Coffee Myths Debunked

Once upon a time, there was a great TV show called MythBusters. The hosts would use a combination of the scientific method and special effects to debunk some of the world's most well-known myths, test the reality of scenes from popular movies or explore the validity of common adages and folklore.

Debunking moon landing conspiracies, trying out different stunts from MacGyver, rocketing a water heater hundreds of feet into the air... nothing was off limits.

Well, coffee has its fair share of rumors, myths and lore, too. And while we aren't as cool, smart or dedicated to myth busting as the MythBusters, here are three of our favorite coffee myths, debunked.

1. Coffee Causes Ulcers.
   
   This one was actually debunked on my birthday in 2013. Well, the study was published on that day. While I was busy turning 25 (🤯) and very likely contributing nothing of value to the world, a team of researchers in Japan was busy proving that there is No Association of Coffee Consumption with Gastric Ulcer, Duodenal Ulcer, Reflux Esophagitis, and Non-Erosive Reflux Disease.
   
   That being said, coffee can increase stomach acid production, so we always recommend a darker roast (less acidity) for people already dealing with gastrointestinal issues, like GERD!
   
   
2. Coffee Dehydrates You.
   
   Do you know why people jokingly refer to coffee as "bean water?" Because... drum roll please... it's BEAN WATER! Ok, all jokes aside, that's a bit misleading. But coffee is, simply put, a drink made from ground coffee beans and water.
   
   Now, caffeine is a diuretic, so it will increase urine production. But the intake of fluid from coffee outweighs any loss of fluid. Check out what the Mayo Clinic has to say about it here.
   
   In any case, you should probably just stick with water before, during and after any strenuous physical activity or sports. But enjoying an icy cold brew on a hot and humid summer day isn't going to hospitalize you for dehydration.
   
   
3. Coffee Stunts Your Growth.
   
   At our local farmer's markets, we'll often be approached by kids who want to try our samples. (These are usually older kids, like tweens or teens in middle school. I can't recall the last time a first grader liked coffee, let alone wanted to try it.) 
   
   Any hesitation we might have is typically due to caffeine intake. Young people don't need caffeine. As a father of two school-aged kids, trust me on this. And we simply don't want to upset any parents who might have their own rules about that.
   
   But coffee in small doses is not going to stunt their growth. (At the very least, there is no direct link). Genetics determines height, and it can be negatively impacted by poor nutrition, sanitation and sleep over many years, too.
   
   If your kid wants to get into coffee but might be a little on the young side, try decaf! And get them used to the idea of coffee without sugary additives. Energy drinks and soda are much worse for them than coffee.
   
   In the end, it's all about moderation. Adults can and often do experience negative side effects from too much caffeine - jitters, anxiety, sleep disruption, etc. The same goes for children. When in doubt, at least have them wait until they are 13, when most kids have begun puberty.