf and regular coffee help lower the risk of diabetes, protect the liver, aid heart health and improve brain function. Health benefits of decaf coffee. Nutritionally speaking, decaf coffee offers some important perks.
Caffeine is the most common difference between decaf and regular coffee. The same 8 ounces of decaf coffee only has 2 to 19 mg of caffeine. Decaf coffee has had almost all of its caffeine removed via chemical solvents.
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Does Decaf Have The Same Effects As Regular Coffee
When it comes to health benefits like lowering the risk of many diseases, decaf coffee may be just as effective as regular coffee.
However, many people drink coffee because it contains caffeine. This stimulant has the ability to keep them awake and alert.
Regular coffee has some benefits that decaf lacks, including:
For more in-depth information, read my article “20 Health Benefits of Coffee.“
KEY POINT: Regular coffee contains caffeine, which may provide additional health benefits that decaf doesnt.
However, more studies have been conducted on the health benefits of caffeinated coffee than decaf.
Reduces Insomnia And Restlessness
Dont get me wrong, I love coffee. But one of the biggest issues that pulled me away from caffeine and towards chicory coffee was the restlessness. If caffeinated coffee makes you restless, or causes you to have difficulty falling asleepI cannot recommend chicory coffee highly enough.
For a completely caffeine-free drink, you can brew chicory straight. Add your favorite spices or toppings and youve got a comforting, nutty, caffeine-free cup of deliciousness.
Likewise, if too much caffeine has your heart racing or your stomach turning, this is the perfect time to turn to chicory coffee. It can help settle your digestive system, sedate a racing heart, and calm you down for a better nights sleep.
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Why Is Chicory Coffee So Popular
It was cultivated as a medicine by the ancient Egyptians, and also used as a food by ancient Romans and ancient Greeks. Then, in the 1800s, Napoleons France ran out of coffee. The country raced to find an alternative and chicory coffee was born.
Coffee eventually made its way back into the mainstream. When the American Civil War started, Union blockades stopped coffee from getting into New Orleansthe coffee capital of the South. Thanks to massive imports of chicory at the timemillions of pounds wortha new relationship with chicory coffee was ignited.
After the war ended, New Orleans locals decided they actually liked their new drink, so they kept it. If youre looking to try one of the best chicory coffees in the world, head down to Café du Monde and order a chicory café au lait with a side of beignets.
And now, on to
Downside Of Drinking Decaf Coffee
Although decaf coffee does provide health benefits, there are some downsides to drinking it. The biggest downside is that you wont get the energy boost that you do from regular coffee, so decaf wont help you feel alert or attentive. Itll take some time for you to get used to not receiving a buzz from your coffee.
Some other downsides include that since decaf is devoid of caffeine, it wont speed up your metabolic rate, which helps people lose weight. If you want to drink coffee as a supplement to your weight loss regimen, youre better off sticking with regular coffee.
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How Many Calories In Decaf Coffee
If you drink your coffee black, you are drinking a calorie-free beverage. Black coffee also does not have any fat or protein either. If you add creamer, whipped cream, sugar, or other extras, you add calories, fat, and a bit of protein depending on how much you add.
But if you drink fancy coffee beverages from popular restaurants, you can trust that they have quite a bit of calories and sugar.
So Is Decaf Good For You
Whether decaf or regular, coffee is high in antioxidants. And though decaf can have slightly lower amounts of those antioxidants, decaffeinated coffee isnt devoid of the benefits.
Whether gulping down caffeine-infused fire or a mellower brew, coffee may help prevent cancer and even type 2 diabetes.
But thats not all. Decaf coffee has plenty of positive attributes, a few of which are due to its lower levels of caffeine:
- Decaf coffee consumption in one study showed a decreased risk of developing rectal cancer.
- A study on rats showed that rodents who were supplemented with coffee performed better in cognition-related tasks than those without, suggesting that coffee may reduce age-related mental declineno matter the caffeine contents.
- Consumption of both decaf and caffeinated coffee has been shown to protect neurons in the brain and may help prevent diseases like Alzheimers and Parkinsons.
- Decaf coffee may lower mortality thanks to its positive effect on risk factors like inflammation and depression.
But is it *better* for you?
Regular coffee certainly has a longer list of health benefits, but that doesnt necessarily mean its healthier.
On one hand, theres the argument that because caffeinated coffee is more widely studied, we know that much more about it, hence all those benefits. But theres also another key consideration: those who dont do well with caffeine.
The takeaway
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What Are The Side Effects Of Decaffeinated Coffee
Another side effect of is an increase in stomach acid. Decaf coffee triggers the hormone gastrin, so stomach acid increases, and it can increase the chance of developing acid reflux.
If you normally drink regular coffee, you may experience headaches and tiredness moving to decaf. Caffeinated coffee can relieve headaches, especially caffeine-induced headaches. And, caffeinated coffee will wake you up. Without caffeine, you might not get the jolt of energy that they like in their regular coffee.
If you drink decaf coffee that was processed with methylene chloride, you could have some side effects, especially if you drink several cups per day. In small doses, methylene chloride can cause wheezing or coughing. High doses are more dangerous and can cause headaches, vomiting, and other flu-like symptoms.
The Health Benefits Of Decaf Coffee
According to Dr. van Dam, decaf coffee has many of the same health benefits as a caffeinated cup. “Decaffeinated coffee includes polyphenols, including chlorogenic acid and lignans,” he says. This is beneficial to the body because polyphenols help the body fight against damage caused by harmful agents like ultraviolet rays, radiation, and some pathogens. In turn, this leads to lower risk for cancer and other illnesses, including diabetes and heart disease.
Dr. van Dam also points out that like regular coffee, decaf coffee contains potassium and magnesium, two minerals that benefit the body in many different ways. The body literally can’t function without potassium, which is used to keep muscles working properly and regulating the body’s blood fluid levels. And magnesium can help with everything from cognitive function to reducing cortisol levels.
“Decaffeinated coffee also contains vitamin B3 and its precursor trigonelline,” Dr. van Dam says. Scientific studies have linked trigonelline to being calming, helping fight off migraines, improving memory, and being anti-tumora pretty impressive resume.
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May Lower Your Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a major health problem, currently affecting millions of people worldwide.
Its characterized by elevated blood sugar levels caused by insulin resistance or a reduced ability to secrete insulin.
For some reason, coffee drinkers have a significantly reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.
Studies observe that people who drink the most coffee have a 2350% lower risk of getting this disease. One study showed a reduction as high as 67% (22,
Summary
Several observational studies show that coffee drinkers have a much lower risk of type 2 diabetes, a serious condition that affects millions of people worldwide.
Coffee And The Gall Bladder
Because the most common gallstone is made of cholesterol, and coffee is known to lower cholesterol, it is thought that coffee might prevent cholesterol crystals from forming into gallstones in the gallbladder. It is also thought that coffee may cause the gallbladder to contract and push bile through, discouraging the collection of cholesterol.
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Does Decaf Coffee Give You Energy
The quick answer is no, but some brands might give you a little boost. Decaffeinated coffee has a minimal amount of caffeine in it, but usually not enough to make a difference in your energy levels. In fact, you might feel tired when you first switch to decaf coffee, especially if you are used to drinking caffeine coffee.
Regular coffee has up to 95 milligrams of caffeine in one cup. Decaffeinated coffee can have up to 14 milligrams of caffeine in it. If you drink caffeinated coffee regularly, the small amount of caffeine in decaf might not affect you. The gentle procedure to remove caffeine from coffee beans does not remove it all. If you want slightly more caffeine, try a decaffeinated espresso.
Does Decaf Coffee Have Diuretic Properties
Caffeine makes you pee a lot due to itsdiuretic properties, and if you dont drink enough water, you may end upgetting dehydrated. When people tell you that caffeine causes dehydration,thats not entirely true. Dehydration is a result of the diuretic properties ofcaffeine.
Now caffeine in its entirety is a milddiuretic, so youre not exactly urinating in gallons thereby riskingdehydration. The safe amount of caffeine intake per day borders between 500mgto 600mg, which is about 5 to 6 cups of coffee.
Because decaf coffee doesnt have caffeine,it has no diuretic effect on the body.
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How Decaffeination Works
There are three key methods for removing caffeine from regular coffee beans: The most common uses a chemical solvent, another uses liquid carbon dioxide , and the last simply uses water.
All take green, unroasted coffee beans, soak or steam them until the caffeine is dissolved or their pores are opened, and then extract the caffeine.
While the CO2 and water methods are considered chemical-free, the solvent method relies on synthetic chemicals such as ethyl acetate and methylene chloride .
The Swiss Water Process tends to produce the most flavorful coffee, Ristenpart says, because its good at removing caffeine and without stripping other flavorful compounds from the beans. But its also more expensive and difficult to produce at scale. For this reason, Ristenpart says, youll typically find it used on higher-end coffees, such as Blue Bottle.
None of these methods scrubs the bean of caffeine completely. While the Food and Drug Administration requires that at least 97 percent of caffeine be removed, some decaffeinated coffees can still contain between 3 and 12 mg of caffeine per cup.
Liver Benefits Of Coffee
Over the past few years, several well-constructed studies have concluded that coffee helps support liver health.
- Back in 2005, research published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found a relationship between drinking coffee and a reduced risk of liver cancer. This study of over 90,000 Japanese people found that people who drank coffee daily or nearly every day had half the liver cancer risk of those who never drank coffee. The researchers found that the protective effect occurred in people who drank one to two cups of coffee a day and increased at three to four cups. Because decaf coffee is rare in Japan, the effect of regular and decaffeinated coffee was not compared.
- As published in a February 2012 edition of the journal Hepatology, researchers investigated the effect of caffeinated coffee consumption on the liver in those with a fatty liver. Their findings were encouraging for the estimated quarter of Americans with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease coffee consumption demonstrated an ability to prevent against liver fibrosis progression.
- As published in a June 2013 edition of the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, caffeine was singled out to determine what component of coffee may help prevent the progression of liver fibrosis. The researchers found a positive link between caffeine and liver damage inhibition.
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Can Help You Burn Fat
Caffeine is found in almost every commercial fat-burning supplement and for good reason. Its one of the few natural substances proven to aid fat burning.
Several studies show that caffeine can boost your metabolic rate by 311% .
Other studies indicate that caffeine can specifically increase fat burning by as much as 10% in obese individuals and 29% in lean people (
However, its possible that these effects diminish in long-term coffee drinkers.
Summary
Several studies show that caffeine can increase fat burning and boost your metabolic rate.
Risks And Side Effects
The side effects associated with decaf coffee arent as well-studied. Most of the literature has only been done on caffeinated coffee. Stemming beyond caffeine, some of the common side effects pertaining to coffee are its effects on nutrient interactions and non-heme iron absorption.
Researchers discovered that for every one cup of coffee consumed, the risk factors for hip fractures increased. This higher hip fracture risk could pertain to how coffee by roughly four to six milligrams of calcium loss per cup of coffee.
Another area of concern, especially pertaining to females, is coffees ability to bind to non-heme iron, thus blunting the bodys ability from absorbing iron. In fact, one cup of coffee lowers iron absorption from a hamburger meal by 39 percent.
One interesting side note is that consuming your coffee one hour before a meal shows no potential decrease in iron absorption, according to research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
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