In today’s society, with all the information easily accessible, it’s hard to know what a myth is or fake and what is true and factual. It is so easy to believe one post or video you find on social media and trust it. However, how do you know that is factual or credible? Below are eight common myths and facts in regard to coffee consumption such as its impact on cancer, acne, growth, heart disease, overcoming illness, addictiveness, osteoporosis and life expectancy.  

Myth 1: Coffee can lead to cancer   

Fact: In recent studies by the American Cancer Society, multiple cups of coffee a day can actually lower your risk of prostate cancer, liver cancer, endometrial cancer, breast cancer and certain cancers of the throat and mouth. Many ingredients in coffee have shown to help in DNA repair and have an anti-inflammatory response 

Myth 2: Coffee causes acne 

Fact: According to Health Line, Coffee itself does not directly cause acne or breakouts. However, the additives that many people put in their coffee may. The more sugar or sugary syrups added, and heavy milk will cause someone to be more prone to breakouts. If you are worried about acne, try to avoid adding unnecessary milk or sugar in your cup of coffee. 

Myth 3: Coffee stunts your growth

Fact: Coffee does not stunt your growth when consumed in moderation. However, if you drink multiple times a day and are getting caffeine in from other sources like energy drinks or vitamins you may want to cut back. Additionally, compounds in coffee have been linked to reduced calcium absorption which is needed in bone strength and growth which is why some fear coffee stunts growth. However, most people drink milk with coffee and that added coffee—even one tablespoon—can offset the reduced calcium reabsorption in coffee. 

Myth 4: Coffee can cause heart disease

Fact: John Hopkins hospital states that coffee that drinking around 2 cups of coffee a day can lower your risk for heart disease. As long as coffee is consumed in moderation, there has been no association between increased heart disease and drinking coffee.  The Nurse’s Health Study found that coffee drinkers are less likely to die from heart attacks, strokes, and other heart-related diseases. 

Myth 5: You should drink coffee when you’re sick

Fact: You should not drink coffee when you’re sick because coffee has a dehydrating property. It is important when you’re sick to drink lots of water, tea or juice. Staying hydrating helps your immune system better fight illness. According to WebMd, hydrated and avoiding coffee will help you recover faster. 

Myth 6: Coffee is not addictive 

Fact: While you would not consider coffee an “addictive drug”, it does have some addictive properties.WebMD states that if you stop taking caffeine abruptly you may experience a headache, fatigue or depressed mood. However, caffeine does not affect your social, physical, mental or economic health the way more addictive drugs do. (Unless you check your bank account after going to a coffee shop every day.)

Myth 7: Coffee may cause osteoporosis

Fact: While above we discussed how caffeine may reduce bone reabsorption and decrease bone growth, according to PubMed, there is no consistent data discussing the relationship between osteoporosis and coffee intake. However, among elderly women who already have decreased calcium levels, excessive coffee intake is not advisable. 

Myth 8: Coffee decreases your life expectancy

Fact: In recent studies by The Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging and Dementia (CAIDE), coffee was shown to decrease the risk of many diseases and therefore increasing life expectancy. Additionally, coffee is a natural vasodilator which means that the blood vessels are expanding allowing more blood to flow through your arteries and veins. This is good for your circulation. This increased blood flow helps feed your muscles and bones which keeps them healthy. 

The purpose of this post is to debunk some common misconceptions in regard to coffee consumption. John Hopkins hospital is a very credible source in helping debunking some of these myths. The internet is flooded with information these days and it’s hard to know what is a myth and what is factual. Hopefully, this post has helped clear some things up.