Coffee is an integral part of life for many. Thankfully, research indicates it’s safe for most people to enjoy in moderation – possibly leading to some health benefits including lower risk for liver cirrhosis (cirrhotic liver disease), reduced cancer risks, lowered depression levels and decreased heart attacks and strokes.

Caffeine impacts everyone differently; some may be more sensitive than others. However, studies suggest that four or five cups of coffee (around 400mg of caffeine) a day is not harmful for most healthy adults.

Coffee’s caffeine acts as a diuretic, prompting more frequent urination from your body and contributing to dehydration, so drinking enough water is vitally important as well. Furthermore, coffee may increase stomach and intestinal acidity levels so if these issues exist in your life then coffee should probably be avoided altogether.

If you decide to consume coffee, be sure that it’s made from premium beans. In addition, avoid any unnecessary additions like sugar or creamer as these could add unnecessary calories and lead to weight gain, thus negating any possible health benefits of drinking it.

Opting for organic or fair trade coffee when selecting beverages will ensure that it is free from pesticides and chemicals, and helps ensure a better cup of joe experience. Be wary when adding dairy as additional milk may lead to excess calories resulting in obesity as a risk factor for heart disease.

Another solution could be functional coffee. This type of beverage contains ingredients intended to boost health and energy, such as collagen or probiotics.

There are even coffees infused with medicinal mushrooms like Cordyceps and Chaga that may improve mental clarity, mood and immune function.

Be mindful that if you have an existing medical condition, speaking to your physician before significantly increasing your coffee consumption can be helpful. Some medications – including antidepressants and blood thinners – interact with caffeine consumption so it’s wise to check before making changes to your routine.

For maximum enjoyment from your cup of joe, opt for dark roast. This will reduce oxidation that could reduce bean quality and have adverse health impacts.

To stay healthy while enjoying coffee, be sure to select organic, fair-trade certified beans, forgoing added sugar and cream altogether. If sweeteners are necessary, opt for natural stevia powder in small doses instead of added sugar; grass-fed butter can also help cut calories further while grass-fed creamer is even better! To enjoy maximum flavor while limiting caloric intake. For optimal results, drink black or with just a splash of milk – this will provide the optimal experience while cutting back on calories!