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Decaf coffee for those sensitive to caffeine

Decaf coffee for those sensitive to caffeine

Decaf coffee provides flavor and aroma for coffee lovers, preserving nutrients

2 minutes read

Is decaf coffee healthy? Does it taste good?

Caffeine is a stimulating substance that might be found in chocolate, soft drinks, and coffee. Different studies have proven that caffeine, with other nutrients present in coffee beans, are good for one’s health. They might help preventing various diseases, though, if there is any kind of intolerance, or health issue which might be affected by the presence of caffeine, a good option is decaffeinated coffee. Such option provides the same aroma and flavor of traditional coffee. It is the best option for coffee lovers, specially if there is any medical direction or restriction from headaches, anxiety, sleeplessness, gastritis or ulcers, or even for pets.

However, decaf coffee is not 100% free from the substance. Despite near 97% of caffeine is taken out, there is some remaining level.

Decaf Techniques

There are three main techniques for taking out caffeine from coffee. Besides being roasted and ground, there are some further steps to be taken.

The first technique uses carbon gas. Its molecules are used to attract caffeine, then the substance might be removed without any change to other components.

There is also a technique that uses food-grade solvent. One of the most used is ethyl acetate, for it contains substances that can pull caffeine out of the bean. However, this method requires caution. If it is not properly handed there might be changes in other components and consequent variation in flavor.

Finally, a more natural process is washing the beans, which consists in immersing the beans in water with caffeine-free coffee extract. The different concentration in the blend causes caffeine to naturally separate from beans.

Decaf Coffee Benefits

Dr. André Facchin, a nutrition expert, explains that even when caffeine is taken out, other nutrients of the beans prevail in the beverage.

He says that, as well as in regular coffee, decaff coffee promotes various benefits to one’s health. This is due to minerals, amino acids, and vitamins, as B2 and B3, contained in it. “The difference is in the absence of caffeine and its capacity to increase concentration and well-being”, he explains.

According to the expert, the consumption of decaff coffee is indicated to people that appreciate the flavor of coffee, but are sensible to the effects of caffeine.

“There are also people that cannot take caffeine, for this substance might interact with some medicine”, he adds.

Yet concerning calories and nutrition, the doctor remarks that there is no difference.

“As pure coffee contains no calories, either presence or absence of caffeine makes no difference. As caffeine has many positive effects over one’s organism, however, I see that regular coffee brings more benefits,” he says.