Common Myths About Caffeine You Need To Stop Believing

Caffeine is a natural, legal, and nonregulated psychoactive drug that is present in coffee, preworkout drinks, cola beverages, chocolate, and energy drinks. It is the most widely used drug in the world and typically boosts energy and euphoria, which helps to fight fatigue. Despite its popularity, several myths about caffeine remain common. Here are six caffeine myths that are simply not true.

It Is Highly Addictive

Caffeine is a somewhat chemically addictive drug that stimulates the brain and central nervous system. However, caffeine should not be considered a physically addictive drug. Although people who consume caffeine regularly may experience irritability and headaches if they do not get their daily dose, caffeine does not threaten their physical or social well-being. In addition, caffeine withdrawal symptoms pale in comparison to those of other drugs and alcohol, and they last for only a few days. Thus, although caffeine may seem like a highly addictive substance because as many as eighty percent of American adults consume it on a regular basis, it is not.

It Is Dehydrating

Beverages that contain caffeine are often believed to have a dehydrating effect, but this is not entirely true. Despite popular belief, caffeine does not cause dehydration. Instead, it increases urination through its diuretic effect. Lawrence Armstrong, a professor of kinesiology at the University of Connecticut, conducted a study that put this myth to rest once and for all. He found that hydration levels between coffee drinkers and nondrinkers were remarkably similar. The water in coffee and tea balances the dehydrating effects of caffeine adequately, although the best way to stay hydrated is to drink water regularly. A daily cup of coffee or an energy drink will do little to negatively affect the body's hydration levels.