Choosing between caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee can be difficult, as both have benefits and drawbacks. While caffeine is associated with providing your body with several health benefits, it also poses a few issues – especially if you are not tolerant of caffeine content. Similarly, while decaffeinated coffee offers unique benefits, it cannot offer those provided by caffeinated coffee. So, to help you choose between the two, here are each of their benefits and drawbacks:

Caffeinated Coffee – Benefits

Caffeine acts as a stimulant for the nervous system. It helps you concentrate, stay alert and makes you feel awake. As caffeine does not stay in your system for too long, its effects last for a short while. So, you can drink a few cups of coffee to enjoy these benefits when you want to. Caffeine enhances the efficiency of analgesics by almost 40%. The compound is commonly used in migraine medications too.

Preliminary research indicates that caffeine can also reduce the risk of Parkinson’s disease. Also, caffeinated coffee contains compounds like phytochemicals, acids, magnesium and anti-oxidants, which have various health benefits like preventing cancer. Caffeine can also protect the body against diabetes and increase levels of C-peptides. The latter serves as an indicator of the amount of insulin secreted, especially in diabetics.

Caffeinated Coffee – Drawbacks

The stimulating effect of caffeine can also have negative effects on a few. When consumed in high quantities, caffeine can increase blood pressure. It can also lead to nervousness. This may sometimes be accompanied by a higher level of gastric acid and urine production. Also, when caffeinated coffee is consumed just before going to bed, you may have difficulty falling asleep. As a result of this your total sleep hours are reduced. Sometimes, consuming too much caffeine can also result in a reduction in the quality of sleep.

Caffeinated coffee is not recommended for those suffering from heart problems, as it can trigger arrhythmia. When caffeine is used in high quantities on a daily basis, it can lead to a dependence on it. On trying to reduce caffeine intake, such people may experience caffeine withdrawal symptoms like depression, headaches, fatigue and anxiety.

Decaffeinated Coffee – Benefits

Decaffeinated coffee too possesses some of the anti-oxidant properties that caffeinated coffee has. It can remove free radicals that destroy cells in the body. Owing to this, your body is protected against cardiovascular diseases and type II diabetes. Those who drink this type of coffee can reduce the risk of diabetes by almost 50%. Decaffeinated coffee is a safer option for pregnant women when compared to caffeinated coffee. Nevertheless, health experts recommend that pregnant women avoid coffee as much as possible – even decaffeinated – as it still comes with a risk of them delivering a pre-term or low birth-weight baby.

Decaffeinated Coffee – Benefits

In comparison to caffeinated coffee which has the potential to reduce the risk of cancer, decaffeinated coffee offers a lesser reduction in risk. Also, drinking too much of this type of coffee can raise the blood lipid levels. This can lead to a higher risk for heart diseases.

Whether you drink caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee, there is a risk of dehydration. To counter this effect you should drink a glass of water following a cup of coffee.

Author Bio: Brenda Rusnak is a health care specialist who writes about healthy-aging and prevention. For more information about healthy-aging and Brenda Rusnak, check her out on Twitter.

Category: Food and Drinks
Keywords: Choosing, Between Caffeinated, Decaffeinated Coffee,benefits,drawbacks