No matter their reason for drinking coffee in the morning – be it to wake them up or simply enjoy its pleasant aroma – millions rely on that first cup or more each morning, whether for its stimulating or aromatic qualities or just to enjoy its aromatic smell. According to a new study published by Ageing Research Reviews, women who consumed one to three cups daily were more likely to experience healthy aging despite other lifestyle factors like diet quality, physical activity and smoking status.

Coffee contains many chemicals, such as antioxidants that protect cells against oxidation – an imbalance which can damage and lead to disease. The study’s authors reviewed 85 prior studies conducted worldwide involving thousands of participants, accounting for variables like smoking, diet quality and drinking habits in order to isolate coffee’s specific benefits.

Studies show that those who drank two or more cups of coffee each day were also less likely to die of cardiovascular disease, according to findings of this study. This was especially true among those who consumed coffee earlier in the day as opposed to later when more calories were being consumed; those who consumed their caffeine before noon had nearly 20% lower odds of arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation compared with those who didn’t drink coffee around that same time frame.

However, if you’re new to coffee or have had heart issues in the past, it’s advisable to speak to your physician prior to starting a daily java habit. According to Adedapo Iluyomade MD of Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute’s preventive cardiology practice Adedapo Iluyomade MD advises CNBC Make It that excessive coffee intake may lead to unwanted side effects like anxiety, restlessness, sleep disorders and gastrointestinal discomfort; for optimal health he recommends no more than 400 milligrams per day – equivalent to two 8-ounce cups of brewed brewed coffee per day for adults.

Young suggests that those already enjoying coffee may find additional motivation from this study to continue enjoying it: “If enjoying a morning cup without any adverse side effects is worthwhile, why wouldn’t we?” (just don’t add milk or sugar.) She notes how coffee contains magnesium which can reduce risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease while simultaneously improving mood and alertness levels.