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What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
Is drinking decaf bad for my health? Thanks for asking! Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world, with an average of 98 million cups consumed in the UK every day, according to the British Coffee Association. In moderation, there are plenty of benefits to be gained from drinking coffee, but there can also be some negative side effects, in particular due to its caffeine content.
Decaf is an alternative, but is it really healthy? Let's look at the evidence. Okay, first things first. What effects can caffeine have on our bodies? It's important to note that some people are more sensitive than others when it comes to caffeine. Our bodies don't all process it in the same way. It also depends on our sleep quality and the dose of caffeine.
While many of us consume it every day, it is nevertheless a central nervous system stimulant. According to CNBC, caffeine can disrupt sleep for up to six hours after consumption, meaning it's best not to drink coffee after 3 p.m.
Other potential caffeine related problems are anxiety, high blood pressure, digestive issues and addiction, so you can see why some people would opt for decaf instead of regular coffee. Bear in mind that decaf isn't 100% caffeine free, as traces of the substance can still be found after decaffeination.
It's done through a process called decaffeination, which is usually carried out at specialised facilities. This is done prior to roasting, when the coffee beans are still green. First, they're waterlogged, making the caffeine inside soluble. Then the process is done, often using chemical solvents like methylene chloride.
That's why decaf is considered an ultra-processed item, as opposed to regular coffee, which is made through a natural process. Let's listen to Dr. Partha Nandy talking to WXYZ-TV Detroit about methylene chloride in decaf coffee.
Colorless liquid does not occur naturally in our environment and is used in industrial products like paints, adhesives, and pesticide products. And if you inhale small amounts of this methylene chloride, it can affect your attention, slow down your central nervous system. So you might also cough, wheeze, feel drowsy, lightheaded, and possibly develop a headache. So some problems there.
There are also chemical-free methods such as the Swiss water decaf process. Indeed, decaf drinkers miss out on a number of health benefits, which are actually down to coffee's caffeine content. According to Healthline.com, these include improved mood, improved reaction time and increased metabolic rate.
But you have to weigh this up against the risks and consider how caffeine affects you personally. It may be better drinking Arabica coffee rather than Robusta if you're sensitive to caffeine. Despite not offering some of these benefits, decaf is a perfectly safe alternative. It still contains a significant quantity of healthy antioxidants, as well as nutrients like magnesium and potassium.
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