Decaffeinated coffee is touted as a coffee replacement in a variety of health arenas.

Dentists commend the low acidity levelsa decaf pour causes lesstoothdamage than its traditional sister.

And the beverage is evenrecommended to pregnant womenwho have been warned to watch their caffeine intake.

decaf coffee

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You could be ingesting dangerous chemicals.

“Some of the solvents are the same ones used in paint thinner or nail polish remover.”

Did you know there are even heavy metals in yourprotein powders?

Cup of decaf coffee

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These chemicals can cause major health issues.

Methylene chloride is not a mild chemical.

“It’s believed to temporarily slow down our central nervous system,” says Dr. Ava Williams.

Man barista making coffee latte

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Chemicals aside, even just the process of decaffeination can be problematic.

“Some studies have shown a potential risk for triggering rheumatoid arthritis,” says Dr. Olivia Audrey.

These chemicals can affect your nervous system, cause rheumatoid arthritis, and even present a cancer risk.

Iced coffee

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Maybe it’s time to drink the real thing!

Here are15 Coffee Facts You Never Knew.

Decaf coffee can raise your cholesterol.

coffee

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The risks of decaf start even earlierwith the bean selection itself.

Here are the17 Foods That Lower Cholesterol.

You’re not getting the same health benefits as regular coffee.

cup of coffee

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So, although coffee is fairly natural, its decaffeinated counterpart is the opposite.

You’re still getting the health drawbacks.

“Just remember,” he says, “it is decaffeinated, not no-caffeination.”

Basically, if you’re trying to quitcaffeinefor health reasons, decaf won’t necessarily do the trick.

In a nutshell, the health risks of caffeinated coffee remain consistent with decaffeinated coffee.