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Decaf Coffee Not Caffeine-Free
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With increasing emphasis being placed on food labels, it seems that we may now have to pay more attention to the coffee we drink. This is because research published in the Journal of Analytical Toxicology shows that decaffeinated coffee may not be caffeine-free. Caffeine is a xanthine alkaloid that acts as a stimulant in humans. It is found in the leaves and beans of the coffee plant. Caffeine is the world's most widely consumed psychoactive substance. In North America 90% of adults consume caffeine daily. To perform their study, researchers analyzed the caffeine content in decaffeinated and caffeinated coffee in drip, brewed and espresso preparations. The samples were taken from different specialty shops- including Starbucks- and various fast food outlets. The researchers found that all the preparations had a considerable amount of caffeine. The caffeine content in drip coffee ranged from 9 to 14 milligrams, from 3 to 16 mg in espresso, and from 12-13mg in brewed coffee.
The amount of caffeine seen in just 2 cups of decaffeinated coffee is similar to that seen in one can of coke or pepsi. In addition, scientific studies have shown that reliable subjective and behavioral changes can be noted in subjects who are exposed to levels of caffeine as low as 10 mg.
The results are significant for high-risk individuals with heart ailments, blood pressure problems, agitation and anxiety- where even a moderate amount of caffeine could lead to complications. In addition, it is possible that the level of caffeine seen in decaffeinated coffee could foster a dependence.
Overall the study serves as a cautionary note to those who drink decaf coffee.
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