How nice it is to drink a mug of invigorating drink early in the morning or after a hard day. Coffee helps restore energy, which is why it is so popular. However, many people cannot drink it due to cardiovascular diseases. Now you can buy decaffeinated coffee, called decafinato or decaf for short, but it also has its own benefits and harms, so it is better to consult a doctor before buying.

What is decaf coffee

Harmless coffee differs from regular coffee only in its minimal caffeine content. This component belongs to the group of alkaloids that can cause harm to the body. In order for hazardous substances to be removed, the beans must go through a decaffeination process. The taste and invigorating properties of the drink, for which it is so valued, remain unchanged.

How they do it

After research by scientists, it has been proven that the fruits of the coffee tree contain more than 400 aromatic substances. In order to carry out the decaffeination technology, green, unroasted beans are first processed. After this, the components are placed in special solutions to remove caffeine. The process is repeated several dozen times until the desired concentration is achieved.

It is possible to use low-caffeine plant varieties so that extraction takes less time. Manufacturing companies use various methods to remove caffeine. The most effective technologies are:

1. Straight. First, the grain is treated with hot steam for half an hour, then ethyl acetate or dichloromethane is used for 10 hours. It will take the same amount of time for the chemical reagent to be completely removed. The drink obtained in this way is safe because ethyl acetate is obtained from fruits.
2. Indirect. The beans are placed in hot water for several hours, then removed and the caffeine is extracted using dichloromethane or ethyl acetate. In this case, the evaporation method is used to separate from the solvent. After several rounds of extraction, the grains will be free of harmful substances, but retain aroma and acidity.
3. SwissWater. In this removal method, boiling water is poured over the coffee beans to release the caffeine. The water is passed through a special carbon filter, which retains unnecessary substances but allows useful substances to pass through. The resulting solution is called green coffee extract. The filtering process should continue until the caffeine dose is reduced to 1-2%.
4. CO2 extraction. This technology uses carbon dioxide, which is located in a special chamber under high pressure, reaching up to 300 atmospheres. The grains are pre-treated with steam and placed in a container with carbon dioxide for 10 hours. After reducing the pressure in the container, CO2 is removed by evaporation, and caffeine can be removed by filtration.

The benefits and harms of decaffeinated coffee

It has been proven that decaffeinated coffee beans have a positive effect on the adult body, which consists of the following:

• blood cholesterol levels decrease;
• mental and physical performance increases;
• the functioning of the digestive system improves (if there are no chronic diseases);
• the risk of developing type 2 diabetes is reduced;
• there is better absorption of glucose by the body;
• the likelihood of heart attack and stroke is reduced.

In addition, it is noted that this type of coffee has a diuretic effect, so it is well suited for the prevention of gout and prostate cancer in men. However, it must be borne in mind that all these positive properties are preserved only if a person drinks no more than 4 cups per day. A decaffeinated drink is very useful for pregnant women; it reduces the risk of miscarriage.

The product also has negative properties. The main harm is that the production of the product requires exposure to various chemicals that negatively affect health. Excessive consumption of decaffeinated drinks can lead to:

• intraocular pressure will increase;
• there will be a risk of developing glaucoma;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract will occur;
• dehydration will occur.

Contraindications

The main contraindication for drinking ground or instant decaffeinated coffee is children under 12 years of age, because the invigorating properties that are so valued by adults can harm the child’s fragile nervous system. Certain categories of patients diagnosed with the following should definitely consult a doctor:

• atherosclerosis;
• lack of calcium;
• diseases of the urinary system;
• gastritis or stomach ulcer.

Decaffeinated coffee brands

There are now several different types of caffeine-free drinks available in stores. The main varieties are ground and instant. The growing popularity of decaffeinated coffee has led to many manufacturers releasing such a product. It is better to purchase elite varieties from foreign companies in specialized stores that sell such products.

Soluble

Most manufacturers produce instant drinks in freeze-dried form. There are several most popular brands:

Ambassador Platinum Decaf

• characteristics – produced in Switzerland, the Arabica variety is used, resulting in a pleasant soft taste that does not have bitterness;
• pluses – pleasant aroma, invigorating effect;
• cons - not identified.

Jacobs Monarch Decaf

• characteristics - country of origin: Germany, made from Arabian Robusta and Arabica, has a caramel flavor with chocolate notes;
• pros - the taste is similar to regular instant coffee or chicory, it is cheap;
• cons - not identified.

Carte Noire Decafine

• characteristics - produced in Russia from Cameroonian Arabica beans. This is a freeze-dried drink;
• pros – has a very bright coffee smell and taste;
• cons - there is a slight bitterness, which is felt 2-3 minutes after drinking a cup.

Ground

The drink, obtained by roasting and grinding grains, must be boiled in a special pot before drinking. According to coffee lovers, it is distinguished by a characteristic rich aroma and slightly bitter taste. The most popular varieties of decaffeinated ground coffee are:

• characteristics - the country of origin is the Netherlands, the grains are brought from Latin America;
• pros – made using carbon dioxide extraction. Almost indistinguishable from natural;
• cons - not identified.

• characteristics - produced in Italy, a mixture of Cameroonian Robusta and Arabica was used;
• pros – has excellent taste characteristics with a hint of chocolate;
• Cons – there is a slight bitterness.

Grandos Colombia

Among the variety of coffee products, coffee stands out, which, according to the manufacturer, lacks one of its most effective components - caffeine. This product often causes controversy and disagreement among its fans. How is it obtained and is it harmful to health?

How to make decaffeinated coffee

As a result of numerous studies that have been and are still ongoing, it was found that caffeine can negatively affect the well-being of a person, especially those suffering from hypertension. It was then that it became fashionable to drink decaffeinated coffee, which was characterized by good taste and absolute harmlessness to the human cardiovascular system.

The first batches of this coffee entered the US market at the very beginning of the 20th century. But only after active advertising did it gain widespread popularity. How is decaffeinated coffee made today? There are several ways to extract the alkaloid, but the simplest is soaking. First, green grains are poured with hot water to make them swell and become softer. Next, the water is drained and a solvent is added, which binds caffeine; it is extracted from the grain after the next washing. It is not yet possible to extract the alkaloid from grain 100%. But the caffeine in the beans becomes 20 or more times less.

At first glance, there is nothing dangerous in the process except the word solvent. This is where the most important aspect of production lies. The solvent is ethyl acetate, which can be toxic to the body and cause liver problems. It is very difficult to completely remove the solvent from the bean, so some of it still remains in the finished product and can even worsen the taste of the coffee.

The easiest way to reduce the effects of caffeine on the body is to add milk to your cup.

There is another way to get decaffeinated coffee - water. Its development has been carried out in the USA since 1976. The production technology involves only hot water and special filters that retain beneficial amino acids, resins and essential oils in the steamed grain, but allow caffeine to escape. The method is quite lengthy and complex, so the output is expensive coffee beans.

Instant decaffeinated coffee contains even less alkaloid. It is also made from grain that has already undergone special processing, but additional evaporation allows you to extract even more of the invigorating component from the finished product.

What are the features of grain and ground products without alkaloid? Its big advantage is the lack of a pronounced stimulating effect on the human nervous and cardiovascular system. Another reason to praise the product is its good taste and aroma, because it remains almost unchanged, therefore identical to natural. The disadvantages include the lack of a tonic effect and a possible foreign aftertaste.

Natural decaffeinated coffees

As in many cases, nature provided for everything - in 1983, a type of coffee that does not contain caffeine was discovered in Africa, it was called Cameroon coffee or Charrier coffee (Coffea charrieriana), its name was given in honor of the French botanist and geneticist Andre Charrier ( André Charrier).

• Although Cameroonian coffee was first discovered in 1983 in a nature reserve west of Cameroon, it was not until 2008 that it was described.
• Was recognized as one of the "Top 10 Newly Discovered Species" in 2008.
• The plant grows in the form of a shrub about 1-1.5 meters high, the seeds are elliptical about 5 mm, grows on steep rocky slopes, in tropical rainforests.
• A number of companies grow this species and are trying to actively promote this variety to world markets.

Work on the selection of caffeine-free varieties

At the same time, Brazil has been working on the selection of decaffeinated coffee varieties since 1987. The work is being carried out at the State University of Campinas in the state of Sao Paulo. The starting material is coffee trees brought from Ethiopia.

The result of the scientists' work was three new species of the most popular variety in Brazil - "Arabica", the species were named AC1, AC2 and AC3. According to scientists, coffee beans contain virtually no caffeine.

The important point is that scientists did not use genetic engineering, but achieved such results using classical crossing. Further work is aimed at consolidating the properties of the species and transferring this feature to other types of Arabica.

Japanese scientists are also working in this area; they managed to reduce the caffeine content in beans by 70%. The varieties obtained by the Japanese produce grains within 4 years in which the caffeine content will be record low. Scientists were able to establish that three genes are responsible for the synthesis of caffeine, which stops the formation of caffeine in beans.

So it is quite possible that over time, the market will be widely represented by varieties of decaffeinated coffee beans obtained directly from coffee trees without the use of decaffeination technologies.

Famous brands

Natural bean or ground coffee of high quality is made only from Arabica beans. Arabica varieties contain less caffeine than Robusta or Liberica varieties. The best producers of this drink are considered to be Colombian, German and Swiss factories, as well as some American ones. The photo below shows the most popular product in Russia from the Decaf series.

One of the leaders in the CIS market

The most popular brands of decaffeinated coffee are listed below:

• Lavazza Dek Decaffeinato (Lavazza);
• Green Mountain Coffee;
• Cafe Altura;
• Montana Coffee;
• Nescafe Gold Decaf.

Decafei decaffeinated coffee can be purchased in beans, ground and instant. It is also packaged in capsules for special coffee machines. This product is popular in Starbucks and many other coffee chains.

Benefits and harms

Despite innovative methods for producing decaffeinated coffee, it is not possible to completely remove the alkaloid from the bean. That is why standards have been developed in Europe and America for the caffeine content in one serving of the drink. If regular ground coffee contains about 80 mg of caffeine, then ground decaffeinated coffee cannot contain more than 14 mg.

What are the benefits of decaffeinated coffee for humans?

• Does not excite the human nervous system, does not cause aggression or insomnia.
• It does not stimulate blood flow, which means it does not put stress on the heart and blood vessels.
• Does not increase blood pressure.
• Does not increase insulin and cholesterol levels in the blood.
• Uplifts your mood at the olfactory level.

Hypertensive patients can drink a good decaffeinated product without fear. A nursing mother can afford it, and it is not contraindicated for pregnant women, but in moderation and not every day. When breastfeeding, it is better to use it in the intervals between feedings, so that less of its components get into the baby's breast milk. But ideally, you should leave a cup of aromatic drink for later, when the baby has already started feeding on his own.

A pregnant woman can drink decaffeinated coffee occasionally

A drink can only be harmful if it is of poor quality and if the body reacts individually. Although some studies have been done, decaffeinated coffee may contribute to the production of bad cholesterol.

Whether decaffeinated coffee is beneficial or harmful, a significant proportion of the world's population continues to consume it. It is especially popular in the United States, where it is used by teenagers, adults, and the elderly. This is a product for everyone or for those who consider themselves coffee lovers, but for some reason are forced to refuse a product with a tonic component.

Can pregnant and nursing mothers drink?

During pregnancy, a woman has to give up many foods and drinks to which she is accustomed. This also applies to coffee.

Doctors warn that drinking drinks containing caffeine can cause premature birth or miscarriage.
If a woman cannot do without coffee, she will have to significantly reduce (to one or two cups a day) the amount of drink she consumes, and it should not be strong.

The question arises: maybe then switch to decaffeinated coffee? This would be reasonable, however, according to experts, the benefits and 100% safety of such a drink for an expectant mother have not yet received scientific confirmation, so it is better not to take risks.

When a nursing mother asks doctors whether she can continue drinking the decaffeinated coffee she was accustomed to during pregnancy, she will most likely receive a negative answer.

Firstly, this product contains, albeit scanty, but still dangerous for the baby, a substance - caffeine.

Secondly, chemicals were used during the processing of coffee beans, what if not all of them were completely removed?

It's better not to take risks! This point of view, by the way, is shared by pediatrician Evgeniy Komarovsky, known from television programs, whose opinion is listened to by many young mothers.

Few people know that in reality, ten cups of instant coffee from a pack labeled “decaffeinated” contain the same amount as two cups of regular brewed coffee.

The share of decaffeinated products in the global coffee market today is already about 30%.

Many women, knowing about the dangers of coffee during pregnancy, switch to caffeine-free products. Please note that the phrase “decaffeinated coffee” itself is not entirely correct, since, albeit in small doses, the alkaloid is still present in every cup. If you cannot painlessly give up your usual favorite drink and there are no medical contraindications, simply limit your coffee consumption to 1-2 cups a day and do not make it too strong.

Until quite recently, coffee was attributed to almost all the mortal sins, accusing it of being able to provoke many diseases - from stroke and cancer to diabetes and impotence. And only modern research has cleared its reputation, proving the opposite: moderate doses of coffee are good for health and have a positive effect on performance, intellectual activity and reaction speed.

You can enjoy the taste of natural coffee with all its aromas and shades of taste, but without feeling the influence of caffeine! For those who care about their health, or want to reduce the amount of caffeine to get rid of insomnia, nervousness or tachycardia, there is decaf coffee, and if it is grain and you grind it before cooking, the taste and smell will be even stronger. We talk about all the features of making and choosing decaffeinated coffee beans, debunk myths and warn about the risks.

Today, manufacturers use 4 methods for extracting the stimulant from coffee beans. The amount of caffeine will vary depending on the brand and technology, but will most likely be around 0-7 mg per cup. The average cup of regular coffee contains about 70-140 mg of caffeine.

The first stage is always the same: the grains are soaked in very hot water for a long time to open the pores. Not only caffeine is released into the water, but also aromatic oils that give the very smell and aroma of your favorite drink.

• Soaking beans in a solvent that actively breaks down caffeine. The solvent is then removed by high temperature during drying and roasting.
• Removing the grains and purifying the water itself with a solvent, and then placing the grains in it so that they absorb the aromatic components back.
• CO2 treatment - under pressure, the gas becomes liquid, releasing caffeine, then the liquid is distilled into a container with reduced pressure, where the gas becomes gas and the stimulant settles.
• Swiss water method, the most environmentally friendly and expensive. The beans are kept in water for a long time so that the caffeine comes out, then it is filtered out using a carbon filter, and a new batch of beans is placed in the water. The water is already saturated with aromatic oils, so they do not leave the grain, but the alkaloid actively passes into the water. Beans from the second batch retain their taste, but do not contain caffeine.

After processing, the coffee beans are dried and then roasted. Removing caffeine does have some impact on the overall characteristics of the drink - it usually has a milder taste and smell compared to normal.

If your decaf coffee is too weak in both aroma and taste, choose a stronger roast to get a fuller flavor.

TOP 5 brands of decaffeinated coffee beans

You may need to experiment when you first switch to decaf coffee beans. However, you may be able to find decaf that tastes very similar to the drink you've been enjoying for years.

Magnificent aroma and variety of shades of taste - this is Lavazza, beloved by many. And of course, the company makes decaf beans from 100% Arabica for making espresso, medium roast. The taste is fresh, dense, without unnecessary bitterness.

The cost of soft packaging 500 g is approximately 900 rubles.

The company is little known in the mass market, but this is the type of coffee that is often purchased for coffee shops and restaurants. 100% Arabica with a mild taste, delicate aroma, chocolate and nutty shades are felt. The taste is not too dense, but quite rich.

The price for a 1 kg package is about 2500 rubles.

Amado

This is a Russian brand that is well known to customers, as it offers drink options for every taste, and at the same time it is very budget-friendly. The aroma is subtle and delicate. The taste is refined, with a slight bitterness, shades of chocolate and wine are felt. Variety - Arabica.

The price for a pack of 200 grams is approximately 350 rubles.

Drink made from Arabica beans, medium roast. The drink has a soft, refined taste and a fairly strong aroma, so it will appeal to all coffee lovers. Pleasant velvety aftertaste.

The cost of a 500 g package is about 650 rubles.

For this drink, the truly best elite beans with the recognizable taste and aroma of high-quality Arabica are selected. The taste is balanced, you can feel sweetness, bitterness, light sourness, and notes of chocolate. Contains a minimal amount of caffeine – up to 0.05%.

The cost for a tin can of 250 g is about 1000 rubles.

Cereal and instant drinks differ greatly in taste. If you tried the brand’s freeze-dried concentrate and didn’t like it, you should try the grain concentrate.

If you choose grains, you can already be sure that the drink will be good and healthy. For this type of coffee, only the best beans are selected, which undergo additional control after roasting. Many useful microelements and substances are better preserved if you grind the beans immediately before cooking. But there are other clear advantages:

• Helps reduce the risk of developing diabetes;
• Protects the liver;
• Improves the activity of the cardiovascular system;
• May enhance brain activity;
• Removes less calcium from the body.

In general, decaffeinated beans contain the same amounts of magnesium and other vitamins as unprocessed beans. But the antioxidant content can be reduced by 15-20%, depending on the processing method.

3 myths about decaf coffee beans

Despite the fact that this type of favorite drink has been known to people since 1900, the production features and specific properties of decaf remain little known, and many are seriously mistaken in these matters. We debunk the most widespread doubts:

1. Decaf coffee is not made from chicory, not with the addition of chicory or barley, and not even from genetically modified beans and varieties. A variety with a reduced content of this stimulant was found in Brazil, but for mass production all manufacturers use the same beans as for a regular drink, only the caffeine is removed from them. And as in natural, the better the decaf grains, the more interesting their aroma and taste.
2. The chemical solvents used to remove the alkaloid are not that harmful if you drink coffee in moderation. Drinking a couple of cups a day will not ruin your health. If you drink more than 4-5 servings daily, it is better to choose beans processed with CO2 or the Swiss water method.
3. Caffeine-free doesn’t mean it’s not there at all. Yes, there are options with a content of less than 1%, but, nevertheless, the minimum is still present. For cheap brands, especially not from the European Union, the content can easily reach 3-5%. Not much, but for sensitive people this may be enough.

You can drink your cup of decaf every day for years and decades. Doctors say it won't harm anyone. Especially if you choose decaf coffee beans rather than instant coffee.

Conclusions:

1. Decaf coffee beans are the healthiest, most aromatic and tasty compared to other types that have undergone the same processing.
2. You can find products that are not made with chemical solvents, although they usually cost a little more.
3. This drink has its advantages and disadvantages, but for those sensitive to caffeine, this is an excellent solution.
4. Doctors do not recommend consuming more than 3-4 cups of decaf per day on an ongoing basis.
5. If the taste seems weak to you, try the strongest roast.

For people who prefer decaffeinated coffee, it's not so easy to find a really good drink. Instant has a specific taste, and besides, it is not healthy at all. Naturally ground is better, but can be hard to find. We tell you all about how ground decaffeinated coffee is made, what brands you can buy and where you can buy them, and what makes them special.

Manufacturing options

The properties of ground decaffeinated coffee and the characteristics of its use depend on how the beans were processed. In any case, green coffee beans are always decaffeinated, then roasted and ground. The three most commonly used methods are soaking, dissolving and gas treatment, each of these options contains a solvent. There is a fourth method - water, Swiss, but such a drink cannot be found in ordinary stores in Russia, it is expensive and this is usually how the stimulant is removed from organic coffee, so it can be ordered in special online stores.

Information about the processing method must be indicated directly on the packaging. Take the time to find it and learn more about its production as it affects your health.

Dissolution, direct method

The cheapest method, which is widely used. The beans are steamed in water, then a solvent is added to them, which breaks down the caffeine, slightly affecting the aromatic components. The grains are then washed to remove chemicals and dried. Most decaffeinated ground coffee is produced this way.

Traces of solvent in minimal doses may remain on the grains. You should not drink such a drink in large quantities, justifying yourself by saying that there is no stimulant in it, which means it is not harmful.

Soaking, indirect method

Green beans are soaked in hot water, which opens the pores and releases caffeine into the water. Along with it, all the flavor and aromatic components go away. The grains are dried, and a solvent is added to the liquid, which removes the stimulant. The liquid is steamed to remove the solvent, and the grains are again placed there, which absorb aromatic oils. This method is more expensive, but it is believed that soaked decaf coffee is relatively healthy.

Modern technology that is considered relatively safe. The beans are placed in a container of CO2, where under pressure the gas turns into liquid and releases caffeine. This mixture is then pumped into a reduced pressure container and the gas becomes a gas again and the stimulant settles and is removed.

Swiss method with carbon filter

The beans are soaked for a long time in very hot water, the caffeine is released into the liquid along with the oils. Next, the beans are removed and the water is passed through a filter with micropores, through which oils and components can pass, but not caffeine molecules. A new batch of unprocessed beans is placed into decaffeinated water, but now the water is no longer saturated with oils, and therefore only the alkaloid is removed from the beans, while the flavor components remain. And this second batch of grain is already going for sale.

You can buy Swiss processed coffee on iHerb or in stores that sell organic products (online and offline).

None of the treatment methods is capable of removing the entire stimulant to 100%. However, the maximum content will still be up to 3%, and more often – up to 1%, which is much less than in a regular drink.

TOP 5 brands of decaffeinated ground coffee

The assortment in stores is different, the flavors of drinks also vary, so it’s worth trying at least 2-3 options from different brands to find the one you like best. According to reviews, the following brands are the most popular in Russia.

It is made by washing, and according to European Union standards, 99.9% of caffeine compounds are removed from the beans, making it a completely safe drink for everyday consumption. The blend is mixed, about 60% Arabica and 40% Robusta, varieties from Brazil and Asia. The roast is medium, the taste is rich and dense, pleasant thickness and bright aroma.

Price Lavazza Dek Decaffeinato 250 g – 400 rubles.

Lucaffe

Italian brand, the beans are processed in the Swiss way, without the use of chemicals. It has a dense delicate taste, slightly sweetish shades, notes of caramel and cocoa. When cooked, an elastic foam is obtained. Composition: 100% Arabica, softly roasted to reveal all its best qualities.

The cost of Lucaffe Decaffeinato 250g is 1000 rubles.

An organic coffee brand that is usually sold in online stores or on iHerb. No chemical fertilizers are used during cultivation; the purification method is Swiss. The manufacturer offers a choice of medium and deep roast. The taste is rich and deep. The grind is medium, slightly coarser than Lavazza. 100% Arabica.

The price of a 339 g can of organic Cafe Altura is 1,790 rubles.

ILLY

The company uses carbon dioxide treatment technology and offers a drink with less than 0.05% alkaloid. 100% Arabica from various regions. Sweet velvety taste with notes of chocolate, toast, honey and caramel, minimal bitterness. The excellent balance of all shades and aromas makes this brand incredibly popular.

The cost of a 250 g can of ILLY Caffe Macinato Espresso is 520 rubles.

The company uses an indirect method of processing grains, and offers a drink with great taste. The roast is light, so there is no particular bitterness or acidity. 100% Arabian Arabica is used, the drink has light caramel notes. Many say that the taste is no different from decaffeinated.

The price for a package of Dallmayr Prodomo Entcoffeiniert 250 g is 240 rubles.

Benefits and harms

The decaffeinated drink has special properties that result from the removal of the alkaloid and the specific processing.

Positive properties:

• Does not increase blood pressure;
• Does not cause increased heart rate;
• Suitable for people who are prohibited from caffeine.

Negative properties:

• May greatly increase acidity in the stomach;
• Increases cholesterol by about 20%;
• The solvent in large doses can cause cirrhosis of the liver.

Decaf may be a good alternative to regular coffee for people who are sensitive to this alkaloid. Pregnant women, teenagers, and individuals taking certain medications may also prefer decaf.

Doctors recommend switching to decaf gradually, since if you suddenly give up the stimulant, side effects such as lethargy, fatigue, and a decline in brain and physical activity are possible. You can drink a regular drink in the morning and switch to decaf in the afternoon, or mix 2 types for your morning portion of a slightly invigorating drink.

Conclusions:

1. Ground coffee, which does not contain caffeine, is much healthier than instant options.
2. Decaffeination is usually done by dissolving, steeping, gassing, or straining through a carbon filter.
3. The price varies depending on the cleansing technology and brand, and can range from 240 to 1800 rubles, so you will find an option that suits your budget.
4. Good decaf tastes just as good as natural decaf.
5. Don't drink too much decaf - 5-7 cups can contain as much stimulant as one cup of raw decaf.

An invigorating drink made from the fruits of the coffee tree is perhaps the most popular on the planet. However, not everyone can safely use it. It would seem that a simple solution to the problem would be decaffeinated coffee. But the situation is not clear-cut. Both true and decaffeinated drinks can be fraught with both benefits and dangers.

Coffee beans contain more than 2,000 different components, and about 75% of all these substances are absolutely not absorbed by the body.

Among those that are useful, we can highlight:

• coffee oil - 14%;
• aromatics (in particular caffeic acid) – 6.5%;
• components with astringent properties – 5.5%;
• mineral complex – 5%.

Due to low digestibility, the calorie content of coffee fruits does not exceed 9 kcal per 100 g.

Scientists are still arguing about what is more beneficial or harmful in caffeine. It is known that in grains its content reaches 1.5%. This is quite a lot for such a potent substance.

In large doses, caffeine excites the nervous system and can provoke tachycardia. People with a predisposition to hypertension and unstable mental health should not often drink a drink made from ordinary grains. In this case, how justified is it to replace your usual coffee with decaffeinated coffee?

How to make decaffeinated coffee

In fact, the technology to decaffeine beans was invented by accident. In the 1900s, a German merchant transported his cargo by sea. The ship carrying the goods was caught in a storm. The grains became wet, and the owner considered them hopelessly spoiled.

But the enterprising businessman decided not to write off the losses, but to try to dry the goods and reuse them as regular coffee. He was deeply amazed to find that the grains had not lost their taste. The only difference was the lack of an invigorating effect.

This was the basic principle of extracting caffeine from beans. It turns out that the alkaloid can simply be dissolved and extracted. Naturally, it will not be possible to remove it all.

Even the most advanced technologies leave up to 1-3% of caffeine in the beans of its original mass.

One of the most expensive methods of extracting the substance is to soak the fruit in hot water and then filter the liquid. The grains are steamed with boiling water. Some of the caffeine, along with aromatic compounds, ends up in the water.

The solution is filtered, and all the necessary components except the alkaloid are returned back to the extractant liquid. The operation is repeated many times until the caffeine concentration reaches acceptable limits. The resulting drink retains most of the beneficial and flavorful substances.

The cheapest method is to extract caffeine using chemical solvents. The grains are soaked in a specially prepared product, then rinsed many times.

This method produces lower quality coffee. Along with the invigorating alkaloid, some flavoring substances also leave. In addition, there is a risk that some of the chemical solvent will remain in the beans.

The third alternative method is steam treatment using carbon dioxide. A fairly reliable technique in which the caffeine evaporates and the largest amount of extractive compounds remains. However, when treated with carbon dioxide, undesirable transformations may occur in grains, as a result of which a certain amount of harmful substances appears.

Decaffeinated coffee: benefits and harms

Recently, scientists are increasingly inclined to conclude that caffeine is not so harmful to health. Consumption of a natural drink reduces mortality among women. It’s strange, but for some reason this effect is not found in men. Moreover, both caffeine-containing and decaffeinated drinks are absolutely equivalent in this sense.

However, the benefits for the male half of humanity can still be traced:

• coffee reduces the likelihood of prostate cancer;
• it improves the quality of semen;
• reduces the risk of developing gout.

It is useful for adults to drink decaffeinated coffee to stimulate brain activity and normalize liver function. With regular consumption of the drink, stress resistance increases and the likelihood of developing diabetes decreases.

However, frequent inclusion of decaffeinated coffee in the diet can negatively affect the kidneys. The drink has a diuretic effect. It washes away beneficial minerals, particularly calcium. A strong love for coffee can result in brittle bones.

Recently, conclusions have been drawn that decaffeinated coffee is not so safe for the heart and blood vessels. It increases blood cholesterol levels, thereby increasing the likelihood of developing atherosclerosis. Moreover, this property was not found in a caffeinated drink.

Is it possible to drink the drink during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Pregnant women are prone to hypertension. They are not prohibited from drinking the original drink, but it is better to make do with no more than one cup a day.

Decaf coffee will be a good mood stimulant. However, you need to remember that it may contain residues of chemical extractants. Therefore, it is also better to limit the amount of such a drink to two cups.

When breastfeeding, all the substances that the mother consumes, one way or another, reach the baby. Don't forget that decaffeinated coffee still contains some alkaloid.

One cup a day immediately after feeding may not be noticed by the baby. But drinking too much will have an undesirable effect on his emotional state.

Brands and types of decaffeinated coffee

Due to the popularization of decaffeinated coffee, all recognized manufacturers are striving to include this type of drink in their product line.

In beans

Whole bean coffee lovers should take a closer look at the Colombian Arabica brand. To make the product, beans with a naturally low caffeine content are used.

As a result of processing, we obtain worthy raw materials for preparing an aromatic drink with a thick taste.

Ground coffee

Fans of ground coffee prefer the following brands:

• "Green Mountain";
• "Lavatsa Decafenato";
• "Cafe Altura"

These samples are similar in quality and have approximately the same cost.

Instant decaf coffee

The leaders in this segment are the same brands that are most popular in the regular freeze-dried coffee section:

• "Ambassador"
• "Jacobs"
• Nescafe.

Instant decaffeinated coffee is the least preferred. In addition to residues of chemical extractants, it also contains anti-caking agents that negatively affect the gastric mucosa.

Standards for drinking decaffeinated coffee per day

Decaffeinated coffee still contains a small proportion of the stimulant, so it also cannot be consumed in unlimited quantities.

There are no absolutely harmful, as well as infinitely useful products. The veracity of this statement can be verified by the example of coffee. Even an ordinary drink, not devoid of an alkaloid, in moderate doses cannot cause harm. Conversely, excessive consumption of decaffeinated coffee can adversely affect your health.