One of the most frequently asked questions about eating healthily is whether coffee should be included as part of their diet. While the answer is in the affirmative, proper preparation of coffee is key if it is intended to reap all its potential health benefits. Drinking it this way allows your body to absorb antioxidants and phytochemicals for maximum benefit – but be wary if adding added sugar, fat or milk!

Consuming black coffee without added fats or sugars is an excellent way to supplement a nutritious diet. A recent study concluded that coffee drinkers had lower rates of Type 2 diabetes and heart disease compared with non-coffee drinkers; researchers attribute these benefits to coffee’s chlorogenic acid and polyphenols which provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and antihypertensive benefits.

Caffeine can provide another great benefit of drinking coffee: improving mental alertness and endurance. According to the American Heart Association, caffeine may also increase metabolism while decreasing stroke risks by slowing the formation of blood clots within the body.

Researchers found in the same study that linked moderate coffee consumption with improved cardiovascular health that drinking four cups of unsweetened coffee daily reduced body fat by an estimated 4-5%. Their researchers analyzed data collected from participants who completed food frequency questionnaires and tracked their weight over four years while accounting for factors like smoking, alcohol intake and medical conditions.

However, its healthful benefits may be lost when consumed with too much milk and sugar. A large salted caramel mocha may contain up to 500 calories – nearly one quarter of an adult woman’s daily caloric allowance! In addition, roasting and brewing methods have an impact on how healthy a cup of java may be.

A light-roast blend with ample polyphenols may be best for your diet. If darker roasts are your cup of choice, choose fuller-bodied cups which have less caffeine and fewer harmful phenols.

To get the most from your cup of coffee, limit yourself to no more than two or three cups per day – too much coffee may increase the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes; additionally, always have water on hand as caffeine dehydration effects will need to be counterbalanced by water consumption. As you enjoy a cup of coffee either at home or a cafe, keep track of its calories and fat content. Weight Watchers (WW) members should choose zero-point beverages without cream or sugar! One or two teaspoons of sugar or nondairy sweetener can easily tip you over the point cap, so switch to no-calorie sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit for sweetening, as well as choosing low-fat nondairy options like almond or soy milk, which have less calories but are richer in calcium than dairy milk options. Finally, taking a walk after finishing your coffee cup can also help control blood sugar levels and curb overeating.