“What is the point?” many ask. From French-pressed, expresso to long blacks coffee is a globally enjoyed drink and the “drug” of choice by many.
Worldwide people are reaping the benefits of consuming coffee (decaf or not). CONS:
- However, caffeine has some negative associated impacts on the body such as the formation of dependency (addiction) and an increase in stress hormones.
- These negative impacts might influence people to make the switch to decaf however, many doubts surround the benefits of switching.
- Caffeinated coffee has been known to give people the jitters, headaches, anxiety, impact sleep habits, and increase your heart rate (Knowlton).
- Additionally, caffeine can increase stress hormone production and cause dependency, side effects that aren’t very appealing. Experiencing these adverse effects can impact everyday life and make people wonder if caffeinated coffee is the right choice for them.
Those considering the switch to decaf coffee might be concerned as there are studies suggesting that the decaffeination process reduces the safety and health benefits of consuming the delicious drink. For example, it has been suggested that the decaffeination process decreases the antioxidant content of coffee and therefore, decreases the beneficial impact the antioxidants provide for coffee drinkers. However, as discussed in the article Coffee consumption and health: umbrella review of meta-analyses of multiple health outcomes, the composition of decaf coffee and caffeinated coffee are similar aside from the limited presence of caffeine. This finding implies the loss of antioxidants is minimal and that the benefits of the antioxidant content are present to a similar effect in decaf coffee. Other studies have suggested that the process of decaffeination causes decaf coffee to raise LDL cholesterol levels (S. D, .S), however this was disproved in the meta-analysis where they found that “decaffeinated coffee seemed to have negligible effect on the lipid profile” (Poole et. al.). Essentially, the decaffeination process poses no real threat to your health.
In fact, with the fears of consuming caffeinated coffee dissuaded, there are actually many benefits to drinking decaf coffee. With most benefits achieved from drinking 3 cups a day (Poole et. al), decaf coffee can lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, lower the risk of depression and other cognitive disorders, and reduced the risk of mortality related to heart disease (Poole, et. al). Additionally, coffee (decaf or not) is rich in antioxidants that help fight free radical damage. All of these benefits are convincing factors to consider when weighing whether or not to make the switch.
With doubts put to rest and benefits discussed, if you want to rid yourself of your dependence on caffeine but still want to enjoy the health benefits and delectable tastes of the coffee bean, then decaf coffee offers an excellent solution. So, brew away! Enjoy your cup of decaf coffee with a peace of mind.
References:
Knowlton S. Benefits of Decaf Coffee. HealthGuidance.org. http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/15841/1/Benefits-of-Decaf-Coffee.html. Accessed March 25, 2018.
Poole R, Kennedy OJ, Roderick P, Fallowfield JA, Hayes PC, Parkes J. Coffee consumption and health: umbrella review of meta-analyses of multiple health outcomes. The BMJ. http://www.bmj.com/content/359/bmj.j5024. Published November 22, 2017. Accessed March 22, 2018.
S. D, .S. “Caf or Decaf.” Natural Health, vol. 36, no. 5, May 2006, p. 22. EBSCOhost, cscc.ohionet.org/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=cookie,ip,uid&db=a9h&AN=21207944&site=ehost-live.
Thalheimer JC. The Power of Coffee . Today’s Dietitian. http://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/0318p20.shtml. Accessed March 22, 2018.
Coffee consumption by slow metabolizers is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, hypertension and impaired fasting glucose.
If you’ve noticed problematic side effects when you drink coffee, such as insomnia, anxiety, feeling jittery and increased heart rate, you may be a slow metabolizer of caffeine too.
In these cases, it’s probably best to limit or even avoid caffeine in general. (Trust me, I know this stinks. I’ve had to accept this in my own life as a slow metabolizer!)
If you are sensitive to caffeine in any way, and have a thyroid issue, you should definitely take a break from your regular coffee drinking.
You also have to be careful if you are a coffee drinker who takes thyroid hormone medication. Drinking coffee within 60 minutes of taking thyroid hormones can reduce absorption of the medication.
A recent study showed that those who consume coffee when they took their thyroid medicine had a 25-57% drop in T4 compared to non-coffee drinker. It’s important if you are on thyroid medication to wait at least 60 minutes after taking your pill to drink coffee.
Related:
Drinks that will convert the coffee lover to non-caff options
