Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world. Although many tend to drink it to increase mental alertness and energy, through its caffeine content, others prefer to avoid it.
In this sense, for those who are sensitive to caffeine or who seek to reduce their consumption of it, they opt for the consumption of coffee with lower caffeine content or decaffeinated, but this does not mean that it has been completely eliminated.
We reviewed how it is actually made and how much caffeine a cup of decaf coffee can contain on average.
Does decaf coffee have caffeine?
Decaffeinated coffee is not completely caffeine free . While some regulations stipulate that the decaf type must not exceed 0.10% caffeine in the package, the comparison between regular and decaf shows that the latter appears to have removed at least 97% of the caffeine. To put this in perspective, an average 12,354 ml of coffee containing 180 mg of caffeine would have approximately 5.4 mg of caffeine in the decaffeinated state.
The caffeine content in decaffeinated coffee depends on the type of bean and the decaffeination process. Decaffeinated coffee beans are typically made by one of three methods: using water, organic solvents, or carbon dioxide to extract the caffeine from the coffee beans.
All methods soak or steam the unroasted coffee beans until the caffeine dissolves or the pores of the beans open. From there, the caffeine is extracted.
Milligrams of caffeine from decaffeinated coffee
The caffeine content of decaffeinated coffee probably depends on the origin of the bean from which it is made. Now, different studies have shown that practically all types of decaffeinated coffee contain caffeine . As a rule, a 236 ml cup of decaffeinated coffee contains up to 7 mg of caffeine, while a regular cup of coffee provides 70–140 mg. .
While even 7mg of caffeine may seem low, it may be of concern for those who have been advised to cut back due to kidney disease, anxiety disorders, or caffeine sensitivity. For these susceptible individuals, even small amounts of caffeine could increase agitation, anxiety, heart rate, and blood pressure.
Researchers suggest that drinking 5–10 cups of decaffeinated coffee could build up the amount of caffeine equivalent to 1–2 cups of regular caffeinated coffee. Therefore, those who avoid caffeine should be careful.
Who can drink decaffeinated coffee?
While many people can enjoy higher amounts of caffeine, some people need to avoid it or moderate it considerably. For example, those who experience insomnia, anxiety, headaches, irritability, nervousness, nausea, or increased blood pressure after consuming caffeine should consider using decaf if they decide to have a cup of coffee.
Similarly, people with certain medical conditions may require caffeine-restricted diets, for example, if they take medications that can interact with caffeine. However, different research shows that even caffeine has effects on the makeup that some people use, with interactions being reported. And it is that, some can consume large doses of caffeine without experiencing negative side effects, but those who are sensitive should opt for decaf.
Additionally, caffeine has been identified as a possible trigger for heartburn . Therefore, people who experience heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease may need to cut back on caffeine. However, it is important to note that both conditions can be stimulated by coffee in general, decaffeinated or not.
conclusion
Decaffeinated coffee is a popular alternative for those looking to cut back on caffeine, and who do not want to stop drinking coffee for any reason. However, this one is not completely caffeine-free as you have seen.
In case you can't resist a cup of coffee, know that darker roasted types of coffee beans and decaffeinated instant coffees usually have a lower caffeine content and can be a good way to enjoy a delicious one. cup of coffee without caffeine .
Reference
- Goodson, A. How Much Caffeine Is in Decaf Coffee? For Healthline [Revised October 2018]
