Many of us view coffee as an invigorating elixir that rejuvenates mind, body and soul – research has demonstrated this is indeed possible when prepared correctly. To get maximum health benefits out of coffee consumption, experts agree on its optimal preparation: using high-quality beans that have been light roasted, finely ground and filtered using hot but not boiling water before being served black – also free from added sugar, dairy or artificial sweeteners such as honey or stevia that won’t alter blood sugar levels!

When purchasing your coffee, look for organically grown beans. This designation indicates they were produced without chemical herbicides and pesticides that may leach into soil and water supplies. Also consider freshly roasted and ground coffee just before brewing to minimize oxidization while maximizing extraction of health-promoting compounds. Finally, for even less acidity consider brewing your beverage using a French press instead of drip or automatic coffee makers.

For optimal coffee health, choose beans rich in polyphenols – compounds linked with reduced risk of diabetes, heart disease and some cancers – while lighter roasts will more likely preserve these vital compounds. Also ensure the coffee you purchase meets organic and fair-trade certification standards to ensure farmers are compensated fairly for their work.

Though most studies on coffee’s health benefits have focused on caffeine consumption, coffee does have other notable health advantages as well – including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. To reap those advantages, drink four to five 8-ounce cups per day!

The healthiest coffee is made with freshly-ground, premium beans that are not too acidic, prepared with a fine grind, filtered using hot but not boiling water, and served black. If you want an additional kick of flavor add cinnamon or cocoa powder for more taste.

Consume your coffee early or prior to breakfast for maximum benefits; taking it later could cause energy slumps and compromise digestion.

When it comes to sweetening your coffee, opt for low-cal, no-cal sweeteners such as Splenda Original or stevia for maximum taste and minimal calories. A teaspoon of sugar has 15 calories and 5 grams of carbohydrates while servings from coffee shops may contain 300 or more.