Coffee is one of the world’s most beloved beverages. Made by steeping roasted and ground beans in hot water for several minutes before straining to produce a cup, coffee offers many health benefits that range from reduced risk of Parkinson’s disease, liver disease, Alzheimer’s disease as well as being an excellent source of antioxidants and helping lower risk factors like type 2 diabetes, heart disease and high cholesterol.

Moderation should always be the rule when drinking coffee. Too much can lead to sleep deprivation and jitteriness as well as overstimulation of the central nervous system and increased production of cortisol hormone. Furthermore, too much coffee may increase stress hormone production while leading to digestive issues like acid reflux. Therefore, if you enjoy coffee drinking as part of your lifestyle it is ok for you to indulge yourself once or twice each day as long as it’s done so in moderation.

To get the most from your coffee experience, opt for organic hot-brewed coffee made with hot water. The heating process helps extract more of its antioxidants. Avoid adding flavored sweeteners or heavy cream as these will add unnecessary calories and fat – one teaspoon of sugar equals approximately 10 grams; alternatively use sweeteners such as stevia or honey that have lower caloric intake instead.

Low-fat milk should also be selected when drinking coffee; full-fat versions contain more calories and may increase cholesterol levels. Furthermore, it’s advisable not to heat coffee to an unsafe level as this increases the risk of esophageal cancer.