Many have heard the benefits of coffee for heart disease and stroke prevention, lowering blood pressure and increasing energy levels. When it comes to drinking daily amounts, however, that will depend on which kind of coffee you choose, how it’s prepared and any additional elements such as medical conditions or allergies you have that might require additional considerations such as tolerance to caffeine levels or age or sensitivity issues.

Moderate coffee consumption generally refers to two or three cups per day, as this amount has been linked with various health benefits, including decreased risks for cardiometabolic disease (diabetes and heart disease); liver cancer prevention; and reducing Parkinson’s disease risks. However, excessive caffeine can cause jitters and disrupt sleeping.

At minimum, it is wise to follow the FDA’s daily caffeine recommendation of 400 milligrams; this would equal approximately four 8-ounce cups of regular brewed coffee.

Too much sugar or creamer can ruin a cup of coffee. Too much sugar increases calorie consumption and may contribute to weight gain; too much milk adds extra calories and saturated fat to your diet, so when adding additional dairy or cream products such as skim or almond milk to your beverage.

Limit caffeinated drinks in the afternoon and evening to help promote better sleep quality, which in turn could prevent other health problems from emerging.

To maximize its health benefits and lower calories/fat intake, the best coffee to drink should either be black, or with just a little milk or nondairy creamer added in. In this way, all of its potential health advantages will be unlocked without adding additional calories/fat.

One way to ensure that your coffee remains nutritious is to refrain from adding in items with high-sugar and high-fat content, like caramel, chocolate and cookies. Such add-ins contain many calories that could lead to excess weight and poor eating habits.

Coffee may cause dehydration by encouraging more frequent and often thirst-induced urination, so to stay hydrated it is wise to drink additional fluids throughout the day in addition to coffee. To combat this it may be beneficial to combine your cup with water intake as an aid against dehydration.