For many people, coffee is the great morning elixir that boosts energy levels and provides the alertness to start the day. Coffee is consumed by many to enjoy the benefits of its high caffeine content. Yet many people prefer to drink coffee without the effects of its stimulating drug. Decaffeinated coffee features caffeine in greatly reduced levels, but it still has many of the same benefits as other types of coffee.
Antioxidant Qualities
According to a 2005 study conducted at the University of Scranton, coffee serves as one of the most commonly consumed foods or beverages with strong antioxidant qualities. Antioxidants combat free radicals in the blood stream -- these oxygen-based molecules can damage your body and blood vessels at a cellular level and can contribute to the development of various diseases. Antioxidants like those found in coffee -- even decaf coffee -- can help a person prevent cancer, heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
Effects on Cholesterol
Decaf coffee may negatively affect the levels of some blood cholesterol. This is because the coffee bean typically used to make decaf coffee has a higher fat content than other coffee beans. One study found that decaffeinated coffee drinkers experienced an 18 percent increase in non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) in their bloodstream over the course of the study. NEFAs are a primary indicator of heart disease risk. The research results found in this study were presented at the American Heart Association Sessions in 2005.
Caffeine Content
You may or may not realize is that decaffeinated coffee is not necessarily caffeine-free. Most decaf coffees have some caffeine in them, which can range from 5 to 32 mg. Although caffeine can be beneficial in increasing alertness and energy, as well as reducing muscle fatigue, many people try to stay away from the drug, which can negatively affect people with hypertension, difficulty sleeping, heartburn problems or women who are pregnant, according to research published by Consumer Reports magazine in 2007.
Considerations
Although coffee can have healthy advantages, moderation is recommended when consuming the drink. Many experts say drinking one cup a day is enough to enjoy its antioxidant benefits. Large amounts of decaffeinated coffee can provide unwanted amounts of caffeine into the body. Coffee can have a dehydrating effect on the body. Additionally, it could be dangerous for individuals with cholesterol or other heart problems to consume the drink, particularly multiple cups a day. Consult your doctor before drinking coffee if you have any heart conditions.
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