Myth Buster: Are Coffee and Tea Dehydrating?

With a spotlight on what to sip for hydration

It’s common wisdom that coffee and tea are dehydrating…or is it? The answer is no! This is actually a really big myth, and one that should be “busted”.

While caffeine is a mild diuretic (ie, its consumption may cause you to urinate more frequently), in fact drinking caffeinated coffee or tea does not cause your body to “lose” more liquid than any other beverage.

Check out a few studies in this LiveScience article here. And we have links to many other studies and articles below!

So you can double-count your daily cuppas (thank you Darjeeling, for the caffeine boost AND one glass of water down!). Now let’s take a look at the absolute best ways to get uber-hydrated:

7. Green Tea: Green tea contains a powerful catechin (natural antioxidant) called EGCG which helps damage from free radicals. It’s also metabolism boosting — don’t mind if we do!

6. Nettle: Nettle is nourishing to the entire body, and may be consumed both medicinally and as a tisane. Nettle leaf tea has vitamin and mineral content that include most B vitamins, vitamin K, zinc, chromium, and selenium.

5. Hibiscus: Antioxidant rich hibiscus tisane has a big juicy flavor that makes it a perfect summer iced tea. Caffeine free, it also helps protect the liver and supports a healthy body weight.

4. Rose: The natural antioxidants found in rose petals help repair cellular damage. We all know that hydration = beautiful skin. Rose Tea is also rich in vitamins A and E, which help hydrate and tighten the skin, and diminish fine lines.

3. Chamomile: Caffeine -free chamomile is a calming, floral tea. Brewing and sipping this flower is also linked to blood sugar regulation.

2. Yerba Mate: This focus-boosting caffeinated plant is is chock-full of ingredients that help the body hydrate. These include vitamin B, vitamin C, manganese, potassium and zinc.

1. Rooibos: At Owl’s Brew, we consider red bush tea to be “nature’s Gatorade”. Rooibos contains calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, sodium, potassium and zinc, which means that that it offers both electrolytes and minerals.

We've included a few more links to check out here as well!

No, Coffee and Tea Aren't Actually Dehydrating. Here's Why

7 Thinks You Should Know About Staying Hydrated

PubMed Study-Black Tea & Hydration

PubMed Study - Coffee & Hydration