If you are someone who loves coffee, you might have heard people saying it is linked to stunted growth. But is it true? Let’s find out!
Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world. Stats say that more than 2.25 billion cups of coffee are consumed every day. It is highly loved for its fantastic aroma, taste, and its ability to make you feel relaxed.
However, it is considered a myth of coffee. There is no evidence to prove that coffee can hinder proper bone development.
In a study, 81 women aged between 12 and 18 are tracked for six years.
There was no difference found when those who consumed the highest and lowest caffeine intake were compared.
The Myth of Coffee
Your height is usually linked to factors such as genes and your nutritional level. But the thought that coffee may stunt your growth might be formed because of the naturally found caffeine.
Research has found that caffeine intake may be associated with reduced calcium absorption leading to bone strength and health.
It is to be noted that the reduction in calcium absorption because of the caffeine intake is so small. However, in order to avoid the problem, you can add 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk to every 6-ounce cup(180 ml) of coffee you drink.
Though coffee does not stunt growth, it may lead to other harmful side effects. Some of them are:
- Low-quality sleep
- Tooth decay
- Caffeine addiction
- Increase in anxiety
How Much Coffee Is Safe?
For adults, it is safe to consume up to 400 mg of caffeine per day.
However, since children and women are much more sensitive to caffeine, the recommendation of caffeine may differ accordingly.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a maximum of 100 mg per day for children.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women may consider a caffeine intake of up to 300 mg per day. Crossing this limit might lead to miscarriage and low birth weight.
Other Myths of Coffee:
- Coffee may dehydrate you.
- Coffee helps with weight loss.
- It may lead to heart diseases and osteoporosis.
- Coffee will cure your hangover.
Conclusion:
We would like to conclude that there is no visible evidence that coffee can lead to stunted growth in adults. Hence, it is considered a myth of coffee. However, in order to avoid other side effects of consuming coffee, it is highly recommended to limit caffeine intake.
Drink Coffee… But not too much!
You can always enjoy 1 or 2 cups of coffee, but if you also have other sources of caffeine, it may lead to health issues such as headache, insomnia, and dizziness.
