Decaf or Regular: Which Coffee Actually Makes You Healthier?

Coffee

is not just popular but also proven to be a healthy beverage. While everyone likes their coffee differently, it is no secret that there are many benefits of drinking coffee in the morning – apart from helping you wake up. Studies say that while coffee may slow down biological ageing, regulate your heart, and even promote weight loss, the biggest debate in the coffee world is decaf coffee vs regular coffee. Which one is superior to the other in terms of health benefits?

What is the difference between decaf and regular coffee?

According to experts, the main difference between a regular coffee, which you can even make at home easily, and decaf is that in decaf coffee, the beans undergo a process in which the caffeine is extracted before they are roasted. While the process may not be able to entirely remove all the caffeine, it comes very close. Decaffeinated coffee typically contains between 2 and 10 milligrams of caffeine per cup. Regular coffee, experts say, typically contains around 95 to 165 mg of caffeine per cup.”

Decaf or regular coffee: Which is healthier?

Coffee is a powerhouse of antioxidants – usually polyphenols, chlorogenic acid, and ferulic acid – all of which are extremely potent and help regulate your immunity. They also reduce oxidative damage and help prevent deadly diseases like heart attacks, strokes, cancer, and even type 2 diabetes. Although caffeine has other benefits, most of the perks of drinking coffee stem from these powerful plant compounds, which are not extracted during the decaffeination process. This means that decaf coffee has all the same benefits as regular coffee. If you are sensitive to caffeine, decaf coffee is always a better choice. So, if you experience symptoms related to excess caffeine, like restlessness, anxiety, digestive problems, heart arrhythmia, or trouble sleeping, you should switch to either decaf or green tea. Decaf is also easier on the stomach and less likely to worsen acid reflux. If you have been advised to limit caffeine due to heart conditions or hormonal issues, decaf offers a way to enjoy coffee without the side effects. You may also want to limit caffeine if you have certain medical conditions or if you take prescription medications that can interact with caffeine. Similarly, pregnant and nursing women are advised to limit their caffeine intake. Those diagnosed with anxiety or who have trouble sleeping are advised to do so as well.

What are the potential downsides of decaf coffee?

Decaf and regular coffee likely have a lot of the same benefits, but they do have slightly different downsides or side effects that you must consider. Even though decaf coffee does still contain a small amount of caffeine, it’s likely not enough to deliver an energy boost if you’re looking to get one from your sip. On the flip side, if you are particularly sensitive to caffeine, even the concentration in decaf (depending on the brew) may be enough to cause side effects like jitters and anxiety. Also, if you add lots of sugary sweeteners or creamers to your coffee, the benefits begin to dwindle, regardless of whether you are sipping regular or decaf.