Coffee has long been part of a morning ritual for many, serving to stimulate alertness, energy and mental focus for an energetic start to their day. Coffee provides many health benefits – including antioxidants linked to heart disease prevention. But is coffee really healthy food?

Although coffee can provide health benefits, this depends on how it’s enjoyed. Drinking black coffee without cream and sugar may offer calcium, magnesium, niacin, potassium and folate benefits; adding milk, sugar or sweeteners increases calories significantly and undoes any of its beneficial properties.

Studies have demonstrated that coffee is an excellent source of soluble fiber, which has been found to lower cholesterol and risk of high blood pressure. Furthermore, coffee contains potassium which helps maintain normal blood pressure and muscle function as well as being an anti-inflammatory plant compound that boosts the immune system and protects against heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Although coffee has received negative press in the past, experts agree that moderated consumption isn’t harmful. A 2022 study published in Annals of Internal Medicine demonstrated this with those drinking up to 3.5 cups of unsweetened coffee per day having up to 30% lower risk of death compared to non-coffee drinkers.

Coffee is an excellent source of antioxidants, and may reduce the risk of Parkinson’s Disease by helping regulate insulin and prevent DNA damage. Furthermore, studies have also indicated it may lower risk for certain cancers like colorectal and liver, as well as dementia among older adults.

Coffee may provide antioxidants, but it should not replace other healthy food and beverages in your diet. A balanced diet includes plenty of vegetables and fruit, whole grains, low-fat and fat-free dairy, lean proteins and healthy fats – not forgetting sodium limits that could contribute to high blood pressure or obesity.

Whenever making decisions that affect your health, be sure to consult a medical provider. They can give specific recommendations and determine an acceptable coffee consumption level. However, even if coffee isn’t your cup of tea – green tea and berries contain many of the same health benefits! To Stay Connected Sign Up For Our E-Newsletters Now