Why Do People Drink Decaf Coffee? Shocking Truth

In the world of coffee, where an abundance of flavors and tastes can be found, there is one particular type that has been steadily gaining popularity: Decaf coffee.

While many avid coffee drinkers rely on its caffeine content to wake them up and stay alert throughout the day, decaffeinated coffee continues to hold its appeal. It may seem odd at first but there are valid reasons why individuals opt for coffee with reduced or no caffeine.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the meaning and advantages of decaf coffee, shining light on why it has evolved into an intriguing option for a variety of coffee drinkers.

Why Do People Drink Decaf Coffee?

People drink decaf coffee to avoid the harmful impacts of caffeine. They prefer to drink decaf due to sensitivity with caffeine, rising health concerns, or a desire to enjoy coffee later in the day without disrupting sleep.

Decaf coffee is coffee with a reduction of approximately 97% in caffeine content. This significant alteration is achieved through a precise decaffeination process. The coffee beans undergo various treatments such as water washing, organic solvent extraction, carbon dioxide treatment, or filtration using a charcoal filter before being ground into decaf coffee grounds.

To facilitate a better understanding of the benefits associated with decaf coffee, we have categorized its advantages into distinct sections.

Mental Health Benefits

Decaf coffee offers a range of mental health benefits, some of which include:

1. Promoting Restful Sleep

Consuming more than 400 milligrams of caffeine per day or having a cup of coffee too close to bedtime can disrupt your sleep-wake cycle, according to the Sleep Foundation. These sleep disturbances can make falling asleep more challenging and hinder the deep sleep your body needs. As a result, you may find yourself chronically sleep-deprived and caught in a vicious cycle of relying on larger doses of caffeine to stay awake during the day.

To avoid these sleep-related issues, many individuals choose to either give up coffee altogether or reduce their intake. However, if you need more time to be ready to part ways with coffee completely, opting for decaf can be a viable alternative.

By switching to decaffeinated coffee, you can still savor the taste and ritual of enjoying your favorite beverage without the drawbacks associated with caffeine. Improve your sleep quality and break free from the cycle of caffeine dependence!

2. Alleviating Anxiety

Decaf coffee provides a viable solution for individuals seeking to reduce anxiety in their lives. In today’s fast-paced and stress-filled world, many people experience chronic stress and anxiety.

When consulting with a healthcare professional about anxiety concerns, it is not uncommon for them to inquire about caffeine intake. While caffeine itself may not directly cause anxiety problems, it can contribute to increased anxiety levels as reported by WebMD medical professionals.

By opting for decaf coffee, individuals can potentially minimize the additional anxiety induced by caffeine consumption.

Switching to decaf coffee may not completely resolve underlying anxiety issues, it can have a positive impact on the severity of anxiety symptoms experienced. If a reduction or elimination of caffeine is recommended, decaf coffee serves as a suitable alternative.

Prioritizing mental well-being by opting for decaf coffee demonstrates a conscious effort to manage anxiety levels and create a calmer state of mind.

3. Brain-Boosting Effect

One recent study, published in Nutritional Neuroscience, indicates that consuming decaffeinated coffee supplements could potentially enhance brain energy metabolism. Opting for decaffeinated coffee offers a fascinating way to invigorate the brain which results in a calming effect throughout your entire body. It’s impossible to remain in a negative state of mind while experiencing the exhilaration that decaf coffee provides.

By indulging in a cup of decaf coffee each day, you can witness the remarkable impact it has on your mood. The brain acknowledges the longing for stimulation that arises from consuming coffee, and every sip of decaf coffee activates the brain’s reward systems. As a result, this delightful interaction generates a profound sense of well-being!

Physical Health Benefits

Beyond its impact on the mind, decaf coffee offers advantages that contribute to a healthier body. Let’s explore these physical benefits:

1. Liver Disease Protection

Drinking decaffeinated coffee may offer protection against liver disease, including inflammation and liver scarring known as fibrosis. A study conducted in 2014 analyzed data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey collected between 1999 and 2010. The study focused on 27,793 adults who consumed coffee, examining their serum levels of four liver enzymes.

The findings indicated that both regular and decaf coffee had the ability to reduce abnormal levels of these liver enzymes. The potential protective benefits of decaf coffee against liver disease, particularly in the case of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which has limited treatment options, are noteworthy.

2. Preventing Diabetes

Decaffeinated coffee, chosen by many individuals, is believed to have potential advantages in guarding against type 2 diabetes. Research by the National Library of Medicine suggests that consuming coffee, even in its decaf form, can lower the likelihood of developing this condition.

Type II diabetes involves insulin resistance, where the body’s cells do not respond effectively to insulin. Insulin is responsible for facilitating the entry of glucose (sugar) into cells. When insulin resistance occurs, glucose accumulates in the bloodstream, resulting in high blood sugar levels.

If left unmanaged, elevated blood sugar can lead to complications such as vision problems and kidney disease.

Decaf coffee contains antioxidants called polyphenols, which can stimulate the pancreas’ beta cells to secrete insulin and regulate blood sugar. By triggering insulin production, decaf coffee may contribute to maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and potentially reducing the risk of complications associated with Type II diabetes.

Additional Health Benefits

Doctors also advise on drinking decaffeinated coffee for the following reasons.

• Addressing Caffeine Sensitivity: Individuals who experience adverse reactions to caffeine, such as jitters, find solace in decaf coffee. By switching to decaf, they can savor the flavor of coffee without the discomfort caused by regular coffee consumption.
• Digestive Sensitivity: Some people are more sensitive to the stimulant effects of caffeine, which can exacerbate digestive issues such as acid reflux, gastritis, or irritable bowel syndrome. Decaf coffee is a better option for those who experience these sensitivities.
• Neuroprotective Effects: Some studies have indicated that decaf coffee consumption might be associated with a reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. The antioxidants and other compounds in coffee might have protective effects on brain health.
• Cognitive Function: Some studies have found that decaf coffee consumption might be associated with improved cognitive function, particularly in terms of memory and attention. The exact mechanisms behind these effects are still being explored.
• Stomach Acid Regulation: Regular coffee can stimulate the production of stomach acid, which might be problematic for individuals with conditions like gastritis or acid reflux. Decaf coffee could be a more tolerable option for these individuals as it is less likely to trigger excessive acid production.
• Aging and Longevity: Some studies have explored the potential link between decaf coffee consumption and increased lifespan. Certain bioactive compounds in coffee might impact cellular processes associated with aging and longevity.

Conclusion

Based on all these amazing benefits, most people prefer decaf coffee over regular coffee. Afterall, your health comes first, even before your cravings. The key element to understand here is the effect of caffeine which is reduced in a decaf coffee. As a healthier alternative, we also recommend people to switch to decaf coffee if they can manage it. Start by 1 cup a day as a replacement for regular coffee and see how it goes! Best of luck!