Introduction: Between Faith and Bean
Coffee is the most popular hot beverage in Germany – even more so than tea, water, or beer. It's no wonder, then, that numerous myths, half-truths, and misconceptions surround this daily ritual. Whether it's about caffeine content, health effects, or proper preparation: what persists isn't always factually correct.
One of the most well-known myths is that espresso contains more caffeine than filter coffee. But how much truth is there to this? And what about statements like "coffee dehydrates the body" or "coffee is unhealthy on an empty stomach"?
A nuanced perspective separates sound knowledge from mere assertion.
Myth 1: Espresso contains more caffeine than filter coffee
The origin of the misunderstanding
Espresso tastes strong, concentrated, and intense – for many, a synonym for "strong." This leads to a seemingly logical conclusion: stronger taste means more caffeine. But this connection is not scientifically sound.
The figures in comparison
|
Coffee variant
|
portion
|
Caffeine content (approx.)
|
|
Espresso (30 ml)
|
1 Shot
|
60–80 mg
|
|
Filter coffee (200 ml)
|
1 cup
|
90–140 mg
|
The caffeine content per milliliter is indeed higher in espresso. However, since a serving is significantly smaller, the absolute caffeine content of filter coffee is generally higher than that of espresso.
Why is that?
- The contact time between the water and the coffee grounds is significantly longer with filter coffee, which promotes a higher caffeine extraction.
- More coffee powder is used (10–12 g compared to 7–8 g for espresso).
- The larger amount of water carries more caffeine into the finished cup.
Conclusion
Wrong. Espresso has a more intense flavor, but contains less caffeine per serving than a cup of filter coffee.
Myth 2: Coffee dehydrates the body
What many believe
Because of its diuretic effect, coffee is often referred to as a "dehydrating drink". As a result, many people consciously avoid coffee to prevent jeopardizing their fluid balance.
The facts
Caffeine can have a short-term diuretic effect – especially in people who rarely drink coffee. However, with regular consumption, the body develops a tolerance to this effect. Therefore, coffee does indeed contribute to fluid balance.
Numerous studies confirm that coffee should be considered a hydrating beverage – similar to water or tea. The assumption that it dehydrates the body is scientifically unfounded.
Conclusion
False. Coffee does not have a dehydrating effect and can be counted as part of your regular daily fluid intake.
Myth 3: Coffee is unhealthy on an empty stomach
The assumption
Many believe that drinking coffee on an empty stomach is harmful – it is said to increase stomach acid production, irritate the mucous membranes, or even lead to long-term stomach problems.
The reality
Coffee does indeed stimulate the production of stomach acid – that's undisputed. However, in healthy individuals, this effect is usually unproblematic. The stomach is designed to handle acidic substances – even in the morning.
For people with pre-existing sensitivities, such as those with reflux, gastritis, or irritable bowel syndrome, coffee on an empty stomach can trigger discomfort. In such cases, it is recommended to consume coffee after a meal or to switch to more stomach-friendly roasts.
Conclusion
Partly correct. For healthy people, coffee on an empty stomach is harmless. Those who are sensitive should make individual adjustments.
Myth 4: Coffee causes high blood pressure
The claim
Coffee leads to permanently elevated blood pressure.
The scientific assessment
Caffeine can cause a short-term increase in blood pressure – especially in people who rarely drink coffee. However, long-term studies have shown that regular coffee consumption has no lasting effect on blood pressure in healthy adults .
On the contrary: some studies even showed a slightly protective effect on the cardiovascular system , especially with moderate consumption of two to four cups daily.
Conclusion
False. Coffee does slightly raise blood pressure in the short term, but it does not lead to chronic hypertension in healthy people.
Myth 5: Caffeine is as addictive as a drug.
Public perception
Caffeine is often equated with addictive substances – especially in the context of habits, sleep problems or withdrawal symptoms.
The differentiation
Caffeine can create a certain dependence in the sense of habituation – with well-known effects such as headaches or fatigue upon sudden abstinence. However, unlike classic addictive substances, caffeine does not lead to loss of self-control, compulsive behavior, or physical deterioration .
The symptoms are usually mild and reversible after a few days.
Conclusion
Partly correct. Caffeine can trigger a habituation, but it does not meet the criteria for physical or psychological dependence in a clinical sense.
Why coffee myths persist so stubbornly
Coffee myths often persist for decades because they are emotionally charged, deeply rooted in culture, or stem from earlier scientific assumptions. Subjective perceptions also play a role: a strong taste is equated with a strong effect, frequent urination with dehydration, and an acidic stomach with danger.
However, especially in a society with high coffee consumption, differentiated education is necessary – because only those who understand how coffee actually works can make informed decisions and enjoy it consciously.
Conclusion: Between flavors, facts, and misunderstandings
Coffee is far more than an everyday indulgence – it is a biochemically complex, culturally charged, and emotionally powerful product. It accompanies our daily lives in a wide variety of contexts – as a morning pick-me-up, a social companion, a conscious indulgence, or a functional energy source. But it is precisely this multifaceted nature that makes it susceptible to misinterpretation.
Many widespread myths – such as those about the supposedly higher caffeine content of espresso, the diuretic effect of coffee, or health concerns about consuming it on an empty stomach – seem so credible because they are based on plausible everyday observations . They sound intuitively correct, but upon closer inspection, they lack scientific validity .
A more nuanced view reveals that the effects of coffee depend heavily on context – on the preparation, the dose, the individual's physical condition, and the regularity of consumption. Coffee is neither universally "healthy" nor "unhealthy." It is a carrier of active ingredients whose effects should be understood – not assumed.
This insight isn't just an academic detail, but a real benefit for anyone who wants to consciously enjoy coffee. Because those who understand the scientific principles can not only avoid unnecessary worries, but also make better decisions: Which variety, which preparation method, which time of day suits me best?
Sound knowledge replaces uncertainty – and makes room for enjoyable, informed decisions in everyday life.
Coffee deserves more than mere opinions: it deserves enlightenment, curiosity, and respect. And therein lies its true strength – beyond myths and misunderstandings.
Coffee myths debunked: What's really true?
Introduction: Between Faith and Bean
Coffee is the most popular hot beverage in Germany – even more so than tea, water, or beer. It's no wonder, then, that numerous myths, half-truths, and misconceptions surround this daily ritual. Whether it's about caffeine content, health effects, or proper preparation: what persists isn't always factually correct.
One of the most well-known myths is that espresso contains more caffeine than filter coffee. But how much truth is there to this? And what about statements like "coffee dehydrates the body" or "coffee is unhealthy on an empty stomach"?
A nuanced perspective separates sound knowledge from mere assertion.
Myth 1: Espresso contains more caffeine than filter coffee
The origin of the misunderstanding
Espresso tastes strong, concentrated, and intense – for many, a synonym for "strong." This leads to a seemingly logical conclusion: stronger taste means more caffeine. But this connection is not scientifically sound.
The figures in comparison
Coffee variant
portion
Caffeine content (approx.)
Espresso (30 ml)
1 Shot
60–80 mg
Filter coffee (200 ml)
1 cup
90–140 mg
The caffeine content per milliliter is indeed higher in espresso. However, since a serving is significantly smaller, the absolute caffeine content of filter coffee is generally higher than that of espresso.
Why is that?
Conclusion
Wrong. Espresso has a more intense flavor, but contains less caffeine per serving than a cup of filter coffee.
Myth 2: Coffee dehydrates the body
What many believe
Because of its diuretic effect, coffee is often referred to as a "dehydrating drink". As a result, many people consciously avoid coffee to prevent jeopardizing their fluid balance.
The facts
Caffeine can have a short-term diuretic effect – especially in people who rarely drink coffee. However, with regular consumption, the body develops a tolerance to this effect. Therefore, coffee does indeed contribute to fluid balance.
Numerous studies confirm that coffee should be considered a hydrating beverage – similar to water or tea. The assumption that it dehydrates the body is scientifically unfounded.
Conclusion
False. Coffee does not have a dehydrating effect and can be counted as part of your regular daily fluid intake.
Myth 3: Coffee is unhealthy on an empty stomach
The assumption
Many believe that drinking coffee on an empty stomach is harmful – it is said to increase stomach acid production, irritate the mucous membranes, or even lead to long-term stomach problems.
The reality
Coffee does indeed stimulate the production of stomach acid – that's undisputed. However, in healthy individuals, this effect is usually unproblematic. The stomach is designed to handle acidic substances – even in the morning.
For people with pre-existing sensitivities, such as those with reflux, gastritis, or irritable bowel syndrome, coffee on an empty stomach can trigger discomfort. In such cases, it is recommended to consume coffee after a meal or to switch to more stomach-friendly roasts.
Conclusion
Partly correct. For healthy people, coffee on an empty stomach is harmless. Those who are sensitive should make individual adjustments.
Myth 4: Coffee causes high blood pressure
The claim
Coffee leads to permanently elevated blood pressure.
The scientific assessment
Caffeine can cause a short-term increase in blood pressure – especially in people who rarely drink coffee. However, long-term studies have shown that regular coffee consumption has no lasting effect on blood pressure in healthy adults .
On the contrary: some studies even showed a slightly protective effect on the cardiovascular system , especially with moderate consumption of two to four cups daily.
Conclusion
False. Coffee does slightly raise blood pressure in the short term, but it does not lead to chronic hypertension in healthy people.
Myth 5: Caffeine is as addictive as a drug.
Public perception
Caffeine is often equated with addictive substances – especially in the context of habits, sleep problems or withdrawal symptoms.
The differentiation
Caffeine can create a certain dependence in the sense of habituation – with well-known effects such as headaches or fatigue upon sudden abstinence. However, unlike classic addictive substances, caffeine does not lead to loss of self-control, compulsive behavior, or physical deterioration .
The symptoms are usually mild and reversible after a few days.
Conclusion
Partly correct. Caffeine can trigger a habituation, but it does not meet the criteria for physical or psychological dependence in a clinical sense.
Why coffee myths persist so stubbornly
Coffee myths often persist for decades because they are emotionally charged, deeply rooted in culture, or stem from earlier scientific assumptions. Subjective perceptions also play a role: a strong taste is equated with a strong effect, frequent urination with dehydration, and an acidic stomach with danger.
However, especially in a society with high coffee consumption, differentiated education is necessary – because only those who understand how coffee actually works can make informed decisions and enjoy it consciously.
Conclusion: Between flavors, facts, and misunderstandings
Coffee is far more than an everyday indulgence – it is a biochemically complex, culturally charged, and emotionally powerful product. It accompanies our daily lives in a wide variety of contexts – as a morning pick-me-up, a social companion, a conscious indulgence, or a functional energy source. But it is precisely this multifaceted nature that makes it susceptible to misinterpretation.
Many widespread myths – such as those about the supposedly higher caffeine content of espresso, the diuretic effect of coffee, or health concerns about consuming it on an empty stomach – seem so credible because they are based on plausible everyday observations . They sound intuitively correct, but upon closer inspection, they lack scientific validity .
A more nuanced view reveals that the effects of coffee depend heavily on context – on the preparation, the dose, the individual's physical condition, and the regularity of consumption. Coffee is neither universally "healthy" nor "unhealthy." It is a carrier of active ingredients whose effects should be understood – not assumed.
This insight isn't just an academic detail, but a real benefit for anyone who wants to consciously enjoy coffee. Because those who understand the scientific principles can not only avoid unnecessary worries, but also make better decisions: Which variety, which preparation method, which time of day suits me best?
Sound knowledge replaces uncertainty – and makes room for enjoyable, informed decisions in everyday life.
Coffee deserves more than mere opinions: it deserves enlightenment, curiosity, and respect. And therein lies its true strength – beyond myths and misunderstandings.