Difference Between Decaf and Regular Coffee

The difference between decaf and regular coffee is not tough to understand. But first lets discuss about coffee and caffeine. Coffee is one of the most popular beverages around the globe. The annual consumption of coffee is increasing day by day. Most of us prefer to have a cup of coffee early in the morning. We like to kick start our day by pouring a heavy dose of caffeine in our system. Coffee beans are naturally caffeinated.

What is Caffeine?

Caffeine is said to be a natural alarm clock for body organs. It is a stimulant or an activator. It takes the brain on overdrive and doesn’t let our central nervous system to sleep. Yes, it keeps away sleep, laziness, and lethargy. After having caffeine, your system is good to go to work for a long period. It is also believed that coffee stimulates the processing of the brain as well. This simply means it makes you more intelligent. I bet after this, you will never say no to a good regular cup of coffee.

The mechanism that caffeine follows is related to blocking and activating the growth of some chemicals in our brain. Adenosine is the chemical that causes tiredness to take home of our body. Caffeine blocks it and sets up grounds to enter the increased activity of dopamine and norepinephrine in our system. These chemicals cause brain activity to increase, feelings of happiness, and creativity to flourish. Isn’t this great!

What is Decaff?

Although approx. 98% of the coffee drinkers prefer to drink caffeinated coffee. There is a smaller group of people who do not like caffeine in their drinks. Decaf is short for decaffeinated. Decaffeinated coffee is brewed by reducing almost 95% of the caffeine from the coffee.

 

How is caffeine removed from coffee?

The process of removing or reducing caffeine from coffee beans is different for different manufacturers. The main underlying process is the washing, soaking up, steaming, and even boiling of coffee beans in or under some chemicals. These chemicals range from methylene, activated charcoal, and even ethyl.

 

Why do people drink decaffeinated drinks?

The main reason is that caffeinated drinks often cause the amount of brain activity and heart to increase so much that it poses a threat. Some people are intolerant to caffeine. Even a small amount of caffeine in their system causes an increase in their hypertension level. The way a high dose of caffeine affects some people is relevant to the way sugar-rush happens in cases of kids who eat too much sugary candy at the same time. Another common complaint of people who consumed caffeine and did not like it included sleeping issues. It may also lead to dizziness and faintness. The people who consume too much caffeine become hyperactive and anxious. They may have difficulty keeping still for a longer period.

 

Difference Between Decaf and Regular Coffee

Amount of caffeine

The foremost difference is the amount of caffeine. The decaff coffee contains little caffeine, almost 95% in it. While caffeinated coffee is all about it. For instance, a regular cup of coffee has about 90mg of caffeine in it, but the decaff as compared to it, contains approximately 8-9mg of caffeine in it.

Level of acidity

Beware decaff is acidic. Yes, folks, decaffeinated coffee has a higher tendency to be acidic. As the decaf coffee undergoes some drastic changes to come to the shape, it is now. Its PH level changes in the process. Regular coffee is slightly acidic as well but a little less so then the decaf coffee.

Test of your palates

Taste is God. We hear this often when talking about food. Taste is what makes or breaks the dish. The taste of decaf coffee is slightly different than that of caffeinated coffee. Decaff coffee beans are treated with different chemicals that affect the taste of the beans and with it of coffee as well.

Energy shot VS sleep

We all know regular coffee gives us a boost of energy. It is a sure way to wake us up in the morning. But if taken at night, then be ready for a sleepless one. On the other hand, decaff has no such obligation. We can take it at any time and still be able to sleep soundly. It also keeps our heart rate normal while regular coffee increases it.

Increases Digestion

Caffeine helps in weight loss. It increases the activity of our digestive system. The food is digested quickly. Decaffeinated coffee does no such thing.

Pregnant ladies should abstain

Gynecologists recommend not to drink coffee during pregnancy. Caffeine is a threat to fertility proportions. Decaff does not have much caffeine in it. It can be consumed. But to be on a safer side, pregnant women should strictly take even decaf coffee with doctors’ recommendations.

Drink water

Caffeine can dehydrate your body if taken excessively. Coffee drinkers must drink lots of water. Decaf coffee has little caffeine, so it does not affect the body as such.

Is decaf bad for you?

Scientists have experimented with both the coffees. The results have been astounding, decaffeinated coffee causes cholesterol to increases in your blood. It increases the growth of the fatty acid component in blood that increases the cholesterol of a person.

The acidic proportions of decaf do not reduce its adverse effects. It may be the cause of mineral loss in the body as acid digests minerals. Due to reduced calcium, bones become weak, leading to osteoporosis or arthritis. It may also affect the liver, spleen, and gastric lining.

Which coffee is better? Decaf or Regular?

People consume both coffees, and there use is safe up to an extent. But keeping in view the adverse effects of decaf coffee, it is better to consume regular coffee. But if it is still unavoidable, such as pregnant ladies and some older people who do not prefer many caffeinated drinks. One can consume decaff, but up to a limited consumption level.

 

Frequently Asked Questions