As a coffee lover I have heard many myths about my beloved drink. For some reason many people that don't like coffee tend to find some way of justifying their dislike. Some myths are based loosely on facts while others are pure fabrication.
When thinking of all the myths I have come across over the years, I chose the 5 that came up most often in conversation.
Myth #1: The best coffee is from Europe.
This one makes me giggle a bit. Coffee is not even grown in Europe! Yes, coffee in Europe is great but what's good about it is the roast and preparation. Italy is famous for espresso and France for the french press, but they get their coffee the same way everyone else does... from farmers in the "coffee belt"!
Myth #2: Coffee's acidity causes ulcers.
Recent studies have shown that most ulcers are caused by a bacteria called, Helicobacter pylori. Coffee can irritate an ulcer that is already there but there are many other factors involved. It's unhealthy gut flora, not your morning cup of coffee that is to blame!
Myth #3: Keeping your coffee in the refrigerator will keep it fresh.
It makes sense, initially. Usually we put things in the fridge to extend the freshness, but coffee beans have 3 enemies; Light, air and moisture! The moisture levels in a refrigerator are far too high for your precious beans. Coffee is also very porous, so any smells in there will be absorbed into your coffee. Tuna casserole leftovers in your morning cup anyone? I didn't think so! The best way to store your beans or ground coffee is in an airtight container stored in a cool dark place...not the fridge!
Myth #4: Coffee is bad for your kids!
There are many reasons people give to "prove" their point that kids shouldn't drink coffee. Everything from stunted growth to hyperactivity. In regards to growth, doctors used to link low bone density in patients to caffeine but soon discovered it was calcium and vitamin "D" not coffee that caused the bone loss. As far as coffee making kids hyper that's only partially true. In fact, a regular coffee has between 77-150mg of caffeine while the sugary drinks and energy sports drinks can have anywhere between 200-500mg of caffeine! Caffeine is a stimulant, but many children with hyperactivity disorders are prescribed stimulants to CALM them down! So next time you child asks for a sip of coffee, just think... Would you rather them drink a natural beverage that you can control or a sugar laden soft drink made in a factory with unnatural ingredients!
Myth #5: Coffee is bad for your health.
Just like the previous myth, this one is thrown around a lot. People are always saying to me "Melissa, don't you think you should cut back on the coffee? It's really bad for you!". I'll save some of this for a separate post but in short.. coffee is actually quite good for you. Antioxidants are abundant and coffee stimulates your production of dopamine as well! Dopamine elevates mood. When dopamine is released it effects the pleasure center in your brain, putting you in a better mood. This can also increase your chances of becoming addicted to coffee...but with all the other benefits coffee offers I am not sure that’s a bad thing!
If you know of any other coffee myths that have been debunked, please share them in the comments below!
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