I looove my coffee! I feel it’s relaxing and pleasant, and I often associates it with good company or me-time.

So what is it about this drink that makes many people scratch their heads?

Earlier research linking coffee to health problems such as heart disease and asthma, have also had another thing in common that has probably biased the results: cigarettes. This unfortunate involvement is one reason which has contributed giving coffee a slightly undeserved, bad reputation.

But it doesn’t mean coffee is completely off the hook!

Let’s have a look at some myths and hot discussion topics:

1.Coffee raises cholesterol

It all comes down to the method of coffee brewing. Research shows that high intake (more than 6 coffee cups a day) of  unfiltered coffee and French press coffee may increase total cholesterol levels, while instant coffee and filtered coffee rarely or never do. When using filter, the oils related to increase the cholesterol is filtered out.

2. Several cups of coffee a day increases your chances of cardiovascular decease.

American Heart Association can’t see any correlation between a normal intake of coffee (3-5 cups a day) and CVD.

3. Coffee leads to depression

Let me state the fact that some people can be more sensitive to coffee than others, but research keeps showing that

4. Decaffinated coffee is better than caffinated coffee.

According to articles by Harvard University, decaffinated coffee can be a good alternative for sensitive people and people who don’t drink coffee on a regular basis. Those who drink coffee daily develop some kind of tolerance for caffeine.

5. Darker roasted coffee contains a higher level of caffeine than lighter roasted coffee.

Actually, lighter roasted coffee has a slighty higher concentration of caffeine.

6. Caffeine has a diuretic effect, and therefore should be avoided in a healthy diet.

Caffeine do have a slightly diuretic effect, but this is recognised to be offset by the total amount of fluid from the coffee. Even though there are not enough scientific studies to draw a conclusion, many people also find coffee being helpful going to the toilet in the morning. This association is also backed by a number of experts. 

TAKE HOME MESSAGE:

Coffee is rarely alone to blame when people are suffering with lifestyle related health challenges. However, our sensitivity towards coffee varies a lot, but studies of representatives from the general public shows that a normal intake of coffee (3-5 cups a day) can be a part of a healthy diet.

What surprised you the most?