Is Decaf Coffee Good or Bad for You?
As much as we love coffee, we can appreciate that being consistently wired on caffeine isn’t always the best idea, especially when you’re desperately trying to sleep after your post-dinner espresso.
This is where decaffeinated coffee comes in, and the health benefits of decaf are much the same as your normal cup of coffee.
As much as we love coffee, we can appreciate that being consistently wired on caffeine isn’t always the best idea, especially when you’re desperately trying to sleep after your post-dinner espresso.
This is where decaffeinated coffee comes in, and the health benefits of decaf are much the same as your normal cup of coffee.
What is Decaf Coffee?
Decaf coffee is made from coffee beans that have had at least 97% of their caffeine removed. This process is usually done using water and organic solvents. Coffee beans are washed in the solvent until the caffeine has been extracted, and then the solvent is removed.
Health Benefits of Decaf Coffee
Both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee has a number of health benefits (unless you’re drinking 10 cups of caffeinated coffee a day, in which case you should probably have a serious think about your caffeine intake). It’s a great source of antioxidants, contains magnesium, vitamin B-3, and it’s particularly rich in polyphenols.
Contains Antioxidants
Decaf coffee is rich in antioxidants, which neutralise free radicals and reduce oxidative damage, which in turn helps to prevent diseases such as type-2 diabetes and heart disease.
Reduced Risk of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Both regular and decaf coffee seem to have positive effects on age-related mental decline. Decaffeinated coffee contains compounds called polyphenols, which are known to improve cognitive performance, helping to fend off cognitive problems like early onset dementia.
Source of Fibre
Decaf coffee is also a high-fibre drink, containing a diverse range of fibre types that support the gut microbiome and contribute to better blood sugar control.
Benefits of Drinking Decaf Coffee Over Caffeinated Coffee
Excess caffeine consumption can cause restlessness, anxiety, and trouble sleeping, so decaf coffee is a great option when you love the taste of coffee, but you’ve hit your daily caffeine limit.
Reduced Symptoms of Heartburn and Acid Reflux
Some people can experience heartburn or acid reflux as a result of caffeinated coffee, so decaf can be a great alternative for people who still want to enjoy the best part of the morning, minus the side effects.
Doesn’t Cause Dehydration
Decaf coffee doesn’t dehydrate you like caffeinated coffee can. Unlike normal coffee, decaf coffee is not a diuretic and won’t lead to dehydration.
Doesn’t Cause Anxiety
The caffeine in coffee can cause restlessness, giving you the jitters and heightened alertness. Caffeine works by blocking the effects of adenosine, a brain chemical that makes you feel tired.
This triggers the release of adrenaline, the “fight-or-flight” hormone associated with increased energy, which can lead to anxiety and nervousness when consumed in higher doses. Decaf coffee doesn’t have this effect.
Doesn’t Cause Headaches or Migraines
Caffeine is a stimulant, so for the same reason that regular coffee can cause anxiety, it can also cause headaches. Decaf coffee doesn’t pose this risk.
Good for People Who Suffer from Digestive Problems
Excess caffeine can also overwhelm the central nervous system, leading to digestive problems that can worsen IBS. In moderation caffeinated coffee can improve gut mobility, but too much caffeine can have major effects on your digestive function. Decaf coffee is a safer bet, with plenty of fibre and none of the side effects of caffeine.
Is Decaf Coffee Better for You?
Decaf coffee has most of the same health benefits as caffeinated coffee, but none of the side effects. It can be enjoyed by people who suffer from headaches, anxiety, and digestive problems, safe in the knowledge that it won’t trigger anything nasty.
Personally, we recommend drinking caffeinated coffee in the morning (IN MODERATION), and then turning to decaf when you’ve hit your daily caffeine intake, meaning you can keep drinking coffee all day long.
Grind’s Decaf Coffee
We would never let caffeinated people have all the fun. Our Nespresso®-compatible, home-compostable coffee pods also come in two decaf blends: the House Blend Decaf has all the natural chocolatey sweetness of our regular House Blend, minus the caffeine, and our Dark Blend Decaf has the deep, full-bodied flavour. We also have decaf versions of our whole bean and ground coffee, so however you make your brew, there’s a decaffeinated version for you.
Set up a decaf coffee subscription and save up to 33%. You’ll also get a Grind tin for free, and free shipping. It’s a flexible subscription, so you can change, skip or cancel your subscription at any point.
