If you’re like me, you love coffee. But sometimes, too much coffee can be a bad thing – especially if you’re prone to acid reflux or heartburn. That’s why I decided to switch to decaf coffee for a while, in hopes that it would be less acidic and easier on my stomach. But is decaf coffee acidic too?
I did some research and found out that the answer isn’t as simple as yes or no. It turns out that the level of acidity in decaf coffee depends on how the beans are processed. Some methods used to remove the caffeine from coffee beans can also reduce the levels of acids and other compounds responsible for giving coffee its characteristic taste. So if you’re looking for a low-acid option, decaf might be worth a try!
The Deal With Decaf Coffee
Is decaf coffee acidic? Decaffeinated coffees are brewed from coffee beans that have had most of their caffeine removed.
While decaf still has some amount of caffeine, it’s much less than a regular cup of coffee.
If you’re looking to cut back on your caffeine intake or reduce your consumption of acid, then drinking decaffeinated beverages like coffee or tea is a good option.
Even though the relationship between caffeinated and decaffeinated coffees isn’t entirely understood, some research has suggested that drinking a decaf may help reduce your risk of Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (or NAFLD).
A 2019 study published in the journal Redox Biology found evidence that drinking decaffeinated coffee could help protect the liver from NAFLD.
Coffee without all the caffeine is a great alternative to regular coffee and can help lower the risk of Type 2 diabetes.
Is decaf coffee acidic?
Even though a decaf cup of coffee may have less caffeine than a regular one, it may actually be better for those that are more sensitive to the acidity in regular beans.
Caffeine can cause your stomach to produce more acid, which can aggravate symptoms of GERD. For people with this condition, decaf coffee may be a better option. Decaf that has undergone mountain water processing is especially low in acidity, as the caffeine is removed thoroughly and without the use of harsh chemicals.
Can Coffee Cause Acid Reflux?
If you have GERD or acid reflux, the acidity in coffee can exacerbate your symptoms.
Decaf coffee is less likely to cause problems for people with gastroesophageal reflux disease and it may be overall healthier for you.
If you’re someone who gets anxious from caffeine, it might be a good idea to switch to decaf coffee.
If you’re looking to improve your health, drinking decaffeinated coffee can be a good choice. According to The Cleveland Clinic, it’s less likely than caffeinated beverages to cause issues in your digestive system.
Is Decaf Coffee Good for You?
Around 1 in 5 Americans experience GERD and the pH of your coffee may affect this condition.
GERD symptoms can be aggravated by consuming acidic foods and drinks, such as citrus fruits and juices. To help lessen the symptoms, it is best to avoid or limit these items in your diet.
So many people are looking for ways to reduce acidity in coffee and are avoiding heartburn.
Decaf coffee is not as acidic as regular coffee as the process of decaffeination removes some of the phenols that contribute to its sourness. Therefore decaf coffee is a great choice for those who suffer from heartburn or acid reflux.
If you’re looking to reduce stomach aggravation, decaf coffee is still a great option. Although it contains small amounts of acidity, it’s a delicious way to get your caffeine fix without the side effects.
How Do You Make Coffee Less Acidic?
One way to make coffee less acidic is to add milk to it. This will neutralize the acidic flavor of the coffee and make it smoother with its calcium content.
Another way is to choose a dark roast coffee, as this tends to have lower acidity levels.
Coffees made from darker roasted beans tend to have a lower acid concentration than those made with lighter roasts.
Is Decaf Coffee Acidic – Conclusion
Is decaf coffee acidic? Overall, decaf coffee is less acidic than regular coffee. It depends on how the beans are processed – some methods used to remove caffeine can also reduce levels of acids and other compounds that give coffee its characteristic taste. So if you’re looking for a low-acid option, decaf might be worth a try!