Coffee has long been considered an integral component of everyday diets and has been linked with multiple health advantages, including reduced risks for Type 2 diabetes, cancers and overall mortality. With recent controversy roiling around how decaf coffee is made, some consumers remain uncertain as to its safety. Problematic is that most decaffeinated coffee is processed with methylene chloride, an ingredient often found in paint strippers and nail polish removers that has been linked with cancer, liver damage and other serious health conditions in high doses. Chemical decaffeination methods that rely on solvent-free coffee decaf are banned by most industrial products, yet the FDA allows their use for decaffeinating coffee. There are, however, alternative approaches that don’t use harsh chemicals; consumers should look for decaf coffee that’s labeled solvent-free, chemical-free Swiss water processed or certified organic to ensure they are receiving caffeine-removed coffee with no potential harmful side effects.

Decaffeination involves submerging coffee beans in water to extract caffeine molecules, then evaporating this water away to leave behind just beans and any flavor compounds not bound by caffeine that were reincorporated back into the coffee blend. It follows the same process that happens when you make your own home-brewed cup, except with much faster evaporation taking place and more caffeine being removed along with it. This method has proven most successful at maintaining flavor while using up more water resources; though some might find this limiting.

As much as there may be alternative processes that don’t rely on methylene chloride, they remain more expensive and thus less popular than their traditional counterpart. Methylene chloride has also been linked to health concerns regarding liver, eyes and skin health; additionally, coffee produced this way often contains trace amounts of this chemical which may leave an unpleasant aftertaste in your mouth.

There are other methods available for decaffeinating coffee, but these tend to be less efficient and have greater effects on its final flavor. These may involve soaking beans in oil (which may alter their final cup flavor) and harsh chemicals like hexane and butane which have serious health risks as well.

There are various methods available for purchasing chemical-free decaf, but for optimal results it is best to purchase high-quality, responsibly sourced beans. Look for decaf grown, processed, roasted and tested to be free from mold or mycotoxins which can cause anything from an annoying cough to long-term health complications. Finally choose a roast that maximizes antioxidant levels so you can experience all of its delicious health benefits!