• What is the difference between decaffeinated coffee
• Decaffeinated coffee - an alternative to your favorite drink during pregnancy and beyond
• Caffeine in the daily diet

Due to its unique taste, aroma, and stimulating properties, coffee is currently one of the most popular beverages. The natural caffeine found in coffee improves concentration and provides an almost instant energy boost, but can cause nausea or difficulty falling asleep in particularly sensitive people. In such cases, decaffeinated coffee can be a good substitute that still allows you to enjoy your favorite flavor.

What is the difference between decaffeinated coffee

Good-quality decaf coffee isn't very different from regular coffee, although coffee connoisseurs will note that it's typically lighter roasted, less acidic, and lighter in color. This is influenced by the process by which excess caffeine is removed from coffee beans—and this is another important topic worth discussing, because despite its name, decaffeinated coffee isn't completely decaffeinated. European standards allow it to contain 0.1 to 0.3% caffeine based on the initial amount (0.1 g of caffeine per 100 g of ground coffee).

Green coffee beans are ground and, at this stage, subjected to a decaffeination process, which can be carried out in several ways: using specially selected solvents, carbon dioxide, or steam, the so-called bio-method (Swiss Water process). Only after most of the caffeine has been removed are the beans roasted.

Decaffeinated coffee has no stimulating properties after the process and also has a negligible effect on digestion. It is noted that it also contains slightly higher amounts of niacin, potassium, and magnesium and is also a source of antioxidants.

Decaffeinated coffee - an alternative to your favorite drink during pregnancy and beyond

Decaffeinated coffee is often recommended as a substitute for regular coffee for people who have trouble falling asleep. Consuming caffeinated beverages in the evening can make it difficult for the body to calm down and thus disrupt regular circadian rhythms. Caffeine helps relieve mild headaches, but for stronger types, you should avoid coffee or opt for the decaffeinated version.

Decaffeinated ground coffee is also often recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women. The safest option is to avoid coffee altogether during this time and replace it with naturally decaffeinated beverages, such as fine fruit or herbal teas. Manufacturers often fail to comply with the prescribed standards regarding the permissible caffeine content in decaffeinated coffee. So, if you want to treat yourself to a cup of coffee now and then, it's worth choosing high-quality products.

Caffeine in the daily diet

A healthy body can absorb up to 400 mg of caffeine daily without side effects, which is roughly equivalent to two cups of coffee per day. Decaffeinated coffee may be a healthier alternative for people who drink it more frequently during the day. Decaf coffee contains 0.06 to 0.2 grams of caffeine per 100 grams (depending on the manufacturer), but keep in mind that these values ​​are typically somewhat higher for instant coffees.

If you're trying to eliminate caffeine from your diet, it's worth not only avoiding strong coffee, but also drinking tea and energy drinks less often. Perhaps the most popular hot drink for breakfast is Inca muesli coffee, and in the evening, it's worth sipping on something like lemon balm infusion to calm the body.