Many people like to drink coffee but want to limit their caffeine intake for personal preferences or health reasons. For these people, decaffeinated coffee (decaf; decaffeinato) is a great alternative.
Decaffeinated coffee, by the name itself, is the same as regular coffee, except the caffeine has been removed.
There are many differences in different individuals when it comes to caffeine tolerance. For some people, a cup of coffee can be too much, while others may feel good even if they drink more than one cup.
Tolerance may vary, however healthy adults should avoid consuming over 400 mg of caffeine per day, roughly equal to four cups of coffee. Increased consumption can cause increased blood pressure and lack of sleep, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Excess caffeine can also affect the central nervous system, causing restlessness, anxiety, digestive problems, heart arrhythmias or sleep problems.
People who are very sensitive to caffeine can limit it by choosing decaffeinated tea or coffee. Also people with certain medical conditions and / or taking prescription medications should consult their doctor in advance.
Pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding are advised to limit caffeine consumption. Children, adolescents and individuals diagnosed with anxiety or who have trouble sleeping should also not consume caffeine.
