Drinking one cup of black coffee a day could reduce your risk for heart disease. But it all depends on how it’s prepared: black coffee may be beneficial if prepared without adding sugar, cream or fat and consumed early in the morning, according to registered dietitian nutritionist and author Kanwar Kelley. However, adding too much fat, sugar or milk will offset its positive health impacts.

Studies indicate that drinking moderate quantities of black or unsweetened coffee can lower your risk for numerous health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, improved brain function and protection from liver conditions – not to mention heart disease! Notable benefits of black coffee consumption include decreased risk for type 2 diabetes, improved brain functioning and protection from liver conditions as well as reduced risks.

Black coffee contains almost no calories or fat when made without adding cream or sugar, and if desired, whole or 2% milk should be preferred over full-fat versions of this beverage.

A 2022 study published in Annals of Internal Medicine demonstrated that adults who drank three or more cups of coffee daily — both sweetened and unsweetened varieties included — had lower risk for mortality compared to people who didn’t drink any. While unsweetened coffee proved the strongest correlation, even drinking several flavored or sugar-sweetened cups daily can increase your odds of living longer.

Studies suggest that starting your day right with a cup of brewed black coffee could boost your metabolism and aid weight loss, although this might not apply to espresso-based drinks such as cappuccinos or lattes, which tend to contain more calories and added sugar than their black coffee counterpart.

Researchers have yet to pinpoint exactly why coffee yields its health advantages, though it could be the result of multiple factors. Caffeine may help boost metabolism and energy levels while an abundance of antioxidants found in this beverage (such as potassium, magnesium, vitamin B6 and phytochemicals) provide protection from oxidative stress while encouraging restful sleep.

As for how much black coffee is healthy, experts typically advise limiting daily caffeine intake to 400 milligrams, roughly equivalent to four or five 8-ounce cups. You can make this simpler by brewing coffee at home as well as selecting healthier add-ins when ordering beverages from coffee shops.