Coffee drinkers tend to hold strong opinions about when, how much cream, sugar and caffeination is best. One thing we all can agree upon, though, is the benefits coffee brings – from increasing energy levels and protecting against cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes to decreasing the risk of cancers, depression and liver diseases and improving digestion and memory retention.

Not everyone responds well to caffeine; for some individuals its effects can be too extreme. If caffeine makes your heart race, or causes headaches or racing heartbeat after drinking caffeinated coffee, decaf could be just what the doctor ordered! Decaffeinated options offer the ideal way to enjoy morning beverages without anxiety-inducing caffeine rollercoaster ride – perfect if pregnant/breastfeeding mothers, anxious individuals or anyone sensitive to it is an option worth trying –

Decaffeination involves stripping coffee of its caffeine, leaving only flavor and antioxidants intact. Although some nutrients may be lost during this process, studies have demonstrated that an average cup still offers numerous health benefits.

Studies conducted between 2022-2024 on coffee’s relationship to less severe nonalcoholic fatty liver disease showed both regular and decaf varieties provided similar benefits, including decreased risk of Type 2 diabetes, less severe NAFLD, reduced cholesterol and blood pressure levels and enhanced brain functioning.

So is decaf coffee as healthy as regular coffee? Unfortunately, no. Though technically caffeine-free, most decaf brews still contain some amount of stimulants; up to three milligrams may still exist per cup; this amount could have adverse reactions such as stomach upset, insomnia and anxiety for individuals who are highly caffeine sensitive.