Does Coffee Count As Water? Here's What Experts Say
Hydration is a key part of a healthy body and mind. But with many of us starting our day with coffee, we could argue that a cup of joe is also a vital part of a functioning body and mind. According to Drive Research, 73% of people in the U.S. drink coffee every day, and 93% drink it at least once per week.
Between a love for hydration and coffee, you've probably wondered whether your daily cup counts toward your water intake. A black coffee, cold brew, or Americano is all water, right?
To get to the bottom of this, we consulted two health experts: Alex Larson, R.D.N., founder and CEO of Alex Larson Nutrition, and Dr. Raj Dasgupta, Chief Medical Advisor for Garage Gym Reviews.
Coffee drinkers, listen up. Both Larson and Dr. Dasgupta say yes, coffee can count toward your daily water intake.
"Even though caffeine can have a mild diuretic effect, the water in coffee usually makes up for it, especially if you're a regular drinker," Dr. Dasgupta says.
However, Larson adds that high amounts of caffeine might increase fluid loss for some people. This usually happens around 400mg or more of caffeine, or four or more cups of coffee per day.
In terms of how much caffeine is safe to drink, the FDA says up to 400mg of caffeine per day is "an amount not generally associated with negative effects."
The experts say other drinks like tea and soda also count toward hydration, but there are some caveats. Dr. Dasgupta says drinks high in sugar and additives, like soda and energy drinks, aren't the best way to hydrate.
"They're fine in moderation, but water and plain tea are better options," he says.
When it comes to staying hydrated, both Larson and Dr. Dasgupta recommend pairing coffee with water.
"A good rule of thumb is to pair each caffeinated beverage with a glass of water, especially around exercise or in hot weather," Larson says.
And how you start your day can make an impact, too.
"Starting your day with water, not just coffee, makes a big difference," Dr. Dasgupta says. He recommends keeping a water bottle nearby to sip on throughout the day.
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