Starting off a day without coffee would be nearly impossible for most. From espresso, cappuccino and pour over drinks to specialty blends like the Brazilian Breezer Blend – coffee has long been an integral part of American breakfast life. Yet contrary to popular belief, moderate intakes may actually provide several health benefits, including lower risks of Type 2 diabetes, enhanced brain performance and protection from liver conditions.

National Coffee Association’s data trends report indicates that two-thirds of adults have consumed at least one cup of coffee daily over the past year. Furthermore, specialty drinks like cold brew and nitro have seen an upsurge in popularity during this period.

While coffee is generally considered healthy when enjoyed without adding additional sweeteners and creamers, its health benefits may not outweigh other food sources. One cup of brewed coffee contains only 3.55 calories while adding pastries or sweetened beverages could significantly up your calorie count.

If you enjoy a morning cup of coffee, it is essential that you know its production process and which ingredients are used. To maintain healthful coffee consumption, choose filtered or roaster-ground beans over artificial sweeteners and creamers; additionally add cinnamon or an all-natural sweetener like Stevia for extra flavor enhancement.

Caffeine in coffee can boost energy levels and help lower risks of cardiovascular disease and some forms of cancer, while its roasted beans contain polyphenols – antioxidant and anti-inflammatory plant compounds that support overall wellness.

Studies have demonstrated that moderate coffee consumption can reduce blood sugar levels, which in turn decreases risk for type 2 diabetes. Researchers discovered that those who consumed three to five cups per day experienced 15% reduced cardiovascular disease risks compared with non-coffee drinkers.

Another health advantage of the beverage is that it helps protect against liver conditions, such as cirrhosis and decreasing harmful liver enzyme levels in those living with hepatitis C. Furthermore, drinking this beverage has even been shown to significantly decrease some forms of liver cancer risk by up to 80%!

U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently amended its definition of healthy beverages to ensure only minimal calories are present, with only those exceeding five calories per 12-ounces typically consumed being eligible for labelling as “healthy”. The change comes at a time when major coffee brands are joining together to offer consumers better information on how they can make their favorite drink healthier; new labels will become available on certain products by 2021.