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Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world, yet it’s still surrounded by persistent myths and misunderstandings. Here, we take a closer look at some of the most common claims and what current knowledge actually tells us.
The term “strong” is often used ambiguously when describing coffee.
If strength refers to flavour intensity, dark roast coffees are typically perceived as stronger due to their bold, bitter, and smoky characteristics developed during longer roasting.
However, if strength refers to caffeine content, the difference is minimal. In fact, lighter roasts may contain slightly more caffeine by volume because the beans are denser. As coffee beans are roasted longer, they expand and lose mass, which can slightly reduce caffeine per scoop.
Conclusion: Dark roast coffee has a stronger taste, but not significantly more caffeine.
This perception is largely outdated. Advances in decaffeination methods—such as the Swiss Water Process and carbon dioxide extraction—allow caffeine to be removed while preserving much of the coffee’s original flavour profile.
Decaffeinated coffee is often chosen by individuals who are sensitive to caffeine or who wish to enjoy coffee later in the day without affecting sleep.
Importantly, decaf coffee can be produced from high-quality beans and retain complex flavours, depending on sourcing and roasting practices.
Conclusion: Decaf is not inherently lower in quality; it depends on the same factors as regular coffee—origin, processing, and roasting.
Caffeine does have a mild diuretic effect, but research shows that regular coffee consumption does not lead to dehydration in habitual drinkers.
Coffee is composed primarily of water, and its hydrating effects generally offset any fluid loss caused by caffeine.
Conclusion: Coffee contributes to daily fluid intake and does not dehydrate the body when consumed in moderation.
Myth 4: Coffee Stunts Growth
This is a long-standing myth with no scientific basis. There is no evidence linking coffee consumption to reduced growth in children or adolescents.
The misconception may have originated from concerns about caffeine’s effect on calcium absorption, but current research indicates that moderate caffeine intake does not negatively impact bone health in individuals with a balanced diet.
Conclusion: Coffee does not affect height or growth.
Myth 5: Coffee Helps You Sober Up
While coffee can increase alertness and temporarily reduce feelings of fatigue, it does not affect blood alcohol concentration (BAC).
This can create a false sense of sobriety, where individuals feel more awake but remain impaired.
Conclusion: Coffee does not speed up the metabolism of alcohol; only time reduces intoxication.
Coffee is grown in specific regions known as the “coffee belt,” which includes areas near the equator such as Central and South America, Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia.
Europe does not produce coffee commercially due to its climate. When coffee is described as “European,” it typically refers to roasting style or location, not where the beans were grown.
Additionally, freshness is a key factor in flavour. Coffee begins to lose its aromatic compounds after roasting.
Conclusion: Coffee labelled as “European” is roasted there, not grown there.
Ultimately, the quality of your coffee depends far more on freshness, sourcing, and preparation than on the myths surrounding it so with that in mind, here’s a couple of things you can do to elevate your brew:
