– by Steve Sheppard –
With the summer weather upon us, and despite caffeine’s many benefits, there’s a belief (myth actually) out there that a daily coffee habit can cause dehydration. So is it true? Not according to the findings of a recent study performed in U.K. on the fluid levels of 50 men who had a habit of consuming about three to six cups of coffee each day.
The results showed that with this kind of moderate coffee consumption, the authors concluded: “coffee … provides similar hydrating qualities to water.” To compare the hydrating effects of coffee directly with water, each participant completed two phases of the study. In one phase, they drank coffee as their main source of hydration. In the other phase, the participants went off coffee and drank equal amounts of water.
“Caffeine really had absolutely no influence on hydration status,” concluded a professor of the University of Connecticut, a researcher asked to review the paper. In other words, the coffee didn’t prompt the body to pee (or flush out) more fluid which dispels the long-held myth.
The study also showed that people develop a tolerance for the potential diuretic effects of coffee, which would make sense as our bodies are pretty adaptable machines.
Prior research has already chipped away at the dehydrating myth. For instance, one study found that caffeine didn’t hinder hydration among athletes who consumed caffeinated beverages to rehydrate throughout practices in the heat.
This new study adds to the evidence that among everyday coffee drinkers – say, those of us who routinely sip a cup of Joe or two at the office – the old wives’ tale that coffee will lead to dehydration is really just that: a tale.
All studies aside … it would be an overreach to interpret these findings as coffee is the same as water when it comes to overall health. Too much coffee can lead to jitters, and most experts agree that water or sports drinks are best for rehydrating after fluids have been depleted.
Personally, I was relieved to hear the newest findings on coffee and hydration and that my daily coffee habit won’t lead to dehydration. My girlfriend counts my cups of water every day because it’s easier than counting my cups of coffee. I think I will start to enjoy “iced americanos” more in the upcoming hot months AND … will keep a water bottle close by to show her that I’m listening. (yes dear) … Steve out.
