Many of us start our day with a hot cup of coffee. But if caffeine isn’t suitable, decaf coffee is an alternative most consume. However, it is important to be aware of the side effects of decaf coffee. Show
Consuming decaffeinated coffee in excess may increase the risk of heart attack and myocardial infarction (1). It may seem like a safer alternative to coffee but has many adverse effects. Continue reading to learn more about them. How Is Decaf Coffee Made?Before we get to the ill effects of decaf coffee, it is important to understand how it is made. As the name suggests, decaffeinated (or decaf, in short) coffee is coffee with most of its caffeine removed (97% – to be precise). One serving of decaf coffee contains about 2 to 5 milligrams of caffeine, as opposed to 50 to 75 milligrams in regular coffee (2). Caffeine is extracted from coffee beans through various methods. These include the use of organic solvents, water, or carbon dioxide (3). The removal of caffeine and other compounds can also rob this coffee of its trademark taste (2). Those preferring decaf coffee seem to be okay with this, given its purported benefits. But some research also sheds light on the possible side effects of decaffeinated coffee. What Are The Side Effects Of Decaf Coffee?1. May Cause Heart Complications Shutterstock Decaffeinated coffee might increase the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol). These effects were not observed in the caffeinated variant (4). Decaf coffee was found to increase a specific blood fat that is linked to metabolic syndrome. In another study, shifting from caffeinated to decaffeinated coffee did not decrease the risk of heart attacks (1). Though decaffeinated coffee by itself may not be harmful, the chemicals used in the decaffeinating process could be. Methylene chloride, one such solvent used for the removal of caffeine, could be carcinogenic (5). Two cups of decaffeinated coffee a day could be safe in healthy individuals. But as per the FDA, if you react strongly to caffeine negatively, avoid decaffeinated coffee (6). Replacing regular coffee with the decaf variant may lower blood pressure, although in a small way (7). 2. May Aggravate Rheumatoid Arthritis Shutterstock Consumption of decaf coffee was linked to an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis (8). Surprisingly, caffeinated coffee did not pose this risk. The underlying cause behind this could be the preparation and processing decaffeinated coffee undergoes. Further research is needed to confirm this speculation (9). 3. May Cause Acidity Shutterstock Decaf coffee was found to increase serum gastrin concentrations (10). Gastrin is the hormone that triggers the release of stomach acid. When this happens in excess, it may lead to symptoms of acidity (11). However, regular coffee was found to cause more pronounced gastroesophageal reflux. This effect was mitigated when the coffee was decaffeinated (12). 4. May Interfere With Iron Absorption Shutterstock Coffee, in general, contains chlorogenic acid, and so does decaffeinated coffee. Chlorogenic acid was found to inhibit nonheme (plant-based) iron absorption (13). 5. May Cause Headache And Drowsiness Shutterstock These could be more of withdrawal symptoms. Individuals who consume coffee regularly may often experience headaches, drowsiness, and even fatigue when given decaf coffee (14). Another possible concern could be the use of methylene chloride in the decaffeination process. Some research says the chemical can temporarily slow down the central nervous system, leading to headache, drowsiness, and nausea (15). Should You Choose Decaffeinated Coffee?It depends on what you are looking for. If you are required to restrict caffeine intake due to any reason, decaf coffee could be ideal. But if you are extremely sensitive to caffeine, we do not recommend it. This also includes pregnant or lactating women and individuals dealing with anxiety or who have trouble sleeping (16). Decaf coffee is the best alternative to your regular coffee without caffeine (97% of caffeine is removed). The high antioxidant and nutrient content of decaf may benefit your health. However, one must also be aware of the side effects of decaf coffee associated with its excessive consumption. It may cause heart complications by increasing bad cholesterol levels, aggravate rheumatoid arthritis and acidity, interfere with iron absorption, and cause headaches and drowsiness. If you are extremely sensitive to caffeine, drinking decaf coffee is also not recommended. Limit the consumption of decaf coffee to avoid these adverse reactions. Frequently Asked QuestionsHow much of decaffeinated coffee can you drink? All types of decaffeinated coffee contain caffeine, although in less amounts. Drinking 5 to 10 cups of decaf coffee could accumulate the amount of caffeine found in 1 to 2 cups of regular, caffeinated coffee (17). Does decaf coffee make you poop? Yes, it does – just like regular coffee. This is related to its ability to trigger gastric acid secretions. The stomach acid helps churn the food and move it quickly through the gut (18), (19). SourcesArticles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Check out our editorial policy for further details.
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Ravi Teja Tadimalla is an editor and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over... more Madhu Sharma is a member of the National Executive Committee of IDA. She has been associated for almost three decades... more Is decaffeinated coffee OK for high blood pressure?Health Conditions That Can Affect Caffeine Intake
If you struggle with controlling your blood pressure, you might be advised to try decaf coffee. That way, you can still get your routine morning coffee without the negative side effects.
What are the negative effects of decaf coffee?Is decaf coffee harmful to health? Decaffeinated coffee, or “decaf,” is similar in taste and appearance to regular coffee but contains very little caffeine. There is no evidence to suggest that drinking decaf is bad for a person's health, and it may even share some of the health benefits of regular coffee.
What coffee is good for high blood pressure?Greek coffee is considerably stronger, with more caffeine, than espresso, Chrysohoou tells WebMD. She credits compounds, including flavonoids, magnesium, potassium, niacin, and vitamin E, for combating blood vessel aging by blocking the damaging oxidation process and reducing harmful inflammation.
Can I still drink coffee with high blood pressure?As a result, caffeine doesn't have a long-term effect on their blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, ask your doctor whether you should limit or stop drinking caffeinated beverages. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says 400 milligrams a day of caffeine is generally safe for most people.
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Can decaf coffee cause high blood pressure
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