Many people enjoy enjoying a good cup of coffee every morning – according to a recent survey, nearly two-thirds of American adults down at least three cups each day! Yet this morning ritual provides more than just caffeine; it also allows us to add health-promoting ingredients into our diets.

Coffee may be stimulating and have its drawbacks, but when consumed moderately it can provide numerous health benefits to the brain, lungs, liver, and metabolism. Unfortunately however, many people make coffee into an indulgence of caloric intake with its accompanying sugary beverages and fat-laden sauces. While coffee’s benefits may be numerous it’s important to remember that excessive caffeine intake may result in adverse side effects including insomnia, elevated cortisol levels, anxiety attacks and many others.

The key to healthy coffee preparation lies in how it’s prepared: for maximum benefit, select high-altitude beans that have been lightly roasted before being ground finely in a filter with hot but not boiling water, using this method ensures maximum polyphenol extraction while simultaneously eliminating potential mycotoxins or molds that have been linked with digestive issues and even depression.

As with sweetener, it’s wise to opt for nonfat milk rather than full-fat dairy to save calories and reduce blood sugar spikes. When selecting sweetener options such as Splenda Original, Stevia or Monk Fruit instead, choose reduced or no calorie sweeteners instead.

Add grass-fed butter for an added health boost that can help your body better convert caffeine to long-lasting energy. Not only is grass-fed butter packed with omega-3 fatty acids that may improve brain function and lower inflammation; its addition may even make the coffee taste better!

Make an extra step and brew your own kombucha K-cup, packed with probiotics to support digestion and immune system health – this could be an ideal solution if additives in many prepackaged coffee products worry you.

Cut back on fattening creamers and sweeteners while simultaneously cutting back on calories by forgoing whipped cream on top. Whipped cream contains loads of calories and saturated fat; even those advertised as being “non-fat” can contain more than you think! By skipping it altogether you will save yourself an impressive 60 grams per cup!