Coffee Myths: 15 Beliefs We’ve All Heard and the Truths Behind Them

1. Myth: Coffee dehydrates you.

Fact: While caffeine has a mild diuretic effect, regular coffee drinkers develop tolerance. Research shows coffee actually contributes to daily fluid intake and does not cause dehydration in moderate amounts.

2. Myth: Coffee causes heart disease.

Fact: Earlier flawed studies linked coffee to heart risks. Modern data, including large cohort studies, show no increased cardiovascular risk—and some benefits even in stroke reduction with moderate consumption.

3. Myth: Espresso has more caffeine than drip coffee.

Fact: Espresso is more concentrated per ounce, but a typical cup of drip coffee often has equal or more total caffeine depending on brew method and bean variety.

4. Myth: Dark roast contains more caffeine.

Fact: The roasting process burns off some caffeine. Light or medium roasts usually retain slightly more caffeine—though the difference is small.

5. Myth: Coffee stunts growth in children.

Fact: This myth originates from 1920s marketing. No scientific evidence supports it. Coffee does not affect bone growth or height.

6. Myth: Bold flavor equals more caffeine.

Fact: Flavor comes from roast and bean type—not caffeine. Robust flavor doesn’t imply higher caffeine; sometimes the opposite.

7. Myth: Coffee-enemas detoxify the body.

Fact: Used in alternative therapies without scientific support, coffee enemas provide no proven detox benefits and carry health risks.

8. Myth: Coffee increases osteoporosis risk.

Fact: Moderate intake may slightly reduce calcium absorption—but no real link to bone loss when calcium intake is adequate.

9. Myth: Coffee universally upsets the stomach.

Fact: While it may trigger reflux in some, most people tolerate moderate coffee fine. It is not shown to increase general gastrointestinal disorders.

10. Myth: Coffee makes you completely dependent, like a drug.

Fact: You can develop mild dependence and withdrawal symptoms (like headaches), but caffeine does not create true addiction like substances such as opioids or nicotine.

11. Myth: Coffee lowers mood and increases depression risk.

Fact: Some evidence suggests moderate caffeine intake is linked to lower depression risk and improved mood, especially in habitual drinkers.

12. Myth: Coffee causes cancer.

Fact: Large reviews found no conclusive link between coffee and cancer. In fact, some studies show lower risk of liver or endometrial cancers among regular drinkers.

13. Myth: Instant coffee has the same caffeine as regular brew.

Fact: Instant typically contains significantly less caffeine than fresh-ground bean coffee due to processing methods.

14. Myth: You should store coffee in the fridge.

Fact: Fridges are humid, which damages flavor compounds. Experts recommend storing beans in an airtight container at room temperature instead.

15. Myth: Coffee cures hangovers.

Fact: Although coffee may increase alertness, it does not reduce blood alcohol content or mitigate hangover symptoms. Hydration and rest remain primary remedies.

Bonus: Two Rare Coffee Myths

16. Myth: Adding butter to coffee boosts brain power instantly.

Fact: Popularized by "bulletproof coffee" trends, butter coffee doesn’t provide any special cognitive benefits beyond what regular coffee and healthy fats already offer. There is no scientific proof that blending butter and coffee has unique brain-enhancing properties.

17. Myth: Drinking coffee with lemon helps burn fat faster.

Fact: This social media trend has no scientific basis. While both coffee and lemon can support general health, combining them doesn’t accelerate fat loss beyond what caffeine alone may provide in boosting metabolism slightly.