We’ve been drinking coffee for over 400 years, so it’s not too surprising that we have built up an ideology and set of beliefs surrounding the ritual of our morning cup.

But, as with most things in life, don’t believe everything you hear. Many of the most readily accepted coffee theories are in fact completely wrong and these misconceptions could be ruining the enjoyment of the delicious beverage.

Here’s eight of the most popular myths debunked:

1. COFFEE STUNTS YOUR GROWTH

This has no basis in science, but is one of the most commonly believed coffee myths.

2. ESPRESSO CONTAINS MORE CAFFEINE

A large number of people will opt for an espresso as an energy boost because they assume it contains more caffeine than a regular cup, but they are wrong. A standard 8 oz cup of coffee contains around 95-200mg of caffeine – that’s the equivalent of four espressos.

3. COFFEE CAUSES INSOMNIA

While coffee does contain caffeine, it can’t be totally blamed for missing a night’s sleep. Usually it takes around four to seven hours for half the effects of an average cup of coffee to wear off, with 75 percent gone within 10 hours. So a cup any time before 3pm should have been flushed out of your body by 10pm, meaning you can get a good night’s sleep. If you’re consuming coffee any later then it can have an interference, but blaming your morning latte on why you couldn’t sleep a wink, is just plain wrong.

4. COFFEE DEHYDRATES YOU

This is another very popular, but completely wrong held belief. According to a study by the University of Birmingham, coffee can actually hydrate you in a similar way to water.

5. FRESH ROASTED BEANS MAKE THE BEST COFFEE

When it comes to the best roasted beans, time isn’t the big factor many assume it to be. The flavours of roasted coffee beans can develop for up to three weeks after roasting and really it’s dependent on your own coffee palate.

6. THE BURNT ESPRESSO TASTE IS THE BARISTA’S FAULT

That burnt taste of an espresso isn’t caused by your barista burning the milk or extracting at a too high temperature, it is actually caused by Tannic acid a chemical found naturally in coffee. Sometimes in the extraction process it leaks into the coffee, giving it that burnt taste.

7. COFFEE WILL SOBER YOU UP

Coffee can make you more alert and focused thanks to the caffeine boost, but in terms of fighting or reversing the effects of alcohol – it’s not a magical cure.

8. DRINKING COFFEE HELPS YOU LOSE WEIGHT

If you thought drinking coffee was a magic metabolism booster that will help burn off excess fat, you’re wrong. If you’re looking to lose weight, it’s better to use the traditional route of exercise and dietary changes than relying on your morning cup.