المصدر 7 - Coffee is one of the most loved beverages in the world. For millions, the day doesn’t truly begin until that first sip of caffeine hits the bloodstream. Yet despite its popularity, coffee is surrounded by persistent myths — old beliefs, half-truths, and misconceptions that refuse to die.

Some people think coffee dehydrates you.

Others believe it stunts your growth or damages your heart.

Some claim it’s unhealthy, while new research suggests the opposite.

So, what’s true and what’s not?

Here are six of the most common myths about coffee, supported by science — and what you should actually believe.

1. Myth: Coffee Dehydrates You

Truth: Coffee hydrates you almost as well as water

For years, people believed that coffee dehydrates the body because caffeine is a mild diuretic. While caffeine can increase urination slightly, research shows that the amount of fluid you get from coffee still hydrates the body.

Why this myth is wrong:

The hydration effect of water in coffee outweighs caffeine’s diuretic effect

Regular coffee drinkers develop tolerance to caffeine’s diuretic properties

Studies show coffee contributes to daily fluid intake

Bottom line:

Your morning cup of coffee is a perfectly valid source of hydration.

2. Myth: Coffee Stunts Your Growth

Truth: There is zero scientific evidence for this

This myth has been repeated for decades — but it’s completely false.

Why people believed it:

Early research linked caffeine to reduced calcium absorption

Parents used the myth to prevent kids from drinking coffee

Why this is incorrect:

Later studies show caffeine has only a very mild effect on calcium

Drinking coffee does NOT affect height

Growth is determined by genetics, hormones, nutrition, and childhood health — not coffee

Bottom line:

Coffee has nothing to do with how tall you grow.

3. Myth: Coffee Is Bad for Your Heart

Truth: Moderate coffee intake can actually protect your heart

Some people worry that coffee increases blood pressure or stresses the heart. Caffeine can temporarily raise blood pressure, but long-term effects are actually positive for most people.

What science says:

Coffee contains antioxidants that protect blood vessels

Regular coffee consumption is linked to lower risk of heart disease

Studies show 2–4 cups a day may reduce the risk of stroke

Exceptions:

People with uncontrolled hypertension or caffeine sensitivity should monitor intake.

Bottom line:

For most people, coffee is heart-friendly — not harmful.

4. Myth: Coffee Causes Insomnia No Matter What Time You Drink It

Truth: Only late-day coffee affects your sleep

Caffeine is stimulating, but it doesn’t stay in your system forever.

What actually happens:

Caffeine’s half-life is about 5–6 hours

Most people can drink coffee in the morning with no sleep issues

Sensitivity varies from person to person

Tips for better sleep:

Avoid coffee after 2–3 PM

Choose decaf in the evening

Reduce intake if you’re sensitive to caffeine

Bottom line:

Coffee doesn’t automatically cause insomnia — timing matters.

5. Myth: Dark Roast Coffee Has More Caffeine

Truth: Light roast actually contains slightly more caffeine

Many people assume darker beans are stronger, richer, and therefore higher in caffeine.

The opposite is true.

Why light roast has more caffeine:

Roasting beans breaks down caffeine molecules

Lighter roasts retain more bean density

Per scoop, light roast provides more caffeine

But here’s the twist:

Because dark roast beans are less dense, you may use more beans by weight, which narrows the caffeine difference.

Bottom line:

Roast level doesn’t drastically change caffeine — but light roast is slightly higher.

6. Myth: Coffee Is Bad for Your Stomach

Truth: Coffee only bothers people with specific sensitivities

Some people experience acid reflux, burning, or discomfort after drinking coffee — but this isn’t universal.

Why coffee may irritate some stomachs:

It stimulates acid production

It speeds up digestion

Some people have sensitive stomachs or GERD

However:

Coffee does NOT damage the stomach

Low-acid coffee exists for sensitivity

Cold brew is gentler on digestion

Good alternatives:

Cold brew

Low-acid coffee

Decaf

Coffee with a splash of milk

Bottom line:

Coffee isn’t automatically bad for your stomach — it depends on your sensitivity.

???? Bonus: Coffee Has Real Health Benefits

Modern research shows that coffee may:

Reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s

Lower the chance of Parkinson’s disease

Improve liver health

Boost metabolism

Provide powerful antioxidants

Enhance focus and alertness

Coffee is one of the richest antioxidant sources in the modern diet.