Busted: 5 Coffee Myths You Need to Stop Believing

Coffee comes with a lot of myths and misunderstandings that affect how we enjoy it. But when we take a closer look, many of the ideas about coffee and health turn out to be untrue. This article will clear up five common myths about coffee, so you can enjoy your cup with confidence.

Myth #1: Coffee is Bad for Your Health

For decades, coffee was widely believed to be unhealthy, linked to a litany of conditions like heart disease, ulcers, high blood pressure, adrenal fatigue, stunted growth, and even cancer.

But many recent studies show something different. Large, high-quality human trials consistently associate daily coffee drinking with lower risks of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, liver and colorectal cancers, Parkinson’s disease, depression, and suicide.

How can something once considered harmful now be hailed as protective? Previous studies on coffee haven’t considered factors like smoking and physical inactivity that could influence the outcomes. Once all factors were considered, the findings changed completely. The better-quality research strongly shows that coffee has many health benefits.

Coffee contains plenty of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that improve almost every part of the body and how cells work. Studies have proven that it helps to keep DNA healthy, strengthens the body’s response to stress, encourages the process of autophagy, improves cholesterol levels, makes the body more sensitive to insulin, boosts how well mitochondria work, lifts mood, and can even help you live longer.

So you can feel confident that your daily coffee is probably benefiting your body, not harming it—just make sure you don’t have too much caffeine or add unhealthy ingredients. Coffee is genuinely a superfood that you can enjoy every day without worry.

Myth #2: Decaf Coffee Has No Health Benefits

Many assume that since decaf has the caffeine removed, has no caffeine, it doesn’t have any health benefits. But it turns out many of coffee’s benefits come from components besides caffeine like chlorogenic acids, quinides, and lignans.

Numerous studies show decaf still provides significant health protection:

• Metabolic benefits – Decaf improves insulin sensitivity and reduces risks of type 2 diabetes on par with regular coffee.
• Liver benefits – Decaf coffee lowers risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer just like regular coffee.
• Brain benefits – Decaf drinkers have lower risks of dementia and stroke compared to non-coffee drinkers.
• Longevity – Decaf drinkers enjoy longevity boosts similar to regular coffee drinkers.

While the benefits may be slightly less noticeable compared to regular coffee, decaf still provides plenty of health protection without the caffeine stimulation. Even without its energizing kick, decaf coffee is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory plant compounds that contribute to health in various ways.

Myth #3: Dark Roasts Have More Caffeine

A lot of coffee enthusiasts believe that dark roasts provide a stronger caffeine kick. This seems logical because the richer, bolder flavor might suggest a higher caffeine content.

The reality is different from what many believe. When beans are roasted, they expand. Light roasts are denser because they’ve been roasted for a shorter period.

Although dark roasts taste stronger, light roasts contain slightly more caffeine by weight because their higher bean density means more caffeine packed into the bean.

The difference in caffeine content between light, medium, and dark roasts is small—less than 5%. The method of extraction and the ratio of coffee to water have a much bigger impact on caffeine levels.

So choose your preferred roast based on flavor, not caffeine content. And choose a light roast if you aim to get the most caffeine and beneficial antioxidants.

Myth #4: Coffee Stunts Your Growth

Another common myth is that drinking coffee during childhood or the teenage years will stop you from growing taller. Many people even believe that coffee is the reason they stopped growing.. But where did this belief come from?

The belief started from a doubtful study done in the 1970s. which claimed to show physical growth impairment in teenage coffee and tea drinkers.

The problem is, the study didn’t consider childhood malnutrition and other social factors that could affect the results. It unfairly accused coffee when the issue was probably caused by poverty and unhealthy eating habits.

Carefully performed studies since showed no impact on growth in children or teens from coffee or caffeine overall. As long as intake is moderate, coffee poses no stunting risk even for growing youth.

So don’t hold back your young coffee enthusiast because of baseless growth worries. Kids who enjoy the occasional cup, like at family breakfasts, can keep sipping away.

Myth #5: Coffee Causes Heartburn and Digestive Issues

Many people believe that coffee irritates the digestive system, leading to heartburn, acid reflux, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal problems. But studies show coffee aggravating digestion is highly individualized. Most people can drink coffee without any problems with their digestion. 

For those sensitive to coffee, try these troubleshooting tips:

• Drink coffee with food, not on an empty stomach
• Lower coffee acidity by cold brewing or using a paper filter
• Limit coffee intake to 1-2 cups per day
• Switch bean origin, variety or roast level
• Try adding raw organic cream or milk to help reduce acidity.

Pay attention to your individual response.

Bonus Myth #6: Coffee Causes Dehydration

Another common myth is that caffeine’s diuretic effect causes dehydration, requiring extra water intake to maintain balance. Although caffeine does have a mild diuretic effect, studies indicate that regular coffee consumption doesn’t lead to significant fluid loss over 24 hours. Your kidneys quickly adjust to caffeine to retain fluid. In a review of over 50 studies, researchers concluded coffee hydrates similar to plain water. So there is no need to guzzle extra H20 to “cancel out” your coffee. 

The only exceptions are with mega-doses of caffeine well over 500mg (5+ cups). Caffeine sensitivity, exercise and heat also heighten dehydration risk.

Under normal conditions, coffee won’t dehydrate you. But it makes good sense to balance coffee with adequate water intake daily.

The Truth About Coffee for Health

While myths impugn coffee, the proven benefits are plentiful:

• Antioxidants – Rich source of polyphenols that reduce inflammation and cellular damage
• Metabolic aid – Improves insulin sensitivity, blood sugar regulation, weight management
• Performance enhancer – Boosts energy, alertness, strength, endurance and cognition
• Disease prevention – Lowers risks of diabetes, cancer, neurodegeneration, liver disease
• Longevity – Linked to longer lifespan and healthier aging

Coffee is truly a superfood that most people can enjoy daily with confidence. But not all coffee is  equal when it comes to health impacts.

When it comes to top-quality coffee, brands like Purity Coffee are experts in their field.  They oversee everything, from sourcing organic beans to gently roasting them, and even test for over 800 potential contaminants. Use the code “HEALTHYHOMES20” to snag a 20% discount on your purchase.

For more information about the benefits of coffee and the roasting process, check out our interview with coffee expert Andrew Salisbury.

When you select your coffee carefully, you can enjoy the most popular drink in the world, knowing that it’s benefiting your health with every sip.