In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleHow It Is MadeHealth BenefitsNutrition FactsPotential RisksWhen to Choose DecafFAQs
In This ArticleView All
View All
In This Article
How It Is Made
Health Benefits
Nutrition Facts
Potential Risks
When to Choose Decaf
FAQs
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Photo:Oleg Breslavtsev/Getty Images
Oleg Breslavtsev/Getty Images
With 97% of the caffeine removed, decaf coffee appeals to many folks who are sensitive to caffeine or just trying toconsume less.As you can see, it has drastically less caffeine than a regular cup of joe, but it maintains most of the flavor and feel of drinking regular coffee. However, many people wonder if decaf coffee is bad for them.
Decaf is not just a fun drink; it provides many antioxidants that may help promote heart health, blood sugar control, gut health and more. Read on to learn more about the health benefits and potential drawbacks of decaf coffee.
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How Is Decaf Coffee Made?
Unlike regular coffee, decaf coffee undergoes an additional process to remove the caffeine. This process is typically done in one of three ways—all of which involve soaking coffee beans in water before they’re roasted.
The FDA regulates all of these decaffeination methods for safety.
Health Benefits of Decaf Coffee
Healthier Gut Microbiome
While both types of coffee seem to stimulate gastric motility (whichmakes you have to poop), some research has found that decaf doesn’t stimulate as much acid secretion, which could be better forpeople with acid reflux.
Additionally, those phenolic compounds Manaker mentioned have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on the colon and may support a flourishing community of good bacteria.
Improved Liver Function
A higher intake of regular coffee is associated with healthier levels of liver enzymes. Researchers previously associated this with the caffeine content, but some studies have challenged that idea.
An older but large study found that both regular and decaf coffee consumption was associated with healthier levels of liver enzymes, calling into question the idea that it’s caffeine-related. These researchers think antioxidants, like those amazing phenolic compounds, may be responsible.
An animal study found that decaf coffee may have protective effects against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.NAFLD happens when excess fat accumulates on the liver, and it’s one of the more common causes of liver diseases.
Since this was an animal study, we’ll need studies on humans to verify these potential benefits. However, the study authors believe the benefits may be related to decaf coffee’s benefits on the intestinal barrier.
Poor functioning of the intestinal barrier—the structure responsible for nutrient absorption and defense against toxins—is linked to an increased risk of NAFLD.So, the gut and liver benefits of decaf coffee may actually be related.
Better Fasting Blood Sugar
Separate research has found that this type of antioxidant is more abundant in unblended roasted and ground coffee.
Lower Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
While there is much research on regular coffee’s impact on heart health, there is not as much on decaf coffee. That said, some studies suggest that decaf coffee is linked with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
One study found that decaf coffee, along with ground and instant coffee, may be associated with a reduced risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Interestingly, participants who drank 1 to 3 cups per day of decaf coffee had the lowest risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Reduced Risk of Premature Death
Another benefit of decaf coffee is reducing the risk of premature death. Data has shown that drinking decaf coffee was also associated with a reduction in all-cause mortality. In a particular study with a follow-up of about 12 years, fewer participants who drank 2 to 3 cups a day of decaf coffee died than those who drank more or less decaf.However, this study was just observational. So, we can’t be sure that drinking decaf coffee causes lower mortality rates; more research is needed to evaluate the connection further.
Decaf coffee has a similar nutrition composition toregular coffee, minus most of the caffeine. “Contrary to popular belief, most (if not all) decaf coffees contain some caffeine, with many containing around 8 to 10 milligrams caffeine per cup,” says Manaker. However, some contain as little as 2 mg per cup, so it really depends on the size and brand.
Decaf coffee does not contain calories, but it does contain some micronutrients, similar to regular coffee. One 8-ounce cup has 128 mg of potassium and almost 12 mg of magnesium—about 3% of each’s Daily Value.Plus, Manaker says decaf coffee is full of antioxidants like phenolic compounds.
Additionally, “Compounds found in both regular and decaf coffee may contribute to reduced mineral absorption, although the evidence is not conclusive,” says Manaker. Most studies on this are fairly old, so we need more robust, newer research to understand the true effects of decaf coffee on mineral absorption.
“For people who are sensitive to caffeine and those with certain heart conditions, regularly drinking decaf coffee can increase the frequency and severity of palpitations and certain arrhythmias,” saysRobert Salazar, M.D., a cardiologist with Memorial Hermann in Houston. Therefore, it’s best to discuss any specific concerns with your health care provider.
There are some conflicting opinions on decaf coffee’s impact on gastrointestinal conditions like acid reflux and peptic ulcers compared to regular coffee. For example, Salazar says decaf coffee can aggravate these conditions, whereas others believe it’s the caffeine in regular coffee that worsens these conditions.
Finally, keep in mind that decaf coffee still contains some caffeine, though just a few milligrams. If you’re super sensitive to caffeine, you may still want to be careful about how much decaf coffee you consume. As a general recommendation, Salazar suggests consuming a maximum of two to three cups per day.
When to Choose Decaf over Regular Coffee
Regular coffee may work better for you if you’re not sensitive to caffeine and don’t have significant health conditions. After all, many people rely on coffee’s stimulant effects to combat fatigue. Plus, caffeine might help relieve migraines, enhance athletic performance, treat depression and improve neurocognitive decline.
The Bottom Line
Decaf coffee is a great way to experience drinking coffee with about 97% less caffeine. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, it’s an excellent alternative to regular coffee. It may even exert health benefits like reducing fasting blood sugar and supporting your gut microbiome. But don’t get carried away just because it’s decaf; it’s still best not to overdo it. According to experts and research, one to three cups a day seems to be the sweet spot for decaf coffee intake.
Frequently Asked QuestionsBoth types of coffee have antioxidants that support health. However, decaf coffee is better for people who are sensitive to caffeine, have a heart condition or are pregnant, whereas regular coffee is better for those who want the stimulating effects of caffeine.According to our experts, drinking one to three cups of decaf coffee every day is fine for most people. However, it’s best to consult your health care provider for personalized advice.Decaf coffee allows you to enjoy the flavor and experience of a cup of coffee without all the caffeine. It’s a great option for people who are sensitive to caffeine, have a heart condition or are pregnant.Decaf coffee won’t give you the same alertness as regular coffee since it barely has any caffeine. Plus, it could cause your teeth to turn yellow if you drink it a lot, and it may still cause issues for people who are very sensitive to caffeine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Both types of coffee have antioxidants that support health. However, decaf coffee is better for people who are sensitive to caffeine, have a heart condition or are pregnant, whereas regular coffee is better for those who want the stimulating effects of caffeine.
According to our experts, drinking one to three cups of decaf coffee every day is fine for most people. However, it’s best to consult your health care provider for personalized advice.
Decaf coffee allows you to enjoy the flavor and experience of a cup of coffee without all the caffeine. It’s a great option for people who are sensitive to caffeine, have a heart condition or are pregnant.
Decaf coffee won’t give you the same alertness as regular coffee since it barely has any caffeine. Plus, it could cause your teeth to turn yellow if you drink it a lot, and it may still cause issues for people who are very sensitive to caffeine.
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Sources
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
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