Myths About Coffee

Coffee is a delicious drink enjoyed across the globe and its smell are enough to get your day started just the right way. However, it is very hard to enjoy your cup of coffee when there are a handful of myths surrounding what's in your cup. It's almost saddening how coffee lovers tend to believe any myth that comes their way - without consulting or carrying their own research.

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Coffee is naturally caffeinated and people love it. Just the same way negative things about good people circulate quickly, it's the same with coffee. To be honest, coffee can have both negative and positive effects on your emotional and physical well-being depending on intake levels. Nonetheless, here are classic rumors about coffee. 

1. Storing Coffee Bean in The Freezer Or Fridge Keeps it Fresh

While it is good to keep your beans somewhere safe and cool, the freezer or fridge will create much moisture on your coffee beans. As you already know, moisture is coffee's number one enemy. Though some people believe storing coffee in the fridge or freezer helps maintain freshness, it actually does the opposite.

Coffee beans turn bad really quickly and lose or dull the taste. The freezer or fridge is not harmful to their humid environment alone, the temperature fluctuations cause severe damage to the flavor. By taking the coffee beans in and out of the freezer or fridge every day, you just exacerbate the situation because the sudden changes in temperature distort the quality of the coffee leaving you with flavorless beans.

2. Espresso Bean Has More Caffeine Than Regular Coffee

A common assumption keeps on circulating that espresso is more caffeinated than a regular cup of coffee! It's no surprise to see hardcore coffee drinkers order shots of espresso straight up. However, when you dig deep, the regular coffee has more caffeine than the espresso.

A twelve oz regular coffee has about 120mg of caffeine while a two or double oz shot of espresso has about 80mg. When examined from a beverage perspective, an espresso will have just 10mg of caffeine in the standard cup when brewed. A cup of regular coffee is always better as it has more caffeine concentration.

3. Dark Roast Coffee Has More Caffeine Than Light Roast

When it comes to roasting coffee beans, coffee drinkers usually split into two categories. There are those who believe dark roasts have more caffeine while the other group believes caffeine is burnt during dark roasting hence light roast beans have more caffeine.

The truth, however, is that caffeine levels remain pretty much or less the same regardless of the roasting stage or process. Therefore you might be enjoying the same amount of caffeine. The only difference that dark and light roast coffee beans have it's the taste. Therefore, it is not a question of the shade, if you want more caffeine, just add more coffee.

The other myth associated with caffeine is that decaf coffee is caffeine-free. Regardless of the manufacture procedures, there is no way you can completely decaffeinate coffee beans. A standard cup of decaf coffee will contain about 15 to 20% of caffeine. So if your daily intake is about four or five cups made of decaf coffee, you might be enjoying a cup of regular coffee.

4. Coffee Dehydrates You

How many times have you been warned about dehydration when someone catches you reaching for a second cup of coffee? Well, if it happens next time, feel free to grab that second cup because this is a myth. Coffee is diuretic which means it can dehydrate you. What makes this myth funny is an average cup of coffee contains 98.7% of water. While taking coffee does not replace the importance of taking water in its purest form, saying it contributes to dehydration is a pure misconception. If you prefer drinking decaf over regular coffee and would want to know if it has the same effects, check out this article about decaf coffee and dehydration.

5. Coffee Sobers You Up

Not only is this a myth but also dangerous. The belief that a cup of coffee will cheer or sober you up utterly false. A study conducted by APA (American Psychological Association) concluded caffeine present in coffee does not reverse the cognitive impact of alcohol. People who have consumed alcohol, for example, vodka or red bull may feel awake and sober enough to handle potentially dangerous situations like driving while intoxicated.

Therefore, if anyone suggests they are okay to drive themselves home after a cup of coffee, don't take their word! The alcohol content in their system remains the same.

6. Coffee Is Highly Addictive

This myth has some truth to it depending on what your definition of 'addictive' is. People tend to exaggerate the addiction effects. A regular intake of coffee means you take a lot of caffeine which stimulates the nervous system. This results in a mild physical dependence on coffee.

However, quitting coffee will not put you in severe withdrawal symptoms or to an extent that you will be required to visit a rehabilitation center to get cleaned up. While quitting coffee suddenly might lead to muscle pain, headaches, nausea and flu-like symptoms, the best approach is to reduce the intake over time. This way, you will be able to steer your way past the nasty periods or symptoms.

7. Coffee Is Harmful To Your Heart

Moderate coffee intake contains about 300mg of caffeine. This is approximately three cups. Apparently, this amount of caffeine has no harm in most adults. People who are sensitive to caffeine usually experience a slight rise in blood pressure and heartbeat. Studies conducted do not link caffeine present in coffee to any irregular heartbeats or cardiovascular disorders.

If however, you have any heart problems or high blood pressure, have a talk with your doctor about caffeine intake. People at old age are also advised to regulate their coffee intake. Studies are still in place to determine whether coffee increases the chances for stroke in people experiencing high blood pressure or those in old age.

8. Coffee Is Bad For Pregnant Women

This assumption most likely came from a “better safe than sorry” mindset. Many studies have been conducted and none links standard intake of caffeine (1 to 2 cups) per day to any of the following:

-Premature birth.

-Having trouble with conceiving.

-Birth defects.

-Miscarriage or

-Low birth rates

While many studies have not shown any risk of caffeine on the fetus, those attempting pregnancy or those who are already pregnant are advised to keep their caffeine intake below 200mg per day.

Caffeine present in coffee has a number of proven health benefits. The list keeps on growing and getting interesting. In the same way, the list on the myth keeps on expanding too. Any regular coffee drinker will tell you a cup of coffee increases alertness, energy, and concentration. 

Studies have been conducted all through and scientists found a slower increase in cognitive abilities among women who consumed coffee. If you are a coffee lover, it is time to shake off all negative myths associated with coffee.