Coffee’s caffeine can provide an energy boost, but some people limit their caffeine consumption due to health concerns such as nervousness, anxiety and stomach upset. Furthermore, certain medications interact with caffeine intake. For these individuals, decaf coffee could be an attractive solution – but is it healthier than regular coffee? Unfortunately there is no easy answer and may depend on how it was removed from beans.

There are various methods available for extracting caffeine from coffee beans, including using chemical solvents like methylene chloride and ethyl acetate or simply soaking the beans in water. While chemical-based processes may contain small amounts of carcinogenic chemicals that leach from soaked beans, other approaches do not use any harmful substances and most experts consider them more safe alternatives than solvent-based processes.

No matter the method chosen, extracting caffeine from beans will result in a cup of coffee with less than 2 mg of caffeine instead of the 85 mg in an average 8 oz cup of caffeinated coffee. UK regulations mandate that roasted coffee beans contain no more than 0.1% caffeine while instant coffee must have no more than 0.3%; although certain brands have been criticized for exceeding these thresholds.

Global health professionals and regulators have concluded that moderate coffee consumption is safe for most adults and can form part of a nutritious diet. Research has linked coffee to reduced risks of type 2 diabetes and certain cancers as well as decreased overall mortality over time. Though exact amounts remain unclear, two to three cups per day of both regular and decaffeinated coffee could help decrease irregular heart rhythm risk.

Although coffee may provide many health benefits, it should always be consumed in moderation to prevent potential side effects like insomnia, jitteriness, upset stomach and heart palpitations. If you are concerned about how much caffeine you are consuming please speak with a physician for more advice.