One study found that coffee induces a gastrocolonic response in some people after drinking coffee, indicating that it has some laxative effects, but this is still being studied today. If you experience anxiety and drink regular coffee, perhaps think about switching to decaf coffee if you find your anxiety worsening with coffee.ĭigestive/dehydration problems. However, it’s important to note that coffee does not cause anxiety, but it can worsen symptoms in people already prone to anxiety. Caffeine can induce restlessness and nervousness and what we call “jitters”. ( Source)Ĭaffeine-induced anxiety. A common side effect of caffeine is anxiety. If you experience heartburn, bowel problems, or have trouble sleeping, decaf coffee can help lessen the effects of caffeine while still incorporating coffee into your routine. Caffeine is a stimulant, diuretic, and acidic. Caffeine can induce insomnia, heart palpitations, and other health problems. Many people experience insomnia, restlessness, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, and anxiety from the caffeine in coffee.Ĭaffeine-induced health problems. Here are the pros and cons of drinking decaf coffee: Pros of Drinking Decaf CoffeeĬaffeine sensitivity. With decaf coffee, you escape the negative side effects of caffeine in regular coffee. Whether you should drink decaf coffee depends on you and your health.
( Source) So, Should I Drink Decaf Coffee? Decaf coffee also helps people who are sensitive to caffeine but enjoy the taste of coffee. Decaf coffee still contains a lot of the antioxidants that regular coffee has, so if you’re looking to cut out caffeine but still want the benefits of coffee, then yes, decaf coffee is healthy. Whether decaf coffee is healthy for you depends on your health and medical history.
The FDA has ruled that tiny trace amounts of methylene chloride in decaf coffee are no concern, as residues of more than 0.001% are prohibited. However, there has been some controversy about methyl chloride because exposure to high amounts can be toxic and lead to central nervous system damage. Now, companies have switched to other chemicals, most commonly ethyl acetate and methylene chloride. Back in the day, benzene was the chemical of choice until it was proved to be a carcinogen. Methylene chloride is a chemical solvent that removes caffeine from coffee beans. The extract is then added to green coffee beans that have caffeine, in which the “caffeine migrates from the beans to the green coffee extract as the beans and liquid seek equilibrium until the beans are almost entirely caffeine-free.” ( Source) Carbon DioxideĬarbon dioxide can separate different chemical substances, like caffeine from coffee, when it's pumped through coffee beans. The caffeine is filtered out from the water, making green coffee extract.
This is when green coffee beans are soaked in water until the water is saturated with the soluble components in coffee. There are three ways decaf coffee can be made: the Swiss water method, carbon dioxide, and methyl chloride.