There are a lot of misconceptions about decaf coffee. For instance, a lot of people think it doesn’t have any caffeine in it, which is understandable considering we see the word decaf; however, surprisingly enough, decaf does not equal to "no caffeine". Then there are others that think because it is low in caffeine, it must be low in quality. Well I have to say, on the contrary to all the above, there are a number of surprising qualities about decaf coffee: like the fact that it actually has caffeine in it! A little shocking, isn`t it!?
In this article, we will explore the 10 most surprising facts about this misunderstood beverage. Time to bust some myths!
1. Decaf Coffee Does Not Give You the Jitters Like Caffeinated Coffee
Although it may be an obvious point, this is because decaf coffee has much less caffeine content compared to regular coffee. Because caffeine is a stimulant, too much of it can lead to anxiety, restlessness, and even headaches.
2. It Won't Dehydrate You Like Caffeinated Coffee
Decaf coffee does not dehydrate you. Unlike regular coffee, which contains caffeine—a natural diuretic that can increase urine output—decaf coffee has had most of its caffeine removed. As a result, it does not have the same dehydrating effects. In fact, drinking decaf coffee can contribute to your daily fluid intake, making it a hydrating beverage choice. You can enjoy decaf coffee throughout the day without worrying about dehydration.
3. Alcohol Can Impair Your Judgement, but not if You Pair it With Decaf Coffee!
Isn't this such a surprise? Studies have shown that those who drink alcohol and decaf together have better judgement than those who drink alcohol and caffeinated coffee. If you go out for a night of drinking, make sure to drink some decaf – it can help keep your sobriety intact!
4. No Need to Worry about Overcaffeinating Yourself!
Decaf coffee has much less caffeine than regular coffee. In fact, most decaf coffees contain only 2 to 20 mg per cup, whereas regular coffee contains anywhere from 80mg to 300mg per cup, depending on the coffee bean used.
5. Not Addicting, and Tastes Amazing!
You can enjoy a flavorful cup of coffee without worrying about getting addicted, and no longer enjoying regular cups of Joe (that one is for all my fellow caffeine addicts out there!). In fact, you might even find that you enjoy decaf coffee more than regular coffee; it has a different flavor profile and can be brewed in a variety of ways.
6. Taste is Not Compromised
There are decaffeination processes that do not strip away all the amazing flavors and aromas of the coffee beans, and such process involves using Liquid Dicarboxylic Acid at a relatively low atmospheric pressure and temperature to remove caffeine from raw coffee beans.
The milder conditions of the process in terms of pressure and temperature help the coffee beans retain their original taste, richness, flavor, and aroma; and what is even greater - we have used this process for our very own decaf coffee beans! This is why you will never have to compromise for great taste!
7. Drinking Decaf Means Choosing a Healthy Lifestyle!
Caffeine has been linked with a number of health risks, such as high blood pressure; especially, for people whose metabolism cannot handle it. Since decaf coffee does not contain high amounts of caffeine, you can enjoy a cup without worrying about the health risks.
8. You Can Drink as Many Cups Without Risking Your Health
I know this is something coffee addicts will be relieved to know - you can drink as much cups without worrying about overcaffeination! After a while, you may even find that drinking caffeinated coffee will give you the jitters and make your heart race -- those of which are both symptoms of too much caffeine.
9. A Choice For Pregnant Women
Studies have shown that high amounts of caffeine can lead to miscarriages, birth defects, gestational diabetes, hypertension, low birth weight babies, preterm labor, an increased risk of childhood leukemia, or a low IQ in children. Because of its low caffeine content, decaf coffee offers a choice for pregnant women to enjoy coffee.
10. Helps Regulate Blood Sugar Levels and Reduces Risk For Type II Diabetes
In fact, one study showed that those who consumed decaf coffee on a regular basis were 67% less likely to develop type II diabetes than those who didn’t drink any coffee at all. This is because caffeine can increase blood sugar levels, but because decaf coffee doesn’t contain as much caffeine, it will not have this effect.
FAQs
Is Decaf Coffee Less Flavorful than Regular Coffee?
No, decaf coffee is just as flavorful as regular coffee. The only difference is that decaf coffee beans undergo a different process for the caffeine to be removed, which causes the beans to have a milder flavor than regular coffee. Some people even prefer this milder taste!
What is the Best Time of Day to Drink Decaf Coffee?
You can drink decaf coffee anytime, day or night! However, I would recommend sticking to earlier in the day since studies have shown that caffeine consumption later in the day could lead to sleeping problems.
Is Deaf Coffee Less Caffeinated than Regular Coffee?
Yes, decaf coffee has less caffeine content than regular coffee. Decaf coffee is made by using special processes to extract the caffeine from the beans. Comparing them side by side, decaf coffee holds about 97% less caffeine than regular coffee, so if you are looking for a low-caffeine coffee option, decaf is the way to go!
What is the Best Way to Brew Decaf Coffee?
That's totally up to you! There are a number of ways to prepare decaf coffee, including using a French press, an automatic drip machine, a pour-over cone, or even just brewing it as espresso or iced coffee. No matter how you make it, decaf coffee can always taste delicious, so go ahead and experiment!
Final Thoughts
Decaf coffee is a staple for many people with certain medical conditions; however, it is also a delicious choice for anybody, and it is packed with surprising benefits. If you're considering decaffeinated coffee as an alternative to your regular cup of joe, or if you want to find out more about the amazing things that make this drink special, then check out this article!
We hope we have convinced you enough to give decaf coffee a try—or at least made you curious enough to learn more about what makes it such a great beverage.
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