The second most consumed drink in the world after water has its types and many people are intrigued to know more details such as, for example, if decaffeinated coffee is healthy. Today we are going to focus on knowing what this variety is like without caffeine, after its extraction method has been questioned. For many consumers it is the best option to enjoy a great meal without suffering sleepless nights. We invite you to discover the world of this coffee.
How is coffee without caffeine?
Si decaffeinated coffee is healthy We can find out by analyzing its content first. It's actually just plain coffee with the substance that so many people have to drink almost out of obligation to stay awake during the day. In this process of extraction it is able to release 97-98% of the caffeine that coffee contains. In this way, we can say that the drink is not totally free of caffeine and that it remains in a residual form in its composition. In a cup of decaffeinated about 150 ml there may be about 3 mg of caffeine, unlike a normal coffee that contains about 80 mg, approximately.
Decaf-roast methods
One of the big differences between decaffeinated coffees is the caffeine extraction method. This is extracted from green beads of the raw material before being roasted. There are several methods, although the main ones are three:
- Swiss system. This consists of moistening the green coffee beans with water. Caffeine dissolves in it and is removed by means of active carbon filters.
- With methylene chloride. It is a system similar to the Swiss one in which, instead of water, a solution of this compound is used to dilute the caffeine. This liquid subsequently evaporates along with it.
- Using carbon dioxide. It consists of some drums where, along with the coffee, this component is introduced, which penetrates it "dragging" the caffeine.
Of the three systems for making decaffeinated coffee, the most recommended is the Swiss system since it is the one that does not use no chemical element. Although the other two processes guarantee that no residue and it has been proven that with the subsequent roasting they end up being eliminated. The most recommended, although more laborious and expensive, is the first.
Some consumers observe that, many times, the decaffeinated coffee color is darker than normal coffee. This happens because after extraction the pores are more open and the roast penetrates the grain much more. Roasters are usually more careful in this process with lower temperatures and somewhat longer roasts. But this is not an indication that no decaffeinated coffee is healthy.
What decaf to drink?
Although the advice is that you try different types And that you consume the one that you want the most, we advise you to know the type of extraction. Chemical-free extraction with a coffee ecological and with a roast to your liking it will give you the guarantee of enjoying a healthier coffee. Currently decaffeinated are also a lot of quality but it is true that there are still companies that allocate the worst grains and origins to these types.
Pros and cons of caffeine
We anticipate you since yes decaffeinated coffee is healthy and it maintains much of the nutrients of normal coffee. Coffee has many phenolic compounds that do not disappear with extraction, so we benefit from these very interesting antioxidants for our health. In addition, it is the way to consume coffee for people who, due to a medical prescription, are prohibited.
In periods like pregnancy and lactation it is advisable to eliminate the consumption of caffeine. Also for all those who want to reduce the consumption of this substance and alternate the two options or simply prefer to consume decaffeinated from a certain time to avoid insomnia.
However, once the coffee was eliminated, we stopped consuming the most known and consumed psychoactive in the world. Caffeine stimulates substances like dopamine and norepinephrine which are great brain stimulants. Caffeine has effects on mood, memory, activity, and overall cognitive function. It also acts in the adrenaline generation stimulating activity, while helping to burn fat.
Many studies associate caffeine with reduction of some cancerous diseases such as colon and breast cancer, as well as a lower risk of suffering depression. On the other hand, the risks of high caffeine consumption are for people with cardiovascular problems and hypertension. The greater activity that the substance produces makes us stay awake excessively, not being able to get to sleep and the necessary rest. So you should control the coffee drink but just in case decaffeinated coffee is healthy you do not have to worry.
