Coffee is an enjoyable beverage and has several noteworthy health benefits. According to research conducted on its health effects, most scientific research indicates that caffeine intake – both caffeinated and decaffeinated — has been associated with reduced risks of type 2 diabetes, some cancers and overall mortality; moderate caffeine consumption of up to 400mg daily (or approximately four or five cups) may also lead to improved weight management over time.

Coffee industry controversy has recently been stirred up over a decaffeination method utilizing methylene chloride, which is known to cause dizziness, numbness, liver damage and even death in extreme cases. Health experts are raising doubts as to the safety of decaf coffee consumption; suggesting alternative healthy beverages like tea or maca root powder as safer choices.

But is this advice sound? Being an avid coffee lover who drinks both caffeinated and decaffeinated varieties, I did my own research into finding out the answer and here’s what I found:

Although decaf coffee may cause controversy, most independent scientists agree it still provides many of the same health benefits as its caffeine-containing counterpart. This is likely because much of coffee’s healthiness lies within its antioxidants; they remain intact whether the beans have been decaffeinated or not.

Decaf coffee contains polyphenols – powerful antioxidants that protect against cardiovascular disease and other forms of aging – as well as vitamins B3, C and E, manganese, magnesium potassium iron and fiber; all essential for good heart, brain and digestive health.

Decaf coffee may also make sense when pregnant or breastfeeding, or have health conditions requiring them to reduce caffeine consumption. Decaf also has more of an impactful calming effect than caffeinated varieties when trying to sleep better at night as its caffeine levels are significantly less than other varieties of coffee.

But the primary motivation to continue your morning cup of joe lies in its health benefits; studies have found that those who consume two to three cups per day — instant, ground or decaf — had lower risks of heart disease and early death than those who didn’t drink coffee at all.

To maximize health benefits from coffee consumption, it’s essential that you select high-grade organically grown fair trade beans from trusted sources and brew it using either a drip or French press brewing method. Furthermore, be wary of mold and mycotoxins by purchasing from reliable sellers; for home brewing purposes invest in ceramic pour over filters such as Chemex glass filters to maximize antioxidant levels in your beverage.