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Coffee is the lifeblood of the country. America practically runs on caffeine. According to the National Coffee Association, 54 percent of Americans over the age of 18 drinks coffee. These caffeine junkies drink an average of three nine-ounce (the average size) cups of coffee a day. That’s 40 billion dollars spent on coffee every year.
But for those who like the routine of drinking coffee but not the boost of energy, decaf coffee is portrayed as the healthier way to go. It’s coffee without the caffeine jitters and shakes. But is it really better for your health? We’re here to set the myths straight.
PROS:
The main reason many men and women drink decaf is because of its lack of caffeine. Good news! Studies have found drinking decaf can protect again diabetes and decrease c-peptides, which are, according Harvard Health Publication, a substance in the blood that indicate insulin resistance and risk for diabetes.
It has also been found that decaf coffee can help reduce the risk of liver problems. In an article for Medical News Today, Dr. Xiao from the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda stated, “Our findings link total and decaffeinated coffee intake to lower liver enzyme levels. These data suggest that ingredients in coffee, other than caffeine, may promote liver health.”
CONS:
Unfortunately, the negatives of decaf coffee outweight the positives. A review titled Effect of Decaffeinated Coffee on Health (Meri Rafetto, RD, Stephen Cherniske, MS, and Gerri French, Rd, MS, CDE) details the various negative effects associated with drinking decaffeinated coffee. Their study found that decaf can produce adverse metabolic effects, increase acidity, heartburn, acid reflux, proper mineral absorption and can interfere with bone density.
In addition, a 2005 study found that decaf coffee raised bad cholesterol in the heart and made the blood more fatty. This puts men and women at risk for heart disease and heart attacks.
There is no clear winner here. Although there are several health benefits associated with coffee – whether decaf or not – science has not clearly defined which is better for the body. However, as with other addictive substances, the key is moderation when drinking coffee. “Drink sensibly and you’ll be fine. Abuse a substance, even one as commonplace as coffee, and you could be asking for trouble,” says Women Republic.
