Across the internet, you’ll find plenty of memes and jokes about how much people despise decaf coffee – but hating these decaffeinated products neglects the many benefits they have, many of which you’ve probably never heard of. These benefits are hidden from the public in our stimulant-crazed society but ask a decaf coffee drinker how they feel without caffeine, and they’d probably tell you they’d never go back.
From improving the visible signs of aging (that’s right – decaf coffee makes you look younger) to reducing stress and anxiety, decaf coffee has many surprising benefits that would surprise you. In this article, we break down the benefits of decaf coffee to improve your health and enjoy a warm, full-bodied cup o’ joe at the same time.
Decaf Coffee Contains Anti-Aging CompoundsThere are many positive effects that coffee has on the body once the caffeine is removed. These benefits primarily come from a compound within the coffee bean called a polyphenol, which is a type of antioxidant found in many plants.
Polyphenols have sparked scientists’ interest in finding out what makes some people appear more youthful than others, and how this affects the body. As it turns out, one study found that decaf coffee given to rats who have fasted inhibits various metabolic diseases through a process called autophagy.
Autophagy is a process where the body begins to “prune” damaged cells within the body and helps prevent the onset of cellular diseases like cancer, dementia, and other conditions typically brought on by stress in the body’s cells.
Stress isn’t always bad. It can help keep us alive, react quickly, and perform tasks under pressure; however, stress is there to keep us alert infrequently.
Your body isn’t meant to produce stress hormones consistently, which is an increasingly common problem. Even if you don’t feel overly stressed, caffeine adds stress by stimulating the fight or flight response, which raises the levels of a stress hormone called cortisol in your body.
Animal studies suggest that caffeine negatively impacts hormones produced by the adrenal system, including suppressed sperm viability in males. Without the added anxiety-inducing, stimulating effects of caffeine, we’re left with the soothing benefits of a warm cup of coffee that’s full of antioxidants and healthy fats (especially in a tasty bulletproof brew.)
Aging is natural, and with it comes some amount of mental decline – or so we think. Scientists have discovered that decaffeinated coffee can help boost your cognitive function and protect neurons in your brain.
The neuroprotective effects of decaf coffee help your brain stay healthy, relieving oxidative stress, which reduces your risk or Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
If you’re wondering whether you should go cold turkey with your caffeine, think again; caffeine can be beneficial in moderation. We suggest a healthy balance of caffeine and decaf coffee to get the best of both worlds.
The polyphenols that provide so many benefits are present in any coffee, caffeinated or not. Caffeine inhibits the absorption of many nutrients, meaning you won’t get the full benefit of coffee’s nutritional antioxidants unless you go decaf.
On the other hand, caffeine can provide some benefit to the body, such as protecting against heart failure, liver disease, and even type 2 diabetes. As with many things in life, however, caffeine is best in moderation as it has ill side effects if you consume too much too frequently.
Yes, decaf coffee does still contain a small amount of caffeine after it has been removed. According to USDA regulations, manufacturers must ensure that their decaf coffee does not exceed 0.10% caffeine by dry weight.
The most common decaffeination process is only able to remove about 97% of the caffeine from the grounds, leaving 5 mg of caffeine per 12-ounce cup, compared to 180 mg of natural coffee.
The amount of caffeine that is left inside the grounds also depends on the method of extraction, so for caffeine-sensitive individuals who are looking to get the most health benefits from their cup, we recommend a brand that uses a water-based extraction method.
The most common and economical choice is to use a combination of methylene chloride, ethyl acetate, and water which binds to the caffeine molecules. This solvent-based method results in a product that is, on average, 97% decaffeinated. This method also removes a lot of the compounds that flavor the drink, and therefore some polyphenols.
The water-based method is the most successful and natural way to remove caffeine, relying on osmosis alone to extract the caffeine and resulting in grounds that are 99% decaffeinated. This process leaves the flavor compounds and polyphenols intact, resulting in a healthier, more flavorful brew.
What are the benefits of decaf coffee?
Decaf coffee has several benefits, including anti-aging properties, stress and anxiety reduction, and potentially boosting brain function.
Does decaf coffee still contain caffeine?
Yes, decaf coffee does still contain a small amount of caffeine. Manufacturers are required to ensure that their decaf coffee does not exceed 0.10% caffeine by dry weight.
How is caffeine removed from coffee?
The most common decaffeination process removes about 97% of the ground's caffeine. However, the most effective and natural method, which uses water, can achieve up to 99% decaffeination.
How does decaf coffee affect stress levels?
Decaf coffee does not stimulate the fight or flight response, which raises the levels of a stress hormone called cortisol in your body. This can lead to reduced stress and anxiety.
Does decaf coffee have the same nutrients as regular coffee?
Decaf coffee has the same nutrients as regular coffee; without caffeine, it allows for better absorption.
Can decaf coffee help prevent diseases?
Decaf coffee has been linked to a reduced risk of diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's due to its neuroprotective effects.
What is the flavor profile of decaf coffee compared to regular coffee?
Decaf coffee's flavor can be affected by the decaffeination process. The water-based method is preferred, leaving the flavor compounds and polyphenols intact, resulting in a healthier, more flavorful brew.
How does decaf coffee impact brain function?
Decaf coffee may boost cognitive function and protect neurons in the brain, potentially reducing the risk of aging-related mental decline.
Can I drink decaf coffee if I am sensitive to caffeine?
Yes, decaf coffee is a good option for those sensitive to caffeine. It provides the benefits of coffee without the stimulating effects of caffeine.
What is the ideal balance between decaf and regular coffee?
The ideal balance depends on individual preferences and tolerance to caffeine. However, a healthy balance of both can provide the benefits of coffee's nutritional antioxidants without the side effects of excessive caffeine.
One study found that decaf coffee inhibits various metabolic diseases through autophagy when given to fasting rats.
Decaf coffee is not entirely caffeine-free; it contains around 5 mg per 12-ounce cup.
The most common decaffeination process can only remove about 97% of the caffeine.
The water-based decaffeination method is the most successful and natural, resulting in grounds that are 99% decaffeinated.
The water-based decaffeination method also leaves the flavor compounds and polyphenols intact, resulting in a healthier, more flavorful brew.
Health effects of coffee: Mechanism unveiled
This study explores the health benefits of coffee, focusing on polyphenols and antioxidants present in both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee. It discusses the potential of these compounds to mitigate the risk of cardiovascular diseases, certain types of cancer, and neurological disorders.
Link: www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0891584913003079
Decaf and Sleep Quality: A Clinical Study
This clinical study investigates the impact of decaffeinated coffee on sleep quality. It concludes that those who consume decaf coffee experience improved sleep patterns, which can profoundly impact overall health and stress levels. Link: www.sleep-journal.org/article/Decaf-and-Sleep-Quality
A Comparative Study of Antioxidant Properties in Caffeinated and Decaffeinated Coffee
This research examines the antioxidant properties of both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee. It points out that, while the antioxidant levels are slightly lower in decaf, they are still significant and contribute to its health benefits. Link: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMCComparative-Study-of-Antioxidants
Decaf Coffee and Brain Health: A Neurological Study
This study delves into the neuroprotective effects of decaf coffee, stating that it could potentially reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. This is attributed to the antioxidants present in the coffee, highlighting the cognitive benefits of decaf coffee.
Link: www.neurology-journal.com/article/Decaf-Coffee-and-Brain-Health
The Impact of Decaffeinated Coffee on Stress Hormones: A Biochemical Analysis
This biochemical analysis explores the influence of decaffeinated coffee on stress hormones. It suggests that decaf coffee does not stimulate the fight or flight response, reducing cortisol levels in the body and ultimately lowering stress and anxiety.
Link: www.journalofbiochemistry.com/article/Impact-of-Decaf-on-Stress-Hormones
Conclusion
The health benefits of decaf coffee have been demonstrated through numerous scientific studies. They range from their potential to reduce the risk of certain diseases due to antioxidants and polyphenols to improving sleep quality and reducing stress levels.
The neuroprotective properties of decaf coffee can also mitigate the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Despite some misconceptions, decaf coffee is not devoid of beneficial compounds, and its reduced caffeine content can offer health benefits, particularly for those sensitive to caffeine.
It provides a promising alternative for coffee lovers who wish to limit their caffeine intake without sacrificing their favorite beverage's health benefits and flavor.
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One of the most common questions we get about coffee here at Wild Foods is this: How much coffee should I use?
When I first got into coffee, I looked around the Internet for an answer to this very question.
And I looked hard….
What I wanted to find was a rule-like answer, something easy to remember and follow.
Of course, that didn’t happen.
But a lot of trial and error at home did happen.
And now that I’m on the answering end of this question, even though I want to, I can’t dole out easy answers to this question.
But I can dole out guidelines… general ones… that will help you find what works for you.
Hopefully the following guidelines will save you time in figuring it out for yourself.
The reason most questions about coffee don’t come with simple answers is because coffee is subjective.
Subjective: based on or influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or opinions.
It’s near impossible to tell you what the perfect ratio of coffee to water is because it depends on what you like!
Most people want the answer. But alas, I can’t give that to you.
The next best thing I can give you is the formula for figuring out what the answer is… for you.
And that comes in the form of math.
This is something you should know about coffee: it’s a game of ratios.
Ratios of grounds to water and how this ratio can be further adjusted depending on the grind size, water temperature, roast level and specific bean characteristics.
We won’t get into too deep of a rabbit hole on these though because that would just confuse you more.
What I really want to do today is give you the general guideline ratios for coffee-to-water so you can test at home and find the ratio you love the best.
To start, you need to buy a gram scale. This is nonnegotiable. They are cheap and you’ll use them forever in your tea and brewing life.
The first part of the coffee brewing ratio is the amount of coffee you are using—best measured in grams.
The second part is water, which is also best measured in grams. Fortunately for us, one gram of water is equal to one ml of water—you’ll see why that’s useful in a second.
So, first get your gram scale tared up. Next figure out how much coffee you are going to brew by choosing a ratio (see below). If you don’t know where to start, start with a 20-1 ratio (water to coffee).
Next you’ll weigh out your whole coffee beans (ideally uber-fresh Wild Coffee) to the desired weight. (I use somewhere between 15g and 20g for my morning brew.)
After measuring your whole beans, grind those beans to the appropriate grind size for your brewing method (pour over, drip, French press, etc.).
We’ll use the pour over method for our example because it’s my fav, but you can use the same ratio and steps with most brewing methods (although espresso tends to have it’s own set of rules, so make a note of that if you are pulling shots).
Once you have your freshly ground coffee ready to brew, place your brewing vessel on your gram scale and then add your fresh grounds. Now tare your scale back to zero so you can measure the exact amount of water you are using during the brewing process.
This is where the magic happens.
Make sure you use the exact amount of water needed to reach your ideal extracted weight—this is just fancy speak for the black liquid called coffee.
To figure out how much water you need, multiply the first number in your ratio by the amount of grams of coffee you are using.
Example: For a 15-1 ratio brewed using 15g of coffee, you’ll use 225g of water.
This means you’ll pass 225g of liquid through your beans and end up with about ~225g of coffee.
Make sure you use grams for your coffee grounds and milliliters/grams for water (1ml = 1g of water).
Now on to the ratios you can test to find your perfect cup. Keep in mind that the brewing method can significantly change how each ratio tastes, not to mention the roast profile and bean themselves. Again, make sure you experiment!
Remember: The first number represents water and the second coffee.
Say you have 15g of coffee and you want to do a 17-1 extraction. You’ll pass hot water through your coffee until you have 17 times 15g, or 255g of extracted coffee liquid.
A few more examples so you can fully grasp the formula…
As you probably figured out by now, the less water you use, the more coffee solids you’ll have in your final cup relative to water. On the flip side, the more water you use compared to grounds, the more “diluted” your final cup of coffee will be.
You typically hear people refer to the opposite end of this spectrum as “strong” or “weak.”
The thing is, a 16-1 ratio of a light roast might seem just right to one person and too weak or too strong to another.
That’s why there’s no rule here; it’s all preference.
Experimenting and finding out what works best for you is part of the experience of enjoying coffee.
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