It’s Time to Debunk These Misconceptions About Coffee
Coffee is one of the most popular beverages
on the planet. Millions of people around the world can’t begin their
day without a hot mug of coffee. Statistics show that 30 million
American adults drink specialty coffee beverages every day!
There’s something so refreshing and
comforting about a warm cup of coffee, isn’t there? While it’s so dearly
loved, coffee is probably one of the most misunderstood drinks. For
example, you may have heard that coffee aids weight loss and cures a bad
hangover. There’s also a common belief that coffee is bad for health.
So, how many of these so-called facts are true? Let’s try and dispel
some common myths about caffeine.
Myth 1: Coffee is bad for your health
Some people believe that drinking coffee is
bad for health and avoid it altogether. Excessive consumption of coffee
is the problem. The right amount of coffee, in fact, is good for you.
According to a study conducted by Dr. Ang Zhou and Professor Elina
Hyppönen of the University of South Australia, drinking more than six
cups of coffee per day can negatively affect cardiovascular risk.
Furthermore, recent research by Harvard University found that consuming
about 2–5 cups of coffee a day “is linked to a lower likelihood of type 2
diabetes, heart disease, liver, and endometrial cancers, Parkinson’s
disease, and depression.” The study authors also note that moderate
coffee consumption can even reduce the risk of early death.
Myth 2: Storing coffee in the fridge extends its freshness
Many people believe that storing coffee in the fridge or freezer helps
extend its freshness. While it’s always better to consume coffee beans
when they’re fresh, storing them in the refrigerator isn’t the way. In
fact, storing coffee beans in the fridge or freezer can actually ruin
them, as it can cause too much moisture to condensate inside the
container. The beans absorb moisture quickly and this can cause them to
lose their potent flavor and may even result in mold.
Experts suggest storing your coffee in the pantry in an airtight
container.
Myth 3: A morning cup of coffee will cure your hangover
The suggestion that a cup of coffee can
help cure a hangover is incorrect. Caffeine does not speed up the
sobering process, even though you may feel a little less groggy after
drinking it. The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences notes that
coffee cannot reverse the effects of alcohol. Experts from the
university's Department of Emergency Medicine say that coffee cannot
sober you up, as it does not remove alcohol from the system. However,
they do add that coffee may help partially reverse the sedative effect
of alcohol.
Only time can help get rid of your hangover and sober you up. So, please
don’t depend on coffee for it.
Myth 4: Drinking coffee aids in weight loss
Caffeine is a stimulant that increases
metabolism in the body. However, experts say that it might not be
significant enough to bring any considerable change in weight.
Furthermore, research on the connection between caffeine and weight loss
isn’t definite. Theories suggest that caffeine can reduce the desire to
eat for a short while, but there’s no evidence to show that regular
consumption of coffee can help with weight loss. Sorry. Try exercising.
Myth 5: Darker roast coffee has more caffeine
Most people think that dark-roasted coffee
is much stronger and contains more caffeine than a light roast. Darker
roasts boast a stronger and bolder flavor, but that doesn’t mean it has
more caffeine. Quite the opposite, actually. Coffee beans lose caffeine
and mass in the roasting process, resulting in slightly less caffeine.
On the other hand, light-roasted coffee has the most caffeine, as it
spends the least amount of time roasting. Therefore, it retains the
highest amount of caffeine and acidity.
Myth 6: Drinking coffee in the afternoon will cause insomnia
The stimulating effects of caffeine can
give you an immediate increase in alertness and energy. While that can
help us stay focused, drinking too much coffee can also have a
disruptive effect on your sleep. That doesn’t mean, however, that your
afternoon cup of coffee will keep you awake at night. Researchers
recommend cutting off all caffeinated beverages and foods six hours
before bed. So, if you've been scared to drink that one cup of coffee at
2 pm... Well, you shouldn't be. Just make sure you don’t overdo it.