Drinking Decaf Coffee Could Have Health Benefits
Coffee beans contain various substances that contribute to their flavour and aroma, some of which his team tested to see if they had any discernible health benefits. Caffeic acid, a phenol-based chemical, has been discovered to contain anti-oxidant and anti-carcinogenic elements in particular. Coffee also contains a substance known as chlorogenic acid, which has been shown to help reduce glucose production in the liver, preventing hyperglycemia after consuming high-sugar foods and beverages.
So, if coffee has all of these health benefits, why is decaf the healthier option? It’s simply because the caffeine in coffee still has a slight risk of developing heart disease. The total health advantages of coffee become more viable after the additives are removed. According to Dr Pasinetti’s research, decaffeinated coffee can improve sugar metabolism and convert sugar to energy. This is particularly intriguing because impaired sugar metabolism in the brain can lead to mental impairment in type 2 diabetes. As a result, there is a well-established link between decaf coffee and the prevention of mental decline associated with diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.
To be clear, the health benefits of decaf coffee extend beyond the absence of caffeine. The actual decaffeination process itself leaves behind a substance called cafestrol, which has been shown to enhance the body’s production of bile acid and have anti-inflammatory properties that are particularly beneficial to the brain. However, the process of decaffeination does not reduce the level of antioxidants present in coffee.
So, unless you need decaf to start your day or keep you alert on a lengthy journey, there are very few reasons to avoid it. If you only drink coffee for the taste, it’s worth thinking about. Gone is when decaf had an unpleasant aftertaste or was somehow inferior to regular coffee. Sure, it’s a little more expensive, but this is merely due to the cost of processing it.
In summary, Dr Pasinetti’s investigations verified the findings from numerous other similar pieces of work, namely:
- Decaf coffee can lessen the chance of diabetes – The anti-oxidant characteristics of decaf coffee can protect the cells from damage that can lead to diabetes. The decaf method doesn’t remove the chlorogenic acid content responsible for regulating blood glucose levels.
- Cancer prevention – Decaffeinated coffee still contains high quantities of anti-oxidants that can prevent diseases related to the ageing process and various malignancies. Several research concurs that regular decaf consumers demonstrate a lower risk of acquiring colon cancer, and there is a corresponding reduction in the risk of breast cancer in women.
- Decreased risk of heart problems – As indicated, coffee has been related to various heart conditions, including irregular palpitations, heart attacks and strokes. Removing the caffeine (without diminishing the quantities of antioxidants) can help minimize the chance of developing a wide array of cardiac diseases.
- Prevention of mental decline due to age and Alzheimer’s – The polyphenols found in coffee beans are still present after the decaffeination process. These are the compounds responsible for strengthening cognitive capacities with the brain, therefore further improving memory.
As we’ve indicated, we’ve used one study as an example, and there is a growing body of evidence to demonstrate that the benefits are real. This data is meant to be used in conjunction with other studies and is not the result of our research.
Take a look at the new decaffeinated coffees on the market and see if there’s any reason not to make the switch. Please feel free to email us if you have any additional information.
