Coffee can give a kick start to your day, whether taken black or with milk. But if your heart health is an issue, too much caffeine could actually harm it instead of helping protect against disease and diabetes. A moderate intake may actually offer protection from these health threats.

Studies demonstrating the health benefits of coffee come from several research analyses, which linked moderate consumption with lower rates of early death. It is worth noting that these analyses focused on people who drank coffee compared with those who didn’t, suggesting they likely lead a healthier lifestyle overall, such as engaging in more physical activity and eating healthier diet.

Coffee drinkers were found to be less likely to smoke or be obese; however, that doesn’t necessarily equate to drinking three to five cups a day as the sole source of nutrition; in reality it’s best to limit total caloric intake while prioritizing healthy food options during meals.

One of the more well-known advantages of coffee is its potential protection against type 2 diabetes. Caffeine found in coffee can temporarily lower blood sugar, helping prevent insulin resistance and eventual type 2 diabetes development; however, this effect only seems to occur with some individuals; for those concerned about their blood sugar, two to four cups of unsweetened coffee per day is recommended as a measure.

Experts have also observed that drinking five or more cups a day of caffeinated coffee could increase your risk of primary liver cancer; this link was only observed among people who consumed three to five cups per day; researchers published their research in the British Medical Journal.

Coffee contains antioxidants, but their levels can differ depending on how it’s prepared. A beverage made with whole beans and no additives has an increased likelihood of being rich in antioxidants; instant or powdered coffee have less chance.

An important factor when it comes to how healthy coffee can be is what’s added to it. Coffee shops sell flavored drinks that add sugar, fat and calories. A single pump of sweetener at a coffee shop contains roughly one teaspoon of sugar; therefore it would be wiser to opt for unsweetened options in order to limit caloric intake.

Caffeine not only aids your metabolism but can also give an energy boost and endurance increase. But too much caffeine may lead to jitters or stomach discomfort; therefore it’s essential not to overdo it.

So, is coffee healthy? The answer depends on its preparation and what else is in your diet and drink. Hot-brewed and black varieties of coffee can provide heart benefits as well as antioxidant benefits; but remember to enjoy coffee as part of an overall healthy lifestyle, not replace other healthy activities with it.