There’s much conflicting information available regarding coffee’s benefits for health. While some studies show it to be beneficial, others show its harmful impact. The truth of this matter depends on many variables such as preparation methods used and other healthful habits engaged in at the same time.

Studies published in Annals of Internal Medicine suggest that those who consume four or more cups of coffee daily are at lower risk for heart disease and death than those who don’t drink any caffeine in the morning. While the exact cause remains unknown, experts speculate it might have something to do with how caffeine affects our circadian rhythm and other metabolic processes.

Coffee has also been linked to decreased risks of stroke and Parkinson’s disease. This may be attributed to its antioxidant content and its ability to lower inflammation; some researchers speculate that they may even interfere with production of pro-inflammatory proteins responsible for these conditions.

Studies have also demonstrated the protective power of coffee against Type 2 diabetes, with this benefit increasing with each cup consumed. Some research even suggests that those who drink three to five cups per day may be 23% less likely to develop diabetes than those who don’t drink any daily coffee at all!

A cup of joe is an excellent source of potassium, which helps manage blood pressure and is important for heart health. Furthermore, magnesium found in coffee helps prevent high cholesterol and blood sugar levels; and adding milk or cream increases this benefit even more!

But when we opt for sugar and other unhealthy ingredients in our coffee, it can quickly become less healthy. According to Dr. Sean Hashmi of Kaiser Permanente Southern California specializing in weight management and clinical nutrition, adding too much sweetener can be detrimental to health; when drinking our beverage with milk or cream we take in additional saturated fats that contribute to obesity and chronic diseases.

At its core, coffee can be enjoyed safely as long as we keep its sugar and fat intake within healthy limits and opt for unsweetened plant-based milks which have lower saturated fat levels than dairy alternatives if adding milk. That way, we can maximize its healthy benefits without jeopardizing other important healthy habits.