Picture this: it’s Monday morning, and you’re in desperate need of your usual coffee fix. You grab a cup, sip, and then – cue dramatic gasp – someone leans over and tells you, “You know, coffee stunts your growth!” Great, just what you needed to start your week off wrong, right? Well, we’re here to save the day and debunk those coffee myths once and for all.
Turns out, much of what we hear about coffee is simply not true. From tall tales about dehydration to false claims about how you should brew it, these myths are long overdue for a reality check. Let’s dive into the truth behind your favourite cup of joe.
Coffee Dehydrates You
One of the most common coffee myths is that it dehydrates you. You’ve probably heard someone say, “Drink water with your coffee, it’ll dry you out!” But in reality, coffee is mostly water! While caffeine is a mild diuretic, it’s not enough to offset the liquid you’re taking in with your brew. So, unless you’re drinking espresso like it’s going out of style, your morning cup isn’t going to leave you parched.
Sure, it’s always good to stay hydrated, but you don’t need to fear coffee turning you into a raisin. Drink up and enjoy!
Coffee Stunts Your Growth
This myth feels like it’s been around since the dawn of time, especially told to younger generations in the hope they’d avoid caffeine. But here’s the truth: coffee has no impact on your growth. No, it won’t stop you from getting taller, and no, you won’t wake up the same height forever if you start drinking it young.
Science says growth is mostly determined by genetics and nutrition, so that cup of coffee isn’t the culprit. Feel free to grab another and rest assured that you’ll still reach the top shelf.
Dark Roast Has More Caffeine
There’s something about a rich, dark roast that makes people think it’s supercharged with caffeine. But the truth is, light roasts actually have a bit more caffeine! When beans are roasted longer, some of the caffeine burns off, making dark roasts slightly weaker in the caffeine department.
So if you’re really looking for a jolt, that light, bright roast is the way to go. Dark roast, on the other hand, brings that bold flavour we love – without the caffeine overload.
Coffee Is Bad For Your Heart
Coffee gets a bad rep when it comes to heart health, with some people claiming it’s responsible for high blood pressure and heart problems. The reality? For most people, moderate coffee consumption is totally fine – and in some cases, it might even be beneficial!
Studies show that moderate coffee drinkers may have a lower risk of heart disease, so you can sip your brew without worrying. Of course, if you’re sensitive to caffeine or have underlying conditions, it’s always smart to check with your doctor.
Decaf Is Completely Caffeine-Free
Let’s be clear: decaf is not totally free of caffeine. Sorry to disappoint! While decaf coffee has significantly less caffeine than regular, it’s not entirely without it. A typical cup of decaf contains about 2-5 milligrams of caffeine, compared to around 95 milligrams in a regular cup.
So, while it won’t have you bouncing off the walls, don’t assume that decaf is completely devoid of any buzz.
You Should Never Reheat Coffee
Ah, the infamous myth that reheating coffee is a cardinal sin. Some people will tell you it ruins the flavour and should never, ever be done. But let’s be honest, we’ve all reheated coffee at least once, right? And it wasn’t the end of the world.
While freshly brewed is always better, reheating coffee isn’t as bad as the coffee snobs make it out to be. Just don’t leave it out all day long – that’s when the flavour really suffers.
Coffee Causes Insomnia
Here’s a myth that’s half-truth, half-exaggeration. Yes, caffeine can keep you awake, but only if you’re drinking it too close to bedtime. Most people metabolise caffeine in 5-6 hours. So, unless you chug an espresso at 9 pm, your afternoon coffee won’t cause sleepless nights.
If you’re sensitive to caffeine, try to keep your coffee consumption to the early part of the day, and you’ll be dreaming peacefully in no time.
Instant Coffee Is Terrible
It’s easy to turn our noses up at instant coffee, but it’s not as bad as it’s often made out to be. While it may not offer the complex flavours of a fresh brew, instant coffee has come a long way and can be a lifesaver when you’re in a rush or out in the wild. Plus, it’s usually a lot more eco-friendly, since it doesn’t require any extra brewing equipment.
So, give instant coffee a break – it’s quick, convenient, and not nearly as awful as its reputation suggests!
Coffee Will Sober You Up
If you’ve ever had someone hand you a cup of black coffee after one too many pints, you’ve encountered this myth. Coffee does not, in fact, sober you up. While it may make you feel more alert, it does absolutely nothing to reduce the alcohol in your system.
The only thing that will truly sober you up is time. So if you’ve had a big night out, stick to water and give your body the time it needs to process that alcohol.
Espresso Means More Caffeine
Despite its bold flavour, a single shot of espresso doesn’t have as much caffeine as you might think. Espresso is more concentrated, but a cup of brewed coffee actually contains more caffeine overall.
That’s because a shot of espresso is only about 30 millilitres, while a typical brewed coffee is around 240 millilitres. So, while espresso delivers a quick hit, you’ll get more caffeine in a standard cup of joe.
Coffee Is Addictive Like Drugs
While coffee can be habit-forming, it’s not on the same level as drugs like nicotine or alcohol. Yes, regular coffee drinkers may get mild withdrawal symptoms, like headaches or irritability, when they go without it. But, it’s not true addiction. You won’t find yourself doing wild things to get a cup of coffee!
So, if you enjoy your daily brew, don’t worry – your love for coffee is more about routine and preference than actual dependency.
Coffee Makes You Lose Weight
We’d all love it if this were true, but unfortunately, coffee isn’t a magic weight-loss elixir. While caffeine can temporarily boost metabolism and help burn fat, it’s not a long-term solution for shedding pounds. Drinking coffee alone won’t lead to significant weight loss without a healthy diet and exercise to back it up.
Enjoy your cup, but don’t expect it to do all the hard work for you. It’s great for a quick pick-me-up, though!
Coffee Causes Cancer
There’s been a lot of confusion about coffee and its potential health risks, with some people claiming it can cause cancer. The truth? Current research shows that coffee does not increase cancer risk. In fact, some studies suggest that coffee drinkers may have a lower risk of certain types of cancer, such as liver and colorectal cancer.
So, breathe easy – your cup of joe isn’t putting you at risk, and it may even have some protective benefits!
Coffee Needs Sugar and Cream to Taste Good
While many people love adding sugar or cream to their coffee, it’s a myth that you need to do so for a good cup. Quality coffee, brewed well, can have a range of natural flavours – from fruity and nutty to chocolatey and even floral. You might be surprised at how good coffee can taste black!
Next time, try sipping your coffee without any extras to see if you can pick up on those subtle, natural flavours. You may discover a whole new appreciation for it!
You Shouldn’t Drink Coffee if You’re Pregnant
There’s a common belief that pregnant women should completely avoid coffee, but the reality is more nuanced. Excessive caffeine isn’t advised during pregnancy. But, moderate coffee (up to 200 mg a day, or about one cup) is safe.
Of course, it’s always best to follow your doctor’s advice, but pregnant coffee lovers don’t have to give up their favourite drink altogether.
Coffee Causes Osteoporosis
Some people believe that coffee can weaken your bones, leading to osteoporosis. But, studies show that moderate coffee consumption doesn’t significantly affect bone health. This is true if you get enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet.
So, unless you’re drinking several cups a day and not eating well, your bones are safe from the effects of coffee. Keep enjoying your brew with confidence!
Adding Milk Ruins Coffee
There’s a long-standing myth that adding milk to coffee somehow ruins the taste or reduces its health benefits. But if you enjoy your coffee with a splash of milk, there’s no harm in it. In fact, milk can enhance the smoothness of your brew and help balance out bitterness, making it more enjoyable for many people.
Whether you like it black, with milk, or even with a dash of cream, coffee is all about personal preference – and no way is the “wrong” way.
Conclusion
Did any of these myths surprise you? Let us know on our Facebook page! Whether you’re a coffee expert or just enjoy your daily brew, we’d love to hear your thoughts – and feel free to share any other coffee myths you’ve come across!