Seven Most Common Misconceptions about Coffee

       Coffee is one of the most adored beverages around the world and also the one that is most talked about. People are still not sure if they can enjoy the cup of the beloved drink without consequences. These are the most common myths about coffee and caffeine. 

1.      Caffeine in coffee causes insomnia – This is probably the most widespread misconception about caffeine. As a matter of fact, your body both absorbs and eliminates the caffeine quickly. In eight to ten hours, 75 percent of caffeine is eliminated from your body. It means that your morning coffee (or two… or three…) will not affect your sleep at night. However, if you are drinking coffee later in the day, make sure not to drink it, at least, six hours before bedtime. That is... If you can resist the sweet call of the coffee!

2.      Caffeine is addictive – Addiction is pretty much a broad term. Caffeine in no way can do to your body what ˝real˝ addictive drugs can do. It is noted that there is a mild physical addiction, but it is not considered endangering by many physicians. If, on the other hand, you want to be off the coffee wagon, you might experience some symptoms of discomfort like headache, anxiety, trouble concentrating, but they stay only for a few days.

3.      Caffeine sobers you up – Some people think that they are safe when taking alcohol and coffee at the same time. But most experts advise not to do that because caffeine does not boost the alcohol metabolism. It only stimulates the nervous system, which makes you think that you are more sober than you really are!

4.      Caffeine intake can lead to heart disease – Although the correlation between the two is still being examined, a cup of coffee or two a day can do you no harm. Actually, many studies have shown no association between drinking coffee and cardiovascular diseases. Even some researchers found that coffee, if taken moderately, can lower the risk of the coronary heart disease in women!

5.      Coffee causes the hypertension – Studies concerning this issue are still in progress. Still, some of them suggest that regular coffee consumption does not increase the risk of high blood pressure. If you happen to already have hypertension, be careful about your coffee intake and consult your doctor.

6.      The risk of osteoporosis – Low bone density is not proven to be associated with high caffeine intake. The data show that caffeine is not significant risk factor for osteoporosis. The caffeine itself does decrease calcium absorption, but the process can be neutralized by adding the slight amount of milk into your coffee. However, elderly women should limit the caffeine consumption to 300 mg per day. 

7.      Caffeine can help you lose weight – Although caffeine boosts your metabolism, the situation is trickier than you may think. If you thought that all you have to do is just sit and drink coffee and that it would lead to rapid weight loss… You were wrong! The benefits of caffeine are such that it can give you the significant amount of energy while working out and cause you to be more productive in the gym.

       So, coffee-lovers, it's up to you now...