Many people may not realize that their coffee’s healthiness depends on more than its caffeine content alone. How it’s prepared with sweeteners and flavors can also have an effect, with just a few simple adjustments making your beverage healthier overall.

Your choice of milk or cream for coffee can significantly impact its nutritional value, as well. Heavy cream is high in saturated fat which raises your risk for heart disease and other health conditions; cream also adds extra calories. Opting for lower fat options such as skim milk or plant-based dairy alternatives helps limit added sugars and saturated fat in your daily intake.

How you prepare and choose your coffee can also affect its healthiness. Opting for organically-grown beans could reduce exposure to chemicals linked to health concerns.

Utilizing a paper filter when brewing coffee can also remove compounds that contribute to elevated cholesterol levels in your blood, and grinding your own beans before brewing allows you to control how much ground beans become polyphenol-rich antioxidant compounds that provide health benefits. Furthermore, opting for hot water over cold water brewing could yield even better health results by extracting additional antioxidants from beans such as polyphenols.

While adding milk can add both flavor and calcium, too much may have the opposite effect. Some flavored coffees, including lattes, contain excessive quantities of milk which could pose problems for those watching their saturated fat intake or with digestive issues.

Studies indicate that for maximum health benefits, the ideal cup of coffee would be plain, filtered and made with light-roast beans – without added sugars or creamers – however if you want your beverage with some sweetness or creaminess consider adding an unsweetened nonfat milk as this will keep your calorie and sugar consumption in check.

Add some healthy spice flavorings like cinnamon, nutmeg or cardamom for an antioxidant boost in your coffee drink. Stevia can also provide healthy sugar-free sweetener options which can support weight management by maintaining stable blood sugar and weight levels.