Switching To Decaf Coffee
When it comes to the question of drinking decaffeinated beverages, the effects on health, fertility and pregnancy are the subjects of intense research. A stimulant to the nervous system, caffeine can speed up everything from heart rate and blood pressure to thought processes. On the downside, caffeine can produce acid reflux, inhibit oxygen, increase cholesterol and interfere with calcium absorption. Caffeine has also been linked to leg cramps.
For those who are concerned about health risks or don't like the effects of caffeine, switching to decaf brews provides the coffee experience without the downsides.
If you’re a buyer of decaf looking for the best and purest brew, it’s important to understand how coffee is decaffeinated before you stock up on beans.
Decaffeinating coffee is achieved through four different decaffeination processes. Most of these processes use chemical solvents to extract the caffeine but which also affect the flavor and aroma. Unroasted green coffee beans can be rinsed with these compounds from 8 to 12 times. If you are health-conscious, you may be more interested in the organic alternative provided by the Swiss Water Process.
Swiss Water Process For Organic Decaf Coffee
Of all these processes, Swiss Water decaffeination produces the only organic decaf coffee. Environmentally friendly, it involves no toxic chemicals or agents used in its production and processing.
When it comes to removing caffeine, the Swiss Water process ensures that only the caffeine in the bean escapes – leaving the other compounds intact. In the Swiss Water Process, 99.9% of the caffeine in green coffee beans is removed using water.
Soaking the beans separates the caffeine. After filtering the water through activated charcoal, the beans are returned to filtered hot water where the flavor elements are reabsorbed.
Although the idea of removing caffeine using water is simple and activated carbon dates back to the early 1930s, the technology behind the Swiss Water process is relatively recent.
The results: taste-rich, chemical free coffee saturated in flavor. The Swiss Water process serves up a cup so good you can’t tell it is decaf.
Look for the trademark "Swiss Water" when you purchase your decaf coffee.