Diet & Fitness 

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Should you go decaf?

'If you're trying to kick the coffee habit, decaffeinated coffee is a good short-term substitute,' says Antony Haynes, a nutritionist at the Nutrition Clinic in London's Harley Street. 'But there are other non-caffeine substances in coffee that may have a negative effect on health as well.' For example, Norwegian researchers who found that forgoing coffee for six weeks reduced total cholesterol levels believe that it's not caffeine that raises cholesterol levels but organic compounds called terpenoids which are present in both caffeinated and decaf coffee. There has also been evidence to support a link between coffee intake and fibrocystic breast disease. Again, the culprit is thought to be not caffeine but theophylline and theobromine, chemicals that are found in both caffeinated and decaf coffee. These upset the liver detoxification process and encourage cell proliferation. If you're worried about chemicals in your diet, bear in mind that the decaffeination process uses potent solvents that may end up in your mug. Instead, look for water-processed brands of decaf coffee that use only steam and carbon dioxide in the decaffeinating process. Or, as Haynes suggests, have a cup of tea instead.

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