MILAN – New evaluation from the Institute for Scientific Data on Espresso has revealed multiple million searches for espresso well being myths within the final 12 months* as deceptive content material regarding diet, wellbeing and low consumption continues to extend on social media platforms similar to TikTok and Instagram. There are actually greater than 20 million posts associated to espresso and caffeine on TikTok, whereas searches for “espresso” have elevated by 40% over the past 5 years. As a lot as 98% of diet content material on TikTok might be inaccurate when in comparison with public well being pointers, and with one in 5 folks now turning to social media for well being info, viral tendencies can unfold quickly and form well being behaviours no matter whether or not they’re supported by scientific proof.
Espresso is essentially the most consumed beverage worldwide and is extensively mentioned on-line. Among the commonest myths recognized via the evaluation of social media channels had been:
Fantasy: Espresso is dangerous on your coronary heart
Current research present no affiliation between espresso consumption and an elevated danger of heart problems (CVD) and coronary coronary heart illness (CHD). Analysis suggests {that a} reasonable consumption of espresso could scale back incidences of CVD and CVD mortality danger.
Fantasy: Decaffeinated espresso is pointless
Decaffeinated espresso nonetheless incorporates many compounds present in espresso, together with polyphenols, chlorogenic acids, antioxidants and important minerals like potassium and magnesium. Each caffeinated and decaffeinated espresso have additionally been linked to a decreased danger of sort 2 diabetes.
Fantasy: You shouldn’t drink espresso on an empty abdomen
There have been over 250,000 searches relating particularly to espresso and intestine well being, with a 50% enhance in searches for “espresso empty abdomen” in comparison with final 12 months. Analysis reveals that reasonable espresso consumption (3-5 cups per day) stimulates the discharge of gastric acid, bile and pancreatic enzymes, together with digestive hormones like gastrin and cholecystokinin (CCK), which assist to interrupt down meals, particularly fat, throughout digestion. Analysis additionally means that espresso consumption is related to a wholesome intestine microflora.
Fantasy: Espresso makes you dehydrated
Scientific research have demonstrated that espresso consumption contributes to fluid steadiness and doesn’t result in dehydration. Analysis reveals that when espresso is consumed sparsely, it contributes to fluid steadiness and doesn’t negatively have an effect on hydration, since it’s composed of greater than 95% water.
Kate Hilton tackles eating regimen myths throughout social media
As a Registered Dietitian, Kate Hilton tackles eating regimen myths throughout social media (@dietsdebunked on TikTok and Instagram):
“There are such a lot of espresso myths on social media. A lot of them are primarily based on grains of reality which were exaggerated or taken out of context, whereas others are merely not supported by the proof.
“From one of the best time to drink espresso, to its impression in your coronary heart well being, digestion and sports activities efficiency, it may be troublesome for folks to separate credible well being info from viral tendencies. That’s why it’s so essential to look critically at what we see on-line, examine the place info is coming from, and depend on certified well being professionals and respected, science-backed sources when making choices about eating regimen and well being.”
The Institute for Scientific Data on Espresso addresses misinformation
In response to the rise of coffee-related misinformation, the Institute for Scientific Data on Espresso has labored with Kate Hilton to handle among the commonest espresso well being myths circulating on-line. The brand new video and social media content material goals to assist viewers determine credible diet recommendation and higher perceive the present proof round espresso and well being.
For extra evidence-based info on espresso and well being, go to: https://www.coffeeandhealth.org/
References
MyFitnessPal (2024) Regarding New Statistics Spotlight Inaccurate Vitamin Developments on TikTok. Accessible at: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/concerning-new-statistics-highlight-inaccurate-nutrition-trends-on-tiktok-302114407.html (accessed 28 July 2026).
Pedroso AF, Dhingra LS, Khan M, Carter M, Aminorroaya A, Khera R. Use of Social Media for Well being Data Amongst US Adults. JAMA. 2026;336(4):336–339. doi:10.1001/jama.2026.8682.
O’Keefe J.H. et al. (2018) Espresso for Cardioprotection and Longevity. Prog Cardiovasc Dis, 61(1):38-42.
Simon J. et al. (2022) Gentle to reasonable espresso consumption is related to decrease danger of loss of life: a UK Biobank examine. Eur J Prev Cardiol, 29(6):982-991.
Chieng D., Canovas R., Segan L., et al. (2022) Results of ordinary espresso consumption on incident heart problems, arrhythmia, and mortality: findings from UK biobank. J Am Coll Cardiol, 79(9):1455.
Gunter M.J. et al. (2017) Espresso Consuming and Mortality in 10 European International locations: A Multinational Cohort Research. Ann Intern Med. 2017 Aug 15;167(4):236-247.
Ding M. et al. (2014) Caffeinated and decaffeinated espresso consumption and danger of sort 2 diabetes: a scientific evaluate and a dose-response meta-analysis. Diabetes Care. 37(2):569-86.
Nehlig A. (2022) Results of Espresso on the Gastro-Intestinal Tract: A Narrative Assessment and Literature Replace. Vitamins, 14(2):399.
Saygili S. et al. (2024) Results of Espresso on Intestine Microbiota and Bowel Features in Well being and Illnesses: A Literature Assessment. Vitamins, 16(18):3155.
Boscaini S.et al. (2026) Ordinary espresso consumption shapes the intestine microbiome and modifies host physiology and cognition. Nat Commun, 17, 3439.
Killer S. C. et al (2014): No Proof of Dehydration with Average Every day Espresso Consumption: A Counterbalanced Cross-Over Research in a Free-Residing Inhabitants. PLoS ONE, 9(1): e84154.
