Millions of people enjoy enjoying a morning cup of coffee as part of their morning routine, providing energy throughout their day and energizing them to tackle whatever the day may bring. Yet many don’t realize that this beloved beverage contains powerful nutrients capable of improving overall health – an untapped superfood!

Studies had long suggested that coffee may be harmful because it contains acrylamide, an ingredient linked to cancer. But recent research suggests otherwise; now the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) considers one serving of regular, caffeinated coffee non-carcinogenic. This may be partly attributed to previous research failing to account for high risk behaviors associated with coffee drinkers like smoking and physical inactivity that later studies neglected to account for.

Coffee’s main benefits, like reduced risk of liver disease and Parkinson’s disease, come from its polyphenols rather than caffeine directly. And experts have also discovered that drinking four to five 8-ounce cups daily of it can boost brain function, reduce inflammation, and offer protection from an array of diseases.

Furthermore, your genetic makeup plays a huge part in how coffee affects you: “People either slow metabolizers or fast metabolizers of caffeine,” according to Rogers. Slow metabolizers tend to experience insomnia-inducing jitters from coffee while fast metabolizers generally tolerate it more well. Furthermore, preparation makes an impactful difference: for the best brews using premium beans with hot water only and no milk or sugar added – since such ingredients could compromise its benefits.

Even if you can’t enjoy your cup without adding something, there are healthy alternatives that won’t add too many extra calories – try mixing in stevia or honey to sweeten without increasing calories, and steer clear from syrups from Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts which tend to contain tons of added sugar – try creating homemade flavor-rich syrups at home like cashew coffee recipe here instead!

Decaf coffee offers similar antioxidant levels as regular coffee, yet can still provide many health benefits. But for the healthiest possible experience, roast your own beans using a filter and serve it black – that way you know you are doing everything possible to ensure its nutritional benefit for yourself. Remember too that most studies conducted have focused on populations rather than individuals so take your time when determining if a certain coffee will impact blood pressure – you’re probably in better position than ever to decide for yourself whether or not this choice is the right decision for you or not!