Everyone’s an expert, especially when it comes to coffee.
So, it should come as no surprise that there are dozens of myths around everyone’s favourite breakfast beverage. Some are obviously false, but others are easy to fall for. How do you separate the truth from the tall tales? Here’s a list of the most common coffee myths.
Coffee Stunts Your Growth
This myth has forced lots of people to choose between a cup of coffee and a career in basketball. But the belief that coffee makes you short is a tale of the tallest order. No one really knows where this myth comes from, but you won’t find any scientific evidence to support it.
Coffee is Highly Addictive
This is partly true. Anyone who has enjoyed the deliciously creamy texture of a cappuccino will tell you that one glass is rarely enough. Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant that causes a very slight dependence (emphasis on ‘very’ slight). But the withdrawal effect will last only a day and is barely noticeable to the average person.
Darker Roasts are Stronger
Humans eat and drink with their eyes, so it’s easy to see why someone would assume that a dark roast produces a stronger cup of coffee. But quite the opposite is true. The more heat is applied to coffee beans during the roasting process, the more moisture and caffeine is lost. Roasting not only burns off the caffeine, but also gives your brew a bit of an acidic taste.
Coffee Causes Dehydration
This one is obviously untrue. Just take a look at your cup of coffee. What’s the first thing you notice? Its watery consistency! The amount of water in a cup of coffee makes up for any dehydration caused by caffeine.
Coffee is Bad for Your Health
This is the mother of all coffee myths, which is strange when you consider the numerous health benefits of coffee. Coffee is a rich source of phenolics and polyphenols, two powerful antioxidants. According to research, these compounds could prevent certain types of cell damage. Other studies have found that coffee improves various aspects of brain function – including memory and mood. Caffeine also blocks a restrictive neurotransmitter in your brain, which causes a stimulant effect. This improves energy levels, your mood, and various aspects of brain function.
Every cup of coffee you drink is served with a secret ingredient: Unfounded myths. There are plenty of myths swirling around your cup of coffee, but that shouldn’t stop you from starting your day with your favourite hot drink.
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