Coffee has long been a part of American life. Although its consumption can cause some people to experience negative side effects like heart palpitations, insomnia or jitteriness, two to five cups per day has been associated with positive health benefits – including protection from diabetes and cancers.

Coffee contains healthful minerals such as magnesium and potassium that are great for the body. Coffee also contains caffeine – a natural stimulant – which has many healthful benefits including increased energy, reduced appetite and weight loss through suppression of ghrelin production in the body – the hormone that triggers hunger.

An excessive consumption of caffeine may have harmful health implications, including an irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure and increased risk of depression. Experts typically suggest limiting daily caffeine consumption to 400 milligrams or roughly four to five cups; this amount meets government and health group recommendations.

How you consume coffee can have a tremendous effect on its potential health benefits. Adding milk, sugar and other unhealthy additives can nullify any potential advantages derived from drinking coffee; each teaspoon of sugar contains nine (for women) or 15 (for men), contributing to high cholesterol and heart disease.

Hensrud suggests the best way to enjoy coffee is black, without added sugar or cream. Milk and sugar may cause acid reflux for some, preventing our bodies from absorbing essential minerals such as calcium and iron, while women who drink more than two cups daily of coffee increase their risk for miscarriage or difficult pregnancies.

There are various strategies you can employ to keep your coffee consumption healthy, such as choosing artificial sweeteners with no added calories or fat, opting for a smaller serving size like that available at most coffee shops, or selecting artificially sweetened drinks containing no artificial sweeteners and minimal fat content. Furthermore, heart patients should avoid adding flavored creamers, which contain high levels of sodium that increase risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease and other health conditions.

Additionally, it’s wise to limit the amount of sugar and cream you add to your coffee, and don’t drink after 2 PM, as this could interfere with restful night’s rest. Also be wary of other sources of caffeine like tea, colas and energy drinks as these all affect our bodies differently. Keeping an eye on daily caffeine consumption is vital.