Popular Science: 4 coffee myths debunked by science

Coffee came to me late in life, so there is much to learn.

Dark roast isn’t stronger

Many people think that dark roasts are stronger, and have more caffeine, than light roasts. And this makes an intuitive sort of sense—dark roast has a stronger taste, so why wouldn’t it also have more caffeine. It’s not true, though.

My friend Boch knows a lot of stuff about a lot of stuff, and drinks a lot of coffee, so I learned this early on.  The take-away is that the process that makes dark roast, reduces the caffeine.

Coffee doesn’t stunt growth

Many people believe that kids shouldn’t drink coffee, or any kind of caffeinated beverage, because it prevents kids from growing. There is no scientific basis for this claim.

I’ve never heard this, but somehow knew that it would be controversial to have a coffee pot in the classroom.  My students were all smarter juniors and seniors.  Having coffee available would be a sign of respect by treating them like adults and many would benefit from a caffeine boost to get through the day.

It would be controversial because coffee is for adults.  When Admin came to yell at me, their rationale would be no more sophisticated than that. 

Obviously young children should not be given psychotropic drugs without medical supervision. 

Coffee doesn’t dehydrate you

Many people believe that drinking coffee is dehydrating. As with other myths, there’s a certain logic at work. Caffeine is a diuretic, which means that you’re more likely to urinate after drinking it.

People spend way too much time thinking about hydration.  They brag about how many ounces of water they drink in a day or they lug around a huge water bottle.  My guess is that they focus on hydration because it’s easier than exercising or eating properly.

If you rarely piss and it’s dark-colored when you do, then drink more water.  Other wise, drink when you’re thirsty.

Coffee doesn’t cause heart disease

Another common coffee myth: drinking can cause heart diseases. Again, you can see the logic at work—every coffee drinker knows that a cup can get your heart going. But research doesn’t connect drinking coffee to heart disease.

Caffeine is a central nervous stimulant.  Pay attention to your mind and body.  If coffee had no effect, then what would be the point?  For some people, a cup of coffee prompts a sit-down visit to the bathroom.  It can also suppress the appetite and improve alertness.

A friend would occasionally experience an elevated heart rate that was concerning enough that he talked to his doctor.  He was advised that his normal routine of 10 to 12 cups of coffee per day was excessive. 

Coffee is a life-style tool, like social media or a GPS.  It isn’t necessary, but used properly, can make your life better.