Coffee has long been used as an aid for helping people wake up and start the day right, thanks to caffeine’s central nervous system stimulant effects. Is plain black coffee healthy? Absolutely if you eschew high-calorie milk and sugar add-ins. According to FDA regulations, adults can consume up to 400 milligrams of caffeine daily – this would equal four 8-ounce cups of brewed coffee each day.

Coffee contains not only caffeine, but also calcium, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, and folate – essential minerals! There are no carbohydrates or cholesterol; however it does contain saturated fat; but there is no fiber either. When enjoyed black without add-ins it has only two calories per serving while adding too much sugar or cream increases this number significantly – Young recommends selecting low-fat add-ins such as nonfat milk and stevia to add flavor!

Black coffee should not serve as a replacement for healthy behaviors such as getting enough physical activity and sleep. Excessive coffee intake has even been linked to insomnia and anxiety for some individuals; caffeine increases heart rate, blood pressure, jitteriness and disrupts regular bowel movements which interfere with acid reflux symptoms.

According to a 2024 study, moderate coffee consumption may reduce your risk of Type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease, as well as improve mood by increasing dopamine levels in your brain – creating feelings of happiness and contentment. Plus, its caffeine content has been found to aid weight loss – helping your metabolism burn off more calories while at rest and diminishing symptoms associated with depression like sadness and hopelessness.

Studies have also demonstrated the health benefits of coffee for protecting against cirrhosis, the late stage of liver scarring caused by chronic hepatitis or alcohol abuse, as well as decreasing harmful liver enzyme levels and slowing its progression. Furthermore, Cancer Prevention Research discovered that those who drink black coffee had a 20 percent lower risk of melanoma skin cancer compared with non-drinkers; likely due to the chlorogenic acid and caffeine present.