Many coffee drinkers hear the word "Decaf" and think, "what's the point?" Believe it or not, there are people in this world who just want to sip a good cup of coffee and enjoy the aroma, taste and experience without the need for caffeine. Gasp! Some people who absolutely love coffee have been told to reduce or eliminate caffeine from their diet due to health reasons. A good cup of decaf is a great way to get your coffee in the evenings without the worry of being up all night.
Because coffee beans (and tea leaves) have caffeine content in their unprocessed, natural form, at least 97% of the caffeine must be removed in order for coffee to be considered "decaf." That leaves about 5 milligrams, compared to the 100 to 150 milligrams in 6 ounces of brewed coffee.
The health benefits of decaf coffee have not been as widely studied as regular coffee but a review of 18 studies published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, suggested that high intakes of regular and decaf coffee, may reduce the risks of Type 2 diabetes. There is also evidence suggesting it may help against gallstones and dental cavities.
Many researchers have wondered if the health and brain boosting benefits of coffee were mostly attributed to the caffeine but more studies determined that caffeine alone didn’t account for any of the improvements in cognitive abilities or memory, stating it's likely that bioactive compounds in coffee are responsible for the boost in a person’s health.
So, if you're a decaf drinker, fear not! You can still enjoy your coffee and the health benefits that come along with it.
See our selection of coffees that include a gourmet decaf that's so good, you won't even miss the caffeine.
