Coffee in the News

The topic of coffee and health is regularly featured in news and lifestyle titles around the world. On this page we look at the science behind some of the latest trending topics on coffee and health.

“Bulletproof coffee” is a drink containing coffee and added butter or coconut oil. It has gained popularity through claims that it gives long-lasting energy, boosts concentration and keeps you fuller for longer. But is there any validity to the reports?

Last updated March 2019

Bulletproof coffee is a blend of coffee with butter and other fats including coconut oil. The resulting drink is much higher in calories than a typical cup of coffee, simply because adding fats or oils to foods increases the energy level. While adding fat to coffee will take longer to digest in the body (therefore […]

Advocates of the “coffee nap” drink a cup of coffee before they have a short sleep, as a way to boost energy levels. Find out the science behind the trend here.

Last updated March 2019

A “Coffee nap” – drinking coffee before a short nap of 15-20 minutes – is thought to increase energy because of its effect on adenosine, a compound which promotes sleep. Caffeine and adenosine have similar structures, so caffeine can act as an imposter and block the actions of adenosine, replacing tiredness with feelings of alertness […]

“Mushroom coffee” is a blend of ground coffee with powdered fungus. Fans of the drink say it can increase alertness and boost immunity and cardiovascular function. So what is the science behind the trend?

Last updated March 2019

Mushroom coffee is a combination of coffee and extract of mushroom, which claims to have ‘half the caffeine and double the effects of coffee’. When eaten, mushrooms provide a range of nutrients including potassium and selenium. Coffee contains a number of active compounds, the best known of which is probably caffeine. Caffeine is a mild […]