#careful #Decaf #Coffee #CancerTriggering #Ingredients
Jakarta –
Decaf coffee is an alternative for those who are sensitive to coffee caffeine. However, be careful when consuming it because decaf coffee is currently being discussed regarding cancer-causing substances.
Coffee is enjoyed as a stimulant drink to boost energy and focus, but not everyone can enjoy coffee. They are sensitive to the caffeine content in coffee which may cause symptoms such as anxiety, headaches and heart palpitations.
Therefore drinking decaf coffee or coffee with minimal caffeine is an option. Drinking this type of coffee can make a person enjoy the aroma and taste of coffee, without feeling the strong side effects of caffeine.
Decaf coffee is also popular on the market. However, recently it has become a hot topic of conversation in the United States.
Collect CNN (5/4), several health advocacy groups there submitted a petition to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They hope the FDA can ban the use of specific chemicals involved in the decaffeination process because they trigger cancer.
Decaf coffee is currently in the spotlight regarding the dangers of using methylene chloride. Photo: Getty Images
The chemical is methylene chloride, which has long been known as a carcinogen, a substance that causes cancer. Dr. Maria Doa, a representative of one of 5 health advocacy groups has submitted a petition regarding this matter to the FDA since November 2023.
Doa explained that apart from triggering cancer, the use of methylene chloride also triggers health dangers such as liver poisoning, and in some cases even leads to death.
Of these dangers, Doa says, “These chemicals cannot and should not be considered safe.” Meanwhile the FDA said it was reviewing the petition.
The FDA itself has regulations that allow the use of methylene chloride as a solvent for decaffeinated coffee. However, they stipulate that “methylene chloride residues should not exceed 10 parts per million (0.001%) in decaffeinated roasted coffee and decaffeinated soluble coffee extract (instant coffee).
Even so, Doa considers this rule to be outdated. Because it has been in effect for decades. “And it’s clearly outdated,” Doa said.
he added. “There is more information regarding the toxicity of methylene chloride and the levels that cause this toxicity.”
Meanwhile, nutritionist Monique Richard admits that currently people are consuming more and more coffee. “However, there is still not much clear or conclusive research that states that consuming coffee at residual levels will specifically cause cancer or other problems,” said Richard.
Methylene chloride has long been commonly used in the decaffeinated coffee industry, but some companies have added alternative methods to their technology or stopped using it altogether.
If you want to be safer, choose decaf coffee products that are made without solvents. Photo: iStock
If you want to be safer and while waiting for the results of the FDA review regarding the dangers of methylene chloride, you can do several things when choosing decaf coffee.
Prayer says, look for products with labels such as solvent free, certified organic, or through the Swiss water process.
Nutritionist Richard adds, “As a consumer, always do your research. Find out what you can about the company. Ask those questions if you can by calling the customer hotline on their website.”
Also consider how often you drink decaf, how much, and why. “If you’re worried about that and you’re confused, there are lots of caffeine-free substitutes,” says Richard.
(adr/go)
