A lot of people assume that decaf coffee is a healthier choice than caffeine.
Caffeine is technically a drug, and a little bit like “Diet Coke” versus normal sugary beverages, it is seen as a less harmful alternative. Is this always the case? Is decaf coffee beans better for you or is there a time and a place for both?
Is Caffeine Actually Harmful?
To fully understand the debate you need to work out whether or not caffeine is actually harmful or not. You can buy decaf coffee beans just as easily, but having some caffeine is nothing to feel guilty about.
Everyone reacts slightly differently, but 400 milligrams of caffeine is generally considered to be safe for adults to consume every single day. Depending on which types of coffee you are drinking, that could mean you can have up to four cups without experiencing any of the negative effects.
Too much caffeine can be harmful and cause anxiety or even jitters, especially if you then try to cut the amount of caffeine, but in moderation, there is no reason to assume caffeine is harming you.
In terms of calories or fat, coffee is negligible and considered “free” on most diets, unless you start to add sugar, cream, and milk.
Like most of the things we consume, caffeine actually has its pros and cons.
Benefits of Caffeine
Before assuming that decaf coffee is going to be a better choice, you might actually consider the benefits of caffeine.
In numerous studies, caffeine has been linked to the following:
- Improved athletic performance through focus and a perceived increase in energy, as well as effects on the circulatory system.
- Improved focus and performance at work or in academic environments. Caffeine can help us to feel more alert and actually help with our performance as we focus on the job at hand.
- Weight loss. Some studies have suggested that caffeine can help with losing weight.
- Tackling depression. One study found that drinking four cups of coffee per day actually led to a lower risk of depression in adults.
- Could help liver function. Coffee has a lot of antioxidants which can help to flush out your system and get rid of harmful materials, helping the liver to function normally.
Not everyone finds that coffee has a huge noticeable difference from day to day, but many studies have linked the increase in caffeine (consumed via coffee beans) to be good for mind and body.
When is Decaf a Good Idea?
Though decaf isn’t always a healthier choice, and removing the caffeine in it can actually reduce some of the benefits of coffee, there are times when consuming decaf coffee may be sensible.
Close to Bedtimes
Coffee can definitely keep you up at night. If you have a lot of caffeine coursing around your body then it is definitely possible that you’ll struggle to get to sleep. If you’re the type of person who likes to have a coffee after your evening meal, you might consider switching to decaf.
When You’ve Hit Your Recommended Limit
If you stick to the “four cups a day” rule or prefer to measure how much coffee is coming into your system, you might find that you are getting to the point where you are pushing the limits. If you feel like you might be having too much caffeine then switching one or two cups a day to a decaf coffee can be a way to stop your intake getting to the point of excess.
Can You Taste The Difference?
Not necessarily. In some decaf coffees you might taste some sour flavors because of the way that the coffee is processed, but generally speaking, decaf is just a different flavor profile. A lot of coffee drinkers won’t be able to tell any difference between the two. You might notice a different flavor, but not necessarily one that is ‘worse’.
Coffee lovers might invest in a high-quality decaf coffee that is more likely to have a nice taste than one that is a cheap blend from a poor-quality supermarket. There is such a broad spectrum of quality and taste when it comes to every type of coffee.
Conclusion – Is Decaf Healthier?
There is absolutely nothing to say that decaf is healthier than regular, caffeinated coffee, but it isn’t as simple as a case of one versus the other. Actually, a lot of coffee drinkers incorporate both into their daily coffee consumption.
The next time you are ordering coffee, you might want to think about how close it is to bedtime or whether or not you have already had some caffeine today, but generally speaking, decaf doesn’t always provide you with a healthier choice. It’s a matter of choosing what is right for you at the time (and not drinking so much coffee you are up all night).
