Picture this: It’s early, you’ve barely opened your eyes, and that familiar smell of freshly brewed coffee beckons you from the kitchen. You take that first glorious sip, hoping it will magically fix all your problems – like maybe it’ll suddenly make Monday mornings bearable. But then you hear it – the myth that coffee dehydrates you. Wait, what? Is your beloved cuppa actually working against you?
Fear not, fellow caffeine connoisseur! Science has come to the rescue, debunking some of the most common coffee myths. Get ready to have your coffee misconceptions blown away, and maybe, just maybe, enjoy your next brew guilt-free. Let’s dive into the truth behind these brewing myths!
Coffee Will Dehydrate You
We’ve all heard this one: coffee will leave you as dry as the Sahara. But let’s get real – if coffee dehydrated people, wouldn’t cafes be filled with parched patrons? Science shows that while coffee has a mild diuretic effect, it doesn’t cancel out the hydrating properties of the water in your drink.
So, sip your cappuccino with confidence! As long as you’re not chugging coffee by the bucket (though we’re not judging), it won’t leave you gasping for water like you’ve been trekking through the desert.
Decaf Coffee Has No Caffeine
Ah, the decaf dilemma. Some believe that decaf coffee is entirely free of caffeine, but that’s not entirely true. Decaf isn’t caffeine-free; it’s just less caffeinated. The process removes most of the caffeine, but traces remain.
So, if you’re reaching for that decaf late at night to avoid staying up counting sheep, just remember – you might still get a tiny caffeine buzz. Not enough to keep you awake till sunrise, but science says decaf is never a zero-caffeine zone!
Coffee Stunts Your Growth
Parents have been telling kids for years that coffee will stop them from growing taller. Well, it’s time to tell Mum and Dad they can relax. There’s no scientific evidence that coffee has any effect on height. This myth may come from early studies on coffee and bone density. But, modern research shows that coffee is no more a threat to your height than, say, an extra biscuit.
In fact, some of the tallest people in the world are coffee lovers! So, drink up – you’re not shrinking any time soon.
Drinking Coffee on an Empty Stomach Is Bad for You
This one has been tossed around for years, usually by people who say coffee will “destroy” your stomach lining if you drink it first thing in the morning. While it’s true that coffee is acidic, there’s no solid scientific proof that having a brew on an empty stomach will do you any harm.
If you’re someone who feels a bit queasy from a strong black coffee before breakfast, it might be worth grabbing a bite first. But for the rest of us, your early-morning cup is safe to enjoy without worrying about what your stomach might think.
Dark Roast Coffee Is Stronger Than Light Roast
It’s a common misconception that dark roast coffee is “stronger” than light roast, but it’s not that simple. Dark roasts are actually roasted longer, which breaks down some of the caffeine. That means lighter roasts often have a bit more caffeine per gram than their darker counterparts.
So if you’re after that extra jolt to power through the day, don’t be fooled by the colour of your brew. Light roast might be your secret weapon.
Espresso Has More Caffeine Than Drip Coffee
It seems logical – espresso is small and intense, so it must pack more caffeine, right? Not quite. Per ounce, espresso has more caffeine than drip coffee. But, it is served in tiny shots. So, you get less caffeine than in a standard mug of drip coffee.
So unless you’re downing several shots of espresso in one go, your morning drip brew probably delivers more caffeine overall.
Coffee Causes Insomnia
There’s a grain of truth in this one – caffeine can interfere with sleep, but only if you drink it too close to bedtime. Your body metabolises caffeine in about 4-6 hours, so as long as you’re not having that evening cup too late, your sleep should be just fine.
If you’re extra sensitive to caffeine, it might be worth sticking to decaf in the afternoon. But for most of us, a morning or midday cup of joe won’t be keeping us up at night.
Coffee Is Bad for Your Heart
This myth has been percolating for years, with people claiming that coffee causes heart issues or high blood pressure. Caffeine can temporarily boost your heart rate. But, studies show that moderate coffee can support a heart-healthy diet.
In fact, some research suggests that coffee drinkers may even have a lower risk of heart disease. So, rather than skipping your brew for the sake of your ticker, feel free to enjoy it – science is on your side.
Adding Milk Cancels Out Coffee’s Health Benefits
Who hasn’t been told at some point that adding milk to coffee somehow “ruins” its health benefits? This myth likely stems from the idea that dairy products interfere with the antioxidants in coffee.
The good news? Research shows that adding milk doesn’t significantly affect the antioxidant levels in your coffee. So, go ahead and add a splash of milk or cream if that’s your thing – your coffee will still be just as healthy.
Coffee Helps You Sober Up
Sorry to burst your bubble, but this one’s a total myth. Coffee might make you feel more alert, but it won’t sober you up after a night out. In fact, combining coffee and alcohol can be a dangerous mix, giving you a false sense of how clear-headed you are.
The only thing that sobers you up is time, so save the coffee for the morning after, when it can help with your hangover fog instead.
Instant Coffee Isn’t Real Coffee
Instant coffee often gets a bad rap, with some coffee snobs insisting that it’s not “real” coffee. But instant coffee is made from brewed coffee that’s been freeze-dried or spray-dried, so it’s very much the real deal – just in a more convenient form.
While it may not have the same complex flavours as freshly ground beans, it’s still coffee at its core. So if you’re in a hurry or camping in the middle of nowhere, don’t let anyone shame you for enjoying a quick and easy cup of instant!
Conclusion
Now that we’ve debunked these coffee myths, it’s time to enjoy your next cup with even more confidence! Whether you’re a fan of flat whites, black americanos, or even a cheeky decaf, science says you’re in good hands.
Have you heard any other coffee myths that need busting? Share them on our Facebook page, and let’s continue this coffee conversation!