Another study, published recently out of Binghamton University, debunked the previously popular myth that coffee dehydrates the body, the New York Daily News reported.

"Despite a lack of scientific evidence, it is common belief that coffee consumption can lead to dehydration and should be avoided, or reduced, in order to remain a healthy fluid balance," the study's lead author, Sophie Killer, said in a press release.

Other studies have refuted this belief before, but this one takes a slightly different approach by comparing four cups of coffee per day to four glasses of water per day. Two groups (25 people each) consisting of self-defined, regular coffee drinkers either consumed four cups of coffee per day for three straight days or consumed four glasses of water per day for three straight days. Both groups were given a controlled diet and were restricted from exercising. There was no difference between either group in terms of fluid balance. When the two groups switched roles a week later, the results held.

"We found that consumption of a moderate intake of coffee, four cups per day, in regular coffee drinking males, caused no significant differences across a wide range of hydration indicators compared to the consumption of equal amounts of water."

Numerous other studies have demonstrated the benefits of coffee before endurance sports, which, of course, are severely impeded by dehydration. Hopefully, this bit of research closes the door on the myth. It is, however, important to keep in mind that exercise/coffee studies advised drinking no more than 12 ounces prior to an athletic event, according to Runner's World. Would the results of this study remain true if an individual drank four cups of coffee in a short period of time, but still never more than four per day?