If caffeine isn’t your cup of tea, decaf may seem like the safe and reasonable option. Unfortunately, recent reports of some concerns surrounding an ingredient used during decaffeination – methylene chloride – is raising eyebrows among consumer groups who claim cancer-causing effects; could this mean giving up our daily coffee altogether?

Nutrition experts differ on their assessment, but most agree that, when consumed in moderation, decaf coffee is safe and beneficial. This is because even though it contains less caffeine than caffeinated varieties, decaf coffee still contains numerous healthy compounds like polyphenols – antioxidants which have been found to prevent cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease and Type 2 diabetes.

Decaf coffee can also help people who are trying to limit their calorie consumption. Decaf can be made without sugar for a lower calorie option that won’t change their taste! Decaf coffee could be a great choice when trying to cut back.

Decaffeinated coffee may also help relieve acid reflux symptoms. Caffeine can irritate stomach linings and lead to digestive issues that trigger acid reflux in some individuals; having decaf coffee instead may prevent these problems for those living with IBS who experience flare-ups after eating full meals.

Along with gastrointestinal benefits, coffee has many heart-health advantages as well. The antioxidants present in decaf coffee may help lower your cholesterol, decreasing your risk of heart attack or stroke and contributing to better overall cardiovascular health. A 2022 study also discovered a correlation between both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee consumption and lower risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

While it’s generally safe to consume up to 400 milligrams of caffeine daily, excessive doses may lead to unwanted side effects in some people – insomnia, anxiety, elevated heart rate and jitteriness can be among them – making decaf a better option than regular for those with lower tolerance for caffeine or who have been advised by their physician to limit it for health reasons.