As long as it’s consumed responsibly, coffee can actually help keep you healthier. Studies have linked it with lower risks of certain conditions including Type 2 diabetes and heart disease; liver cancer in women; colon cancer in men; as well as antioxidants which reduce inflammation and boost brain health. For people experiencing digestive difficulties like acid reflux it may even help relieve symptoms.

No two cups of coffee are the same; how you prepare your cup can have an enormous effect on its health benefits. To maximize these health advantages, use high-altitude beans that are light to medium roast, grinded finely so they are easily absorbed by water, filter to remove grounds, brew with hot but not boiling water and serve black to limit added sugar and calories.

If you absolutely must indulge, opt for cold-brew coffee as it contains more antioxidants than regular brew. While you can still add milk for flavoring purposes, do so without sugary syrups that add additional calories and saturated fats to your morning beverage. Adding turmeric may provide additional anti-inflammatory benefits;

When selecting coffee to drink, look for organically grown beans grown without pesticide spraying and avoid those sprayed with harmful pesticides. According to Kao, beans are one of the world’s most heavily sprayed crops – many chemicals may wash off during processing or roasting but some still remain. Check your bag of beans or menu options in coffee shops to ensure they only use non-toxic pesticides when growing them.

To boost the nutritional benefits of your morning cup of joe, why not add some flax seed powder or chia seeds for an extra nutritional boost? Almond or soy milk offer calcium, magnesium and potassium – but be mindful if trying to lose weight; they could pack on extra calories!

Rothschild states that coffee may help enhance both mental and physical performance; however, it shouldn’t replace other healthy behaviors such as exercising regularly, getting adequate restful sleep, and following a balanced diet. Also be wary that any kind of caffeine consumption may lead to side effects in some individuals so be wary about exceeding the recommended daily amount.