Do you believe in coffee being a soul therapy? Well, that definitely isn’t a myth! Read ahead to know more.
Coffee has a rich aroma and intense flavor and is loved by almost all. But, the same set of people are also afraid and are constricted to believing in myths that are associated with drinking coffee. We are debunking them for you with our list of 7 myths about drinking coffee.
Myth #1: Coffee causes insomnia
It is important to remember that all good things should be enjoyed in moderation. It is perfectly safe to have up to 400 milligrams (mg) of caffeine every day as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Coffee beans contain caffeine, which is a stimulant to the central nervous system. It causes alertness and a temporary boost to your energy and mood. You can find caffeine in coffee, tea, soft drinks, and chocolate. Overindulging in caffeinated products right before bedtime can cause you to stay awake longer because that is the purpose of caffeine. It’s easy to see how this coffee myth got started, but coffee does not cause insomnia; it keeps you awake and alert during the day, as intended.
Myth #2: Coffee causes dehydration
Fun fact: coffee is 98% water. And experts agree that your daily coffee can and should count towards your recommended daily water intake. So, not only is this coffee myth not true, but it’s the complete opposite. Coffee helps to hydrate you, and with 60% of the human body being composed of water, the health benefits are off the charts.
The root of this coffee myth seems to have originated from the fact that coffee drinkers report an increase in their bathroom trip frequency when consuming coffee. Your body will absorb all the fluids it needs and then get rid of any additional fluids. While it may seem like it, you are not losing more fluids than you are taking in when you drink coffee. So, fill up a travel mug and start aiming for that hydration goal on your drive to work. It’s called multitasking.
Myth #3: Coffee will help you lose weight
The roots of this coffee myth are easy to identify. Coffee increases energy, and it is not hard to see the leap from increased energy to weight loss. However, coffee will not make you lose weight. Multiple studies have been done, and there is no clear connection between caffeine and weight loss.
So, while drinking coffee won’t help you lose weight, it can provide the necessary energy that some of us need to get our morning started.
Myth #4: Coffee can sober you up
Coffee has many miraculous qualities, but unfortunately, counteracting the effects of alcohol is not one of them. The caffeine in coffee has the ability to perk you up, which for some people can reflect a feeling of sobriety; however, it does not actually change your body’s alcohol level.
Myth #5: Coffee is addictive
There is a tiny morsel of truth in this coffee myth because caffeine does have addictive properties. However, the lasting effects of caffeine withdrawal only last a day or two.
Since the caffeine in coffee beans is a stimulant to the central nervous system, it can block feelings of tiredness and create opportunities for dopamine to work more effectively. However, the effects of too much caffeine, such as the jitters, are immediate and allow for the coffee consumer to immediately rectify the situation for that day and the future. So, coffee has short-term addictive properties, but coffee does not pose a long-term health risk.
Myth #6: Coffee stunts your growth
The study found that most coffee drinkers drink less milk and calcium-enriched beverages. A dietary lack of vitamin D and calcium can absolutely be linked to osteoporosis. Whether this is good news or bad news to you, your height is pretty much dependent on your genes. So, we can officially declare stunting your growth as a coffee myth.
Myth #7: Dark roast coffee has more caffeine
The difference between light, medium, and dark roast coffee beans is not in the caffeine level but in the flavor. Dark roasted coffee beans are darkest in color, with a richer and more chocolatey flavor profile. The longer coffee beans are roasted, the higher their antioxidant levels are, so a dark roast coffee will not increase your caffeine intake, but it will increase your body’s ability to fight off free radicals.