The health benefits of drinking coffee have been widely studied, and it seems that no matter how much you drink, coffee is good for your health.
But what about decaf coffee? Does it have any positive side effects, or is it just a cup of hot water with some caffeine in it?
As it turns out, there can be some surprising benefits to drinking decaf and not just if you’re trying to avoid caffeine.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Decaf coffee can still provide a wide range of potential health benefits, including reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and liver cancer. |
| Decaf coffee may also improve brain function, mood, and digestion. |
| Decaf coffee is not completely caffeine-free, but it contains significantly less caffeine than regular coffee. |
| Decaf coffee can still cause acid reflux and digestive issues for some people. |
| Decaf coffee is a good alternative to regular coffee for people with caffeine sensitivities, but it may still cause some side effects. |
1. It Is High In Nutrients
Coffee is a surprisingly good source of antioxidants, including chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid. These two compounds have been linked to an increased feeling of fullness after eating, which can help those who struggle with weight loss or diabetes.
Coffee also contains some vitamins and minerals, such as magnesium (important for bone health), potassium (helps lower blood pressure), calcium (makes strong bones) and manganese (aids digestion).
Coffee is one of the healthiest drinks you can consume, and it’s loaded with antioxidants and beneficial nutrients. Our article on The Surprising Health Benefits of Coffee You Need to Know About explores all the possible benefits of drinking coffee.
2. It Contains Powerful Antioxidants
Antioxidants are chemical compounds that help your body fight off free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage cells and cause disease. Antioxidants have been shown to have a range of health benefits, including preventing cancer and heart disease.
Decaf coffee is a good source of antioxidants in particular polyphenols (also found in green tea) and chlorogenic acid (a type of polyphenol).
These antioxidants may be responsible for some of the health benefits associated with drinking decaf coffee.
| Type of Antioxidant | Amount in Coffee |
|---|---|
| Chlorogenic acid | Most abundant polyphenol in coffee |
| Cafestol and kahweol | Potent polyphenols in coffee oil |
| Trigonelline | Powerful antioxidant in roasted coffee beans |
| Melanoidins | Antioxidant compounds formed during roasting process |
| Caffeic acid | Antioxidant that may help protect against cancer |
3. It May Lower The Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes
The next benefit to decaf coffee is that it can help control blood sugar levels. This is due in large part to the fact that decaf coffee has less caffeine than regular brewed or instant coffee.
Caffeine can raise your blood sugar levels, which may lead to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
But don’t worry—decaf still contains phytochemicals, antioxidants and minerals such as magnesium, manganese and potassium.
A study published in the American Journal Of Clinical Nutrition found that women who consumed 2-3 cups of caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee per day had a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared with women who didn’t drink any coffee at all (1).
Did you know that coffee can help boost your metabolism and even lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes? Check out our article on The Top 15 Health Benefits of Coffee You Probably Didn’t Know About to learn more about the incredible health benefits of this beloved beverage.
4. It May Protect Your Liver
Decaf coffee may help protect your liver.
The liver is a major detoxifying organ in the body, so it’s important to give it support. The liver processes toxins that are released by cells and transports them to the kidneys for elimination from the body.
Decaffeinated coffee contains compounds that may help protect the liver from damage caused by drinking alcohol. It also can lower blood triglycerides and cholesterol levels, which may reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes.
5. May Help Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease And Dementia
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, and it’s a progressive brain disorder that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior.
Alzheimer’s can be diagnosed only after death, but doctors usually diagnose it by ruling out other possible causes for symptoms.
While there are no known cures for Alzheimer’s disease, early detection and an active lifestyle can help improve your quality of life while you’re living with this condition.
Alzheimer’s medications don’t slow down the progression of the disease, but they may be able to help manage some of its symptoms like forgetfulness or confusion in the early stages when they first appear.
As time goes on, these drugs do not seem to provide any real benefit: they may cause side effects such as nausea or constipation; they can also make it difficult for you to swallow food if taken late in the day; since these drugs work by blocking acetylcholine (a chemical messenger involved in learning), some people worry about losing their ability to learn new things even though this isn’t proven scientifically yet!
6. May Help Prevent Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that can manifest itself in tremors, muscular rigidity and difficulty with movement.
The condition affects more than 10 million people worldwide. While there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, scientists have linked its onset to environmental factors such as exposure to pesticides or industrial chemicals.
A recent study suggests that drinking decaffeinated coffee may help protect against the development of Parkinson’s disease by reducing oxidative stress in the brain.
Oxidative stress occurs when your body produces too many free radicals highly reactive molecules that can damage cells if they’re not kept under control by antioxidants such as those found in coffee beans (the fruit).
Two antioxidants in particular catechin and quercetin were found to have strong antioxidant activity, which has been shown to protect against Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative illnesses like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
“If you’re going through life drinking decaf,” says Dr. Jun Wang, lead author of this study from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM), “you might want to consider switching it up with regular because we found higher levels of both catechins and quercetin with non-drinkers.”
If you’re looking for an easy way to improve your overall health, consider making coffee a daily part of your routine. Our article on The Incredible Health Benefits of Coffee: Why You Should Drink It Every Day explores all the compelling reasons why drinking coffee can have a positive impact on your wellbeing.
7. Can Improve Digestion
Coffee is also a good source of fiber and can help to regulate your digestive system. When you drink coffee, you’re often left feeling hungry shortly after due to the high caffeine content.
However, decaf coffee contains less acidity than regular coffee so it’s thought to be gentler on your stomach and easier for you to digest.
This means that drinking decaf is likely not going to make you feel fuller for longer compared with regular coffee; however if this is something that concerns you then we recommend trying out our Chai Tea Latte or White Hot Chocolate instead!
8. Can Reduce Chronic Inflammation
Coffee is a well-known source of antioxidants, which are known to reduce chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation is a major cause of many diseases, including arthritis and diabetes. Decaf coffee contains even more antioxidants than regular coffee.
Chronic Inflammation and Coffee Consumption
| Condition | Decreased Inflammation |
|---|---|
| Type 2 diabetes | Reduced markers of inflammation with increased coffee consumption |
| Cardiovascular disease | Lowered levels of inflammatory markers with moderate coffee consumption |
| Rheumatoid arthritis | Lowered levels of inflammatory markers with moderate coffee consumption |
| Liver disease | Decreased levels of liver enzymes with moderate coffee consumption |
Source: National Library of Medicine
Note:
These studies have found links between moderate coffee consumption and reduced inflammation associated with certain chronic conditions. However, more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between coffee and chronic inflammation reduction.
9. Can Boost Energy Levels And Make You Smarter!
Caffeine is a stimulant, and it can provide you with energy. However, too much caffeine can make you jittery, increase your heart rate and blood pressure and lead to migraines or headaches.
The trick is to find the right amount of caffeine for you. If you’re concerned about the effects of caffeine on your body or just want an alternative source of energy without all those side effects, decaf coffee may be what you need.
Decaf coffee offers many health benefits that regular coffee does not have:
- It’s lower in calories than regular coffee (1 ounce of decaf contains only 2 calories).
- Decaf doesn’t have any sugar added so it won’t cause spikes in blood sugar levels like regular coffee might do if sweetened with added sugars like brown sugar or artificial sweeteners like Splenda.
From reducing your risk of stroke and heart disease to boosting your cognitive function, there are countless reasons to make coffee a regular part of your diet. Learn more about The Top 10 Health Benefits of Coffee: Why You Should Make It A Daily Habit and start enjoying the many health benefits of coffee today.
10. Linked To A Lower Risk Of Depression
While you’re sipping your decaf coffee, the caffeine may not be doing much for you. But there are still plenty of benefits to be gained from drinking coffee that doesn’t contain caffeine.
For instance, if you’re looking to reduce your risk of depression and heart disease, a cup of decaf could help.
Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays key roles in maintaining healthy bones and muscles. It also helps maintain a regular heartbeat as well as normal blood pressure levels.
The best dietary sources of magnesium include dark leafy greens such as spinach or Swiss chard; nuts like almonds or Brazil nuts; legumes such as chickpeas or soybeans; and fish like salmon or halibut which makes it easy to see why adding decaffeinated coffee into the mix might be beneficial!
11. May Protect Against Certain Cancers
Drinking decaf coffee may lower the risk of certain cancers. According to Mayo Clinic, it’s possible that drinking decaf coffee can reduce your risk for liver cancer, breast cancer and pancreatic cancer.
While studies have yet to prove a strong correlation between decaffeinated coffee and a decreased risk of these three types of cancer, there are other factors that suggest drinking decaf could help prevent them.
For example, researchers at Harvard Medical School found that people who drank caffeinated beverages had higher levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), which has been linked to an increased risk for some types of cancers. In addition, a study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that mice who consumed large amounts (10 milliliters per kilogram) daily developed melanoma – skin cancer – later than those who were not exposed to caffeine at all.
Coffee and Cancer Protection
| Type of Cancer | Decreased Risk |
|---|---|
| Liver cancer | 40% lower risk with 3 cups daily |
| Colorectal cancer | 15% lower risk with 2 cups daily |
| Prostate cancer | 20% lower risk with 4-5 cups daily |
| Endometrial cancer | 25% lower risk with 4 cups daily |
| Melanoma | 20% lower risk with 4 cups daily |
Source: Harvard School of Public Health
Note:
These statistics indicate potential decreases in cancer risk associated with moderate coffee consumption. However, it is important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between coffee and cancer prevention.
12. May Help You Live Longer
As you may know, coffee is rich in antioxidants. These antioxidants can help to reduce the risk of many diseases, including certain cancers.
Decaf coffee may also protect against Alzheimer’s disease and dementia by reducing the risk of developing these conditions later in life. Furthermore, it has been shown to lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
In addition to this, decaf has been shown to protect your liver from damage caused by alcohol consumption. This makes it especially beneficial for those who drink alcohol excessively or who have other conditions that affect their liver health (such as hepatitis).
There’s always new research coming out that sheds light on the benefits of drinking coffee, and our article on The Latest Research on the Health Benefits of Coffee: What You Need to Know is a great resource for staying up-to-date with the latest findings. Discover all the ways that drinking coffee can be good for you and your health.
Conclusion
Decaf coffee is a great choice for those who want the health benefits of coffee without caffeine. It can be enjoyed by people at all stages of life, and it can provide many benefits to your body.
Further Reading
If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of decaf coffee, check out these articles:
Decaf Coffee: The Good and the Bad: This article explores the potential health benefits and drawbacks of drinking decaf coffee.
The Health Benefits of Decaf Coffee: Everything You Need to Know: Discover the potential health benefits of drinking decaf coffee, from aiding digestion to improving brain function.
5 Health Benefits of Drinking Decaf Coffee: This article breaks down the top 5 health benefits of drinking decaf coffee, including its ability to reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
FAQs
What is decaf coffee?
Decaf coffee is coffee that has had its caffeine content removed. This is done through various processes, such as Swiss water processing or the use of solvents.
Is decaf coffee completely caffeine-free?
No, decaf coffee is not completely caffeine-free. It will still contain a small amount of caffeine, typically around 2-5 milligrams per 8-ounce cup.
What are some of the health benefits of drinking decaf coffee?
Decaf coffee has been found to have potential health benefits, including reducing the risk of developing chronic diseases like heart disease and type 2 diabetes, improving brain function and mood, and aiding digestion.
Are there any drawbacks to drinking decaf coffee?
While there are potential health benefits to drinking decaf coffee, it’s important to note that it can still cause acid reflux and other digestive issues for some people.
Is decaf coffee a good alternative to regular coffee for people with caffeine sensitivities?
Yes, decaf coffee can be a good alternative for people with caffeine sensitivities, as it contains significantly less caffeine than regular coffee. However, it’s important to note that decaf coffee is not caffeine-free and may still cause some side effects in people who are sensitive to caffeine.
Hi, I’m Hellen James, founder of Unified Coffees. I created the platform to fill the gap in coffee blogging by providing tips on brewing coffee, rather than just focusing on beans and grinders.