Coffee definitely has its downsides,
and keeping track of how many cups of Americano you drink is a smart idea.
Still, demonizing the beverage isn’t fair. Coffee has one of the most controversial reputations out there: one day it’s praised as a miracle cure, the next it’s labeled almost harmful. Here are three common myths about coffee that have little to do with reality.
Myth #1: Coffee Causes Osteoporosis
This myth is based on a real scientific fact: caffeine can slightly increase calcium loss.
But in practice, the loss is so small that it’s unlikely to harm your bones. Scientists estimate that one cup of coffee leads to a loss of about 4–6 mg of calcium, while a single spoon of milk contains roughly 20 mg. So if you drink your coffee with milk, you’re already ahead, doctors explain.
What’s more, recent studies show that people who drink 2–3 cups of coffee a day have a 12–18% lower risk of hip fractures. The reason lies in coffee’s antioxidants, which reduce inflammation and help protect osteoblasts.
That said, moderation matters. Drinking 8–10 cups a day will almost certainly make you feel unwell. People with severe calcium or vitamin D deficiency should also limit or avoid coffee.
Myth #2: Coffee Destroys Cartilage
In reality, it’s the opposite. The main driver of cartilage degeneration is oxidative stress — and coffee contains polyphenols that act as antioxidants. Because of this, many modern rheumatologists consider moderate coffee consumption beneficial and even classify coffee as having cartilage-protective properties.
Myth #3: Coffee Is Addictive
Some people compare coffee to drugs or alcohol. If you suddenly stop drinking it, you may experience headaches or drowsiness — but that doesn’t mean caffeine causes addiction.
Caffeine blocks adenosine receptors. With regular intake, the body increases the number of these receptors. When coffee is abruptly removed, the excess receptors trigger unpleasant symptoms.
However, coffee does not alter consciousness, cause social harm, or lead to dependency comparable to alcohol, nicotine, or illicit substances. What we’re talking about here is habituation, not addiction.
