You have been a coffee lover since a long time and now due to various reasons, you want to cut down on you caffeine intake and opt for the decaffeinated coffee. However, this is not easy for you to do since lately you have been hearing the question, is decaf coffee a diuretic?
To answer this for you, first let’s understand what that actually means.
Definition of Diuretic
The basic definition of the word ‘diuretic’ is something that ‘causes increased passing of urine’. From prescription drugs to natural foods and beverages – there are a lot of items that can be labeled as diuretic depending upon various factors.
So is your decaf coffee a diuretic drink? ‘No’, there is no scientific evidence to prove that it is.
Is Coffee a Diuretic? – Closer Look
So what the fuss is really about? – Let’s have a closer look at all the facts surrounding decaf coffee and regular coffee consumption.
Facts About Regular Coffee
Most coffee lovers start out with regular coffee until they reach to a certain point in their life where they want to explore with their taste a bit more.
Regular coffee that has caffeine, is always believed to give you a refreshing energetic feeling, considering that you are not drinking too many cups per day.
Since caffeine is thought to be mild diuretic, it usually takes more than 2 cups of caffeinated coffee in a day to increase the urination cycle. If you are below that number of cups per day, you are good.
Facts About Decaf Coffee
Now that you have already decided to switch to decaf coffee, how about knowing your drink inside out?
Here are some of the lesser known facts about decaf coffee:
Not Entirely Caffeine Free
This is one of the assumptions that many people have – that decaf coffee being completely caffeine free. This is not true.
According to a study, decaf contains about 0-7 mg caffeine per 180 ml coffee serving, as compared to regular coffee cup that has 70-140 mg caffeine.
Antioxidants and Nutrients
During the decaffeinating process, up to 15% of antioxidants are lost, which means that your decaf cup of coffee will have fewer amounts of polyphenols, chlorogenic and hydrodynamic acids.
This can lower the risk of heart-related diseases and cancer.
Brain Functioning with Decaf Coffee
If you have been a die hard coffee lover since the past many years, it will not be an easy task to give up on your caffeine intake.
All those energy boosts, increased adrenaline and the freshness levels you feel, is hard to sacrifice. However, knowing that decaf can decrease your chances of getting neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s – it is not a bad switch after all.
Does Decaf Coffee Dehydrate You
Decaf coffee is not believed to cause dehydration, however, it is also believed this should not be one of the top sources of hydration.
On the contrary, Lawrence Armstrong, a professor at the University of Connecticut, claimed that caffeine causes dehydration – based on a 1928 study that was performed on some people who showed a sign of increased urination due to caffeine intake.
So if you feel a dry mouth after you have had a cup of decaf coffee, it is probably just a feeling and nothing more than that.
Another Preconceived Notion?
Have you ever felt or experienced a situation where you have heard something about a subject, not entirely based on facts, and after a while it actually takes place coincidentally – making you believe in it without even asking for the authenticity of what you heard in the first place?
Yes, decaf being a diuretic drink is usually one of those assumptions or preconceived notions that you start believing at some point because you are using the restroom more than you think you should.
Decaf Coffee is Not the Culprit Here
You need to know that your cup of coffee might not be the only reason. May be you have started to drink more water, or any other liquid intake that you were not a fan of before. Your work routine or working hours have slightly changed, or the weather conditions, the time you spend at gym, etc.
Any slight variation in your lifestyle can account for increased or decreased urination – hence, let’s not blame your decaf coffee cup for that.
How About Decaf Tea – Is It Diuretic
Just like decaf coffee, if you have heard similar things about decaf tea being diuretic, that is not correct either.
It is a well-known fact that liquids are important for smooth functioning of our bodies. In addition to this, our body also has a natural mechanism of extracting and absorbing the water it needs from any form of liquids we consume, and getting rid of the waste liquids in the form of urination.
In short, decaf tea will not make you dehydrated or make you use the rest room after short intervals. So you do not have to fret about it anymore.
Different Theory for Black VS Green Tea?
No, the same theory applies to both black and green decaffeinated tea. There will be no dehydrating effect whatsoever.
However, it is imperative to note that due to its higher percentage of flavonoids and antioxidants, green tea is preferred over black tea as far as health benefits are concerned.
FAQs
How many cups of decaf coffee a day is safe?
For those looking to reduce their caffeine intake, perhaps the main benefit of decaf coffee is its much lower caffeine content. The FDA recommend that adults limit their caffeine consumption to no more than 400 mg per day, or around four or five cups of regular coffee.
Is decaffeinated coffee healthier?
Yes, as caffeine intake does pose a slight health risk for some people.
Does decaf coffee affect blood pressure?
If you’re drinking decaf coffee, then you’re reducing your caffeine intake. Caffeine can raise blood pressure by tightening blood vessels and by magnifying the effects of stress.
Can you drink too much decaf tea?
Decaf tea may contain very low caffeine levels depending on how its produced. Too much caffeine can interrupt the sleep cycle and cause side effects including nausea, upset stomach, aggravate acid reflux, and trigger migraines.
Is decaf coffee better for your stomach?
If it’s the caffeine that is affecting you, switching to a decaffeinated drink will certainly help.
Take Home Message
Taking into consideration the way caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee can give a fresh start to your day, with all the positive health impacts – it leaves very little room to be thinking, is decaf coffee a diuretic?
If you are contemplating about reducing the overall caffeine intake from your edibles and coffee is your first step, fair enough. I did that myself a couple of years ago, trust me, I still feel as great and refreshing as I used to with all those caffeinated cups with milk and sugar.
Decaf coffee will not create any more troubles in your life than you already have, so go ahead and treat yourself with that nice cup of coffee once you have read this.
Happy Decaffeinating! 🙂