Many people drink coffee for its taste, while others appreciate it as a vital morning energy booster. Coffee has become an ingrained part of today’s culture, whatever your reason may be. It seems like there is a coffee shop on every block in the city!
But some of us will opt for decaf coffee instead of fully caffeinated versions because too much caffeine can cause jitters, sleeplessness, and anxiety . On the other hand, decaf has a bad reputation as a flavorless, and unhealthy alternative.
Is this true, or is just an exaggeration?
Major Differences Between Decaf and Regular Coffee
The decaffeination process removes most of the caffeine from coffee beans, therefore decaf coffees contain less caffeine and are less stimulating.
In addition to the obvious key difference of caffeine, decaf coffee also typically has a milder taste than caffeinated. The reason for this is that some of the compounds that create the flavors are removed along with the caffeine during the decaffeination process.
If you want a less intense cup of coffee with weaker flavor, choose decaf. If you prefer a more potent cup of coffee with a stronger flavor, opt for caffeinated instead. Although we can’t promise it’ll do any good, calculating how much caffeine is in your espresso is an option–but maybe just keep consumption to a minimum regardless.
If you’re trying to be healthier by switching to decaf coffee, know that you’re making a great choice! Decaf is just as healthy as regular coffee.
Is Decaf as Healthy as Regular Coffee?
Although both decaf and caffeinated coffee provide potential health advantages, they also come with certain dangers.
Coffee, for example, is high in antioxidants. Antioxidants may help your cells resist damage and lower your risk of several chronic illnesses. Coffee also contains caffeine, a stimulant that has side effects including jitteriness, anxiety, and sleeplessness.
If you cut down on caffeine, you’ll experience benefits; though doing so also removes some of the antioxidants (up to 20%). I don’t think it’s a huge deal, but ultimately it’s your decision.
If caffeine affects you adversely or you have a health problem that could be worsened by caffeine, decaf coffee is most likely the smarter choice. Otherwise, either type of coffee can be part of a nutritious diet.
The decaffeination method is an important health aspect to consider. Some methods are healthier than others.
What Is The Best Decaffeination Method?
Decaffeination is the process of removing caffeine from coffee beans. The most frequent technique of decafiation is known as Swiss water decafification. Coffee beans are first soaked in hot water, which dissolves the caffeine. The caffeine-free water is then passed through a filter to extract it. To regain their fragrance components, the decaffeinated beans are submerged in clean water before being dried out over time.
Swiss water decaffeination is a popular method because it is safe and effective. Although, some might say that it can make the coffee taste more mild by stripping away certain flavor compounds along with the caffeine.
If you’re searching for a decaf coffee with a stronger flavor, consider one that has been decaffeinated using carbon dioxide as an extraction method. Coffee beans are subjected to pressurized carbon dioxide to extract the caffeine. The decaffeinated beans retain more of their aroma components, resulting in a coffee with a greater taste depth.
The best decaffeination for flavor is the methylene chloride, but people avoid it because methylene chloride is extremely toxic. However, the amount detected in coffee is so small, that you would need to drink buckets of decaf coffee daily, to be at risk.
Decaf Coffee Still Contains Small Amounts of Caffeine
All decaf coffees will contain some caffeine after decaffeination, regardless of the technique. The quantity of caffeine in each cup will vary depending on the kind of coffee and the decaffeination procedure utilized. Decaf coffees, on average, have about 2-12 milligrams of caffeine per cup, as compared to around 95-200 milligrams in a cup of regular coffee. Even decaf coffees have some caffeine, which is a little disappointing for many people.
If you’re searching for a caffeine-free cup of coffee, herbal coffee is one option to consider. These beverages are prepared from caffeine-free herbs and spices and contain no coffee beans.
Coffee Brewing Methods 