The internet loves to stir up fear around hidden dangers in our everyday habits.

It is guaranteed clickbait.

Now, often there are even a few kernels of truth in there, but they've been swaddled in layer

after layer of false logic, incorrect assumptions, and misinterpretation.

And today, I have a sterling example of all of the above,

and it's about coffee. Let's sort fact from fiction, shall we?

Welcome to the Nutrition Diva podcast, a show where we take a closer look at nutrition news, research, and trends, so that you can feel more confident about what you eat.

I'm your host, Monica Rineagle, and today's episode was prompted by an article I recently came across in a major media outlet.

It was one of those listical pieces that the internet finds so irresistible.

It was six drinks you should never have on an empty stomach. And the first one on that list

was coffee. A bunch of experts were quoted for the piece, but many of the statements were either misquoted, misleading,

or just plain inaccurate. So naturally, I leapt right into myth-busting mode, but before I go on,

I need to come clean with you. The first thing I do every morning when I wake up is make a cup of coffee,

which I drink black on an empty stomach. Sometimes I have two. And then I often go to the

gym and don't eat breakfast until mid-morning. So obviously, I do have a dog in this fight.

However, I'm also committed to providing you with the most accurate information I can.

So recognizing that I might be subject to a little confirmation bias, I took a little extra time to fact check myself on this one.

And you'll find some of the scientific references that I consulted

in the show notes. I'm happy to say that those of us that like to start the day with a cup of

coffee can probably continue to do so without any concern. And if someone you love is trying to tell

you that your morning Joe is shredding your stomach,

allow me to offer you some fact-based counterarguments.

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