Coffee Myths and Facts: Interview with Dr. Luna Martinez

Daniel

Welcome to Health Insights Today. I'm joined by Dr. Luna Martinez, a leading expert in sleep and nutrition. Dr. Martinez, thank you for being here to help us separate coffee facts from fiction.

Luna

Thank you for having me, Daniel. With Brits drinking 98 million cups of coffee daily, it's crucial to address these popular myths and understand the science behind them.

Daniel

Let's start with a trending topic. There's been a viral TikTok hack about using coffee grounds to remove dark circles under the eyes. What's your professional take on this?

Luna

This is a dangerous myth that needs addressing. While caffeine-based products can help with dark circles through vasoconstriction, applying raw coffee grounds to the delicate under-eye area can cause serious irritation and inflammation. It's crucial to get skincare advice from medical professionals rather than social media trends.

Daniel

You've recently discussed the concept of a 'nappuccino.' Could you explain what this is and whether it actually works?

Luna

The 'nappuccino' is fascinating because it actually has scientific merit. Since caffeine takes 15 to 20 minutes to kick in, taking a quick power nap right after drinking coffee can boost alertness and productivity. This concept has been supported by research at Stanford Sleep Medicine Center.

Daniel

Many people switch to decaf coffee thinking it's completely caffeine-free. Is this accurate?

Luna

That's another common misconception. The decaffeination process removes about 97% of caffeine, but not all of it. While the remaining amount is minimal, it's important for consumers to know that decaf doesn't mean caffeine-free.

Daniel

International Coffee Day is coming up on October 1st. What's the significance of this day?

Luna

International Coffee Day celebrates the diversity and quality of coffee while highlighting important issues like fair trade and sustainable practices. It's a day to appreciate not just the beverage we love, but also the farmers and workers who make it possible for us to enjoy our daily cup of coffee.